Dinner at Kitajima Tei (北島亭)

Dinner at Kitajima Tei (北島亭)

at Kitajima Tei (北島亭) on 1 May 2026
Photo Views
0
Meal Views
47

I learned that Kitajima Tei can be enjoyed alone, and I wanted to visit while the chef is still around. The location is about a 5-minute walk from Yotsuya Station. In my memory, the restaurant was in a corner of a shopping street, but it seems that was a memory from decades ago, as the area has changed significantly. Despite the changes, the yellow awning with the restaurant's name still stands out as a good landmark. Upon entering, you immediately find the dining area. While the restaurant is well-maintained, it has a more casual feel compared to newer establishments. The course is a prix fixe, allowing you to choose either three or four dishes from the menu. However, I was advised that if I didn't include a cold appetizer, the wait would be long, so it's safer to add one. Initially, I planned for three dishes, but as expected, I was prompted to add a cold appetizer, bringing my total to four. I opted for wine pairing since I had the budget, but since this isn't a wine-centric restaurant, sticking to a cheaper glass might also be a good choice. After all, I made the effort to come here, so tap water or Perrier would suffice.The course consists of four dishes plus dessert, but it actually includes two amuse-bouches, making it quite a lengthy experience. The Tarte Flambée and Soupe de Poisson were both classic dishes, and of course, they were delicious. The cold appetizer was a sea urchin consomme jelly. While this dish is now quite popular, the cauliflower was well-seasoned and tasty. The hot appetizer featured impressive asparagus, perfectly complemented by butter! The firefly squid and clams also showcased the quality of the ingredients beautifully. The fish dish was sweet sea bream with crispy skin, served with a classic bouillabaisse sauce that was perfectly seasoned and delicious. The meat course was beef steak, which is a safe choice. It was cooked quite thoroughly, so if you prefer it rare, it might be wise to confirm that when ordering. I was surprised to see watermelon as an amuse-bouche, but it seems to be a staple here. It was quite sweet and unexpected. For dessert, I chose the strawberry tart from a selection of about four options. While it was delicious, given the portion sizes here, opting for a sorbet might be a lighter choice. The petit fours were also plentiful, but they mentioned it was fine to take some home.If you're looking for delicious French cuisine and wine, I believe this restaurant offers exceptional consistency.

8 / 10