Located in the quiet residential area of Nishiazabu, the Chinese restaurant "Ji-Cube" is a renowned establishment, recognized as a 2026 Silver on Tabelog and selected as one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in Tokyo. The exterior resembles a private house, featuring separate entrances for the counter and private rooms.The restaurant has 8 counter seats, one private room for 8, and two private rooms for 4. On this occasion, we utilized the private room for 8.While sitting at the counter allows for interaction with the owner and a view of the kitchen, spending time in a private room is also a wonderful experience. The private room is elegantly designed, and the round table adds a nice touch of authenticity to the Chinese dining experience.I initially had a preconceived notion that dining in Nishiazabu would be quite expensive, but the lunch course was priced at JPY 6,600, offering excellent value for money. There were also shorter courses and a specialty course exclusive to private rooms.The wine selection is extensive, with many bottles to choose from.◯ Tuna marinated in Doubanjiang and Shaoxing wine The course begins with this dish. The rich flavor of the tuna is beautifully complemented by the aroma of Shaoxing wine and the pleasant spiciness of Doubanjiang. The marination enhances the umami experience.◯ Dandan Chicken This classic dish features homemade sesame paste, black vinegar, and chili oil. The addition of sesame paste enriches the spiciness of the chili oil, creating a delicious balance with the acidity of the black vinegar. Although it’s typically served cold, the temperature was just right, reminiscent of being slightly warm.◯ Steamed Clam Chawanmushi with Scallion and Sichuan Pepper Sauce The clam chawanmushi, served in a white dish, is visually striking with the scallion and Sichuan pepper sauce, enhanced by the clear broth of the clams. The addition of butterbur buds adds a nice accent. The smooth texture of the chawanmushi, concentrated with clam flavor, pairs wonderfully with the refreshing scallion and Sichuan pepper sauce. The pleasant sweetness and saltiness of the clam meat were perfectly balanced.◯ Peking Duck The chewy texture of the thin pancakes, combined with the sweetness of the sweet bean sauce, allows you to truly appreciate the deliciousness of the Peking Duck.◯ Wagyu Beef with Oyster Sauce This dish features Miyagi Prefecture Wagyu beef, lightly boiled and coated in oyster sauce. It’s best enjoyed with a runny egg mixed in. The Wagyu is tender and moist, perfectly complementing the umami of the oyster sauce. The mild richness of the runny egg enhances the overall flavor.◯ Shrimp in Chili Sauce The large shrimp provide a satisfying, firm texture. The chili sauce has a nice balance of spiciness, acidity, and richness, and it’s delightful to dip the leftover sauce into the steamed buns. This dish was satisfying down to the last drop.◯ Egg Fried Rice The finale of the meal offers both rice and noodle options, which is fantastic. Although it’s listed as egg fried rice on the menu, it’s lavishly topped with plenty of mullet roe and fried shirasu, creating a luxurious presentation. The fried rice is perfectly fluffy, and the saltiness from the shirasu and mullet roe was delicious, leading to a quick finish.◯ Kato Pork Chashu Noodle This dish features chashu made from Kato pork from Gunma Prefecture. The broth, infused with seafood and chicken flavors, is light and refreshing, and the thin noodles slide down easily, making it a perfect end to the course. The chashu is sliced thinly for easy eating, ensuring it doesn’t feel too heavy.◯ Jasmine Tea Dessert The dessert is a jasmine tea crème brûlée. The caramelized surface adds a delightful aroma, while the smooth cream inside showcases the unique deliciousness of crème brûlée. As you take a bite, the refreshing scent of jasmine tea wafts through your nose, creating a pleasant sensation.With a wide variety of dishes in the course, the satisfaction level at the end is high. The cost performance is excellent, and if it were nearby, I would definitely be a regular customer.This is a place I want to visit again when I’m in Tokyo.