Dinner at Den (傳)

Dinner at Den (傳)

at Den (傳) on 13 June 2026
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I was invited by a friend to a restaurant I had been curious about for a long time!! Thank you all for your recommendations.Although I arrived just in time, I experienced a strange phenomenon where I could see the restaurant from the overpass but couldn’t find a way down. After wandering around, I discovered a staircase right next to me. What a surprise!! Haha.Despite that rocky start, the restaurant's exterior was impressive. My excitement was palpable the moment I arrived.Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was the strong sense of teamwork. The personality of the head chef was evident, but it was the positive atmosphere among the staff that truly stood out. Even while discussing their travels abroad, they seemed genuinely happy and proud, which made me feel delighted just listening to them. I may work in a completely different field, but I would love to work in a place like this!!I started with orange wine, followed by craft beer, summer Japanese sake, and red wine. The red wine was particularly memorable. It was delicious right after opening, but after letting it breathe for a bit, its character changed. This kind of experience adds to the entertainment!!Now, onto the food.I was completely captivated from the very first dish, the foie gras monaka. It wasn’t just the richness of the foie gras; the tartness of the raspberry and the texture of the pickled vegetables kept it interesting until the end....Simply delightful.The yuba chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) was a must-try for chawanmushi lovers....Simply delightful.The signature Den Taki was a treat, with the texture of edamame and the aroma of young ginger....Simply delightful.The zuke (marinated fish) was served with not just wasabi but also a seaweed tsukudani (preserved seaweed)....Simply delightful.The summer vegetables with grouper were impressive, not only because of the high-quality fish but also due to the wonderful harmony with the vegetables....Simply delightful.And of course, the Den salad. The vegetables, prepared through various cooking methods like frying and grilling, harmonized beautifully on one plate....Simply delightful.The soup was excellent as well. The sweetness of the new onions stood out, with duck underneath, cooked to perfection....Simply delightful.The sakura shrimp clay pot rice was honestly at a level where sakura shrimp could take center stage. The miso soup and pickles were perfect too.Of course, I had seconds....Simply delightful.The dessert was delicious, but by that point, I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I couldn’t find the words....Simply delightful.We talked about travel, hobbies, and experiences abroad. It was not just about the food; I enjoyed every moment spent there.And finally, the star of the show, the adorable dog appeared. Too cute....So unfair.Food, drinks, people, and atmosphere.Everything combined to create one complete entertainment experience.I definitely want to come back.Food: Unique dishes that blend creativity and skill.Drinks: Enjoyable wines and sake.Atmosphere: The team spirit is fantastic.Staff: Everyone is star-worthy.Cost: More than reasonable considering the quality.[Restaurant Information]Name: DenAddress: 2-3-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 1F Architect Association Building JIAType: Innovative JapaneseFeatures: A style that flexibly incorporates culinary cultures and techniques from around the world while being based on Japanese cuisine. Signature dishes like "Den Taki" and "Den Salad" have garnered high praise from food enthusiasts both domestically and internationally for their playful spirit and technical skill.Background: Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa trained at the renowned Kyoto restaurant "Kikunoi" before gaining experience at various Japanese restaurants in Tokyo and eventually opening Den in 2011.Since its opening, Den has been highly regarded in global chef networks like "Chefs’ Choice" and "The World’s 50 Best Restaurants," becoming a prominent figure in promoting Japanese gastronomy worldwide.Currently, Den is actively involved in international events and collaborations, known as one of Tokyo's representative innovative restaurants.Seating: Counter and table seating available.Payment: Cash and various credit cards accepted.

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