中目のやっこさん
Located near the intersection of Nishi-Azabu, "Wadaya Bettei" is a Japanese restaurant that I often visit due to its convenient location and good cost performance in this area. In addition to the Nishi-Azabu branch, Wadaya has two stores in Osaka called O-Na-Ya Wadaya, and one store in Tsukuba. The restaurant is just a 2-minute walk from the Nishi-Azabu intersection, tucked away on a side street off Nishi-dori. The entrance is on the first floor of a building on the left-hand side as you enter the alley from Gaien-Nishi Street. The interior is designed to evoke a blend of Zen and Japanese modern aesthetics, creating an adult hideaway with a slightly dark ambiance that exudes a quiet and serene atmosphere, complemented by seasonal decorations. The first floor has only a counter, while the second floor offers tables and booth seating. The menu focuses on Japanese cuisine, offering a variety of dishes ranging from appetizers to main courses, including meat, fish, and rice dishes, as well as shabu-shabu using red and white wine-infused meat, and finishing with porridge, udon, and pasta. To celebrate the restaurant's seventh anniversary, I made a reservation for a special course meal. The dishes included in the "7th Anniversary Special Course" were as follows:
- OZATSUKI: Salmon roe, Kyoto-style pickles, and grilled salmon in a parent-and-child manju bun
- KUCHIDORI: Duck and mushroom ginger marinade, shirako and taro dumplings with yuzu sauce, arugula and boiled peanuts salad, steamed abalone and liver with sesame vinegar, grilled beef tongue in miso sauce
- WANMONO: Matsutake mushroom and beltfish chawanmushi
- OSHINOGI: Steamed lobster, lobster broth and red miso sauce
- SHABU-SHABU: Wagyu beef and select pork
- KASHI: Truffle-scented Marquise chocolate, caramelized apple puree and fig compote
- Additional dishes: Ankake red egg from Ganko Village, additional meat for shabu-shabu, and all-you-can-drink option with additional wines
This was my first time trying a course meal, and I was impressed by the sophisticated and cost-effective omakase course that exuded a refined Japanese ambiance. Each dish, from the salmon roe and salmon manju to the shabu-shabu and dessert, showcased a unique and delicious flavor profile, inviting me to savor every bite. The chawanmushi with matsutake mushrooms and beltfish was a highlight, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The steamed lobster with red miso sauce was another standout dish, with a rich umami taste and succulent lobster meat. The shabu-shabu featuring wagyu beef and pork was cooked to perfection, and the ponzu sauce added a refreshing tang to the tender meat. The meal concluded with a satisfying porridge and udon, followed by a decadent truffle chocolate dessert. The spacious table seating was perfect for our group of eight, allowing us to enjoy the course menu and engage in lively conversation. The service was efficient, and the wine selection complemented the dishes well. I highly recommend trying the 7th Anniversary Special Course before it ends in late October.