Robata no Ro, Kagurazaka ろばたの炉、神楽坂

Three visits to Robata no Ro have, as of yet, failed to disappoint. Located a little short of midway up the slope of Kagurazaka Dori, but five minutes walk from Iidabashi Station, this izakaya is actually the second Ro to be established in the neighbourhood (I have yet to sample the first). According to an elderly gentlemen, a long time patron of the original Ro, I had the pleasure to meet during my first visit, although the first of the two izakaya had always provided an excellent dining experience, atmosphere and service, its location among the warren of backstreets off the main Kagurazaka Dori had placed it at a disadvantage and as such it remained relatively unknown. The proprietor, realizing this, opened this second izakaya in a readily accessible location and has since enjoyed a booming trade. Certainly each time I have dined there empty seats have been scarce.

Both shop front and interior are a well considered fusion of neo-traditional Japanese style and contemporary design. A long, gleaming counter of polished wood dominates the main dining area, alongside which runs an open kitchen from where chefs serve food, to those seated along the counter, upon long flat-bladed paddles. Low lighting provides that favourite izakaya ambience and cozy intimacy that is the mark of a truly enjoyable establishment. Ro’s master, a robust jovial fellow, plainly takes a great deal of pride in his work and offers a warm and courteous welcome to all who enter as well as attending to their needs and comfort throughout the evening.

Attention has been given to the little details, whether the scroll-like menu, charcoal chopstick rests or cascading flow of nihonshu poured into tiers of o-choko – sake cups – carefully arranged in a bed of ice. The menu itself offers a wide range of favourites and izakaya staples, some having Ro’s own unique take on them such as the mouth wateringly succulent buta-kakuni served on a skewer rather than the in the usual greasy stew. The sashimi moriawase is well sized and perfectly fresh, while the grilled renkon stuffed with minced meat provides a more savoury flavour.  Although I have yet to try it myself, variations on the much-loved British jacket potato also appear to be popular, as are the crisp salads. A good selection of sakes is offered, Dassai being a particular favourite of mine.

Although not cheap, Ro compares favourably in terms of price and quality with others of the vast array of quality izakaya in the vicinity. A good meal accompanied by several drinks comes in at around 6,000 – 7,000 yen per head. My one complaint in terms of pricing would be that the sake is perhaps more expensive than should be. Service is prompt, polite and well delivered. Another let-down to this wonderful izakaya is the koshitsu – private room (although it actually accommodates two sets of diners) – off to the left of the main dinning area, which lacking the same style and atmosphere as the rest of the izakaya appears more an after thought. Furthermore, another, and all too frequent with izakaya in Tokyo 

generally, gripe is that if one should pre-book a table of a weekend you will find a two-hour time limit imposed upon your visit. This, as I have often proclaimed, is not only shear folly, but also ruins an otherwise delightful izakaya. Otherwise, Ro is highly recommendable. Try it tonight!

Tel: 03-5206-5959