Traditional Japanese Cuisine in the restaurant famous among the connoisseurs of Tokyo cuisine!

Makino is a delicious Japanese restaurant in Kita Shinagawa.
Makino never fails to captivate whomever I recommend this restaurant to. I really REALLY recommend this restaurant!

It is located at Shimbamba station, two stops away from Shinagawa station on the Kekyu Line. From Shimbamba, it is a three-minute walk.

You will find the restaurant in a traditional and warm everyday-shopping area.

Reservation is almost always necessary.

As you can see, it is a popular place for salary men!

My friend and I occupy the two only seats by the counter.

The menu is newly hand written every single day. Makino puts its heart and soul in their food, but also in their hospitality. It’s the reason why so many customers keep coming back!

To begin, we order beer. I remember the quality of the amuse-bouche really struck me the first time I was here!

First, we order Gyu-suji Curry, curry with beef tendon.

The gyu-suji is so soft. It’s a very popular menu!

And next, oysters! My favorite!

Three for ¥750.

As we were a group of two, the generous staff asked if she could serve us four.

I’m always amazed by the size of the oyster! It’s really big considering the price. The fresh smell of the sea is so pleasant ☺

And here comes the potato salad.

Its characteristic is the smooth texture. They also offer the salad in half portion. Next, the hot hot Tsukune meatballs!

Together with the signature sauce, the soft tsukune is absolutely delicious! Each piece is quite filling.

Pretty much everything is really tasty here. So don’t be afraid to take a chance and try something out of your repertoire. The restaurant takes pride in serving high quality dishes.

There is one dish in particular that I can’t leave without ordering. It is the “Ikeanago no Odoriyaki”, or grilled eel. I get it every single time, and suggest you do the same!

This might be their single most popular menu.

The staff brings over the charcoal brazier.

And here is the eel!

The fish is so fresh that it is still moving. The red part near the head is the heart. The heart is so tasty. I often see customers fighting over it!

Be careful not to over-grill it!

Flip it over when it’s slightly burned.

When it seems ready, sprinkle some lemon juice and season it with wasabi.

It is truly the best anago eel I’ve ever had. The tender but chewy texture is exquisite. It goes very well with Japanese sake. No fancy additional seasoning is necessary.

I don’t think I can eat anymore.
Each dish is fairly big, so I recommend you come in a group of at least three people.
The food is always amazing here, and you definitely get a bigger value than what you’re paying for.

Though I didn’t have any room left in my stomach this day, I want to introduce you to another excellent dish that I ordered at another visit. It is the “Makanai-don”.

It consists of small pieces of different sashimi, seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce and topped with egg yoke.

Mix it all up and eat it together with the rice! Soooo delicious!!

Remember to order Aosa-miso (miso with sea lettuce) with it. Enjoy the sea flavor!

Makino is truly an exceptional restaurant.
As it is famous among the connoisseurs of Tokyo cuisine, you will most likely need a reservation, but it is definitely worth fitting a visit here on your schedule.

I promise, you won’t leave unsatisfied.