Munakata, Ginza むなかた、銀座

Munakata, a small, popular Japanese restaurant, is located in the basement level of the Hotel Komuzu, near Shimbashi station. Seemingly very popular with foreign tourists, not doubt guest at the hotel itself, and Japanese, Munakata serves 'traditional' Japanese food at, during lunch time at least, very reasonable prices. 

Interior decoration is 'classic' Japan. Wood, bamboo and tatami mats. Brightly lit, simple. A choice of tables, counter seats or zashiki (Japanese-style room devoid of chairs) is available. We opted for the zashiki which, apart from the ill-suited western music piped in just ever so slightly too loudly, is comfortable and spacious containing four low tables each capable of accommodating 4-5 diners. 

The always excellent Yebisu beer is available on tap. The lunch menu comprises a selection of teishoku, set course, meals of various size and composition. These meals are served on large faux-lacquer trays and a selection of bowls, plates and layered 'boxes'. The 'Japaneseness' of the tableware, along with the polite service by kimono-clad waitresses, may well go some way to explaining the restaurant's popularity with foreign tourists. 

The particular lunch set we ordered commenced with a simple salad topped with fried wan-tan noodles and citrus dressing. This was followed in timely fashion by the main courses, all neatly arranged on the above mentioned tray. An excellent variety of dishes added to the interest of the meal. A half-kabutoni of tai (fish head of sea bream) in the usual sake, soya and sugar sauce; tempura of fish, shrimp and vegetables; tuna sashimi with tororo (a sticky white substance made from a variety of potato that, sadly, brings resembles cuckoo spit); boiled spinach with sesame, kiriboshi daikon (dried daikon with fried tofu); and yet another smaller tuna sashimi dish, this time topped with a plum sauce. All this supplemented by boiled rice, miso soup and pickled hakusai (Chinese cabbage).

Although not worthy of Michelin stars, each dish was tasty, well presented, and as a whole the lunch was of a good size. Furthermore, costing just 1,800 yen it was excellent value. 

Munakata will, however, cease trading on January 15th. It is to be replaced by an udon noodle restaurant, apparently. 

Tel: 03-3574-9356.