わらびーず
Located just outside the No. 6 exit of Roppongi Station on the Hibiya Line, this Chinese restaurant is situated on the basement floor, just past the Haiyuza Theater. The restaurant opened in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020, and has quickly gained popularity among foodies, with many repeat customers. The owner, Mr. Hayashi, hails from a family that ran a popular Chinese restaurant in Shimane Prefecture, and he has brought that expertise to Roppongi in Tokyo. The restaurant offers courses starting from ¥10,000, as well as a la carte options, making it a versatile choice. The hybrid nature of the restaurant, blending sophistication with the ambiance of Roppongi, is a key factor in its popularity. On this particular day, I visited with two colleagues and made a reservation online two weeks prior. The interior of the restaurant is dimly lit, with a mature and moody atmosphere. There are counter seats near the entrance, as well as table seats and private rooms towards the back. The a la carte menu offers over 70 dishes, including appetizers, seafood, meat dishes, dim sum, hot pot, rice dishes, and desserts. The menu features both classic Chinese dishes and unique specialties, and the drink selection is extensive, ranging from beer (including the exclusive Rococo Beer) to wine, whiskey, aged sake, Shaoxing wine, Chinese tea, and soft drinks. We ordered several dishes, including Preserved Vegetable, Assorted Appetizers, Daikon Mochi, Sweet and Sour Pork, Peking Duck, Stir-Fried Squid with Perilla Leaves, Soup with Pleurotus eryngii and Jinhua Ham, Spring Rolls with Beef and Porcini Mushrooms, and Taiwanese-Style Noodles with Thinly Sliced Pork. Each dish was flavorful and expertly prepared, with a delicate touch that showcases both Japanese and Chinese influences. The Peking Duck, in particular, stood out for its juicy meat, crispy skin, and rich sauce. The spring rolls were a highlight, with a crunchy exterior and a generous filling of meat and fragrant porcini mushrooms. The restaurant offers individual portions for each dish, allowing for a diverse dining experience. With the last order at midnight, it is a convenient option for a leisurely meal or late-night dining. While the prices reflect the upscale Roppongi neighborhood, the quality of the food and the accessibility of the location make it worth the cost. Reservations are currently easy to secure online, making this restaurant highly recommended. I look forward to returning to try more dishes from their diverse menu.