Counter style dining has always been common in Japan as many Japanese tend to dine out alone, also because many small eateries tend to be narrow in size thus, the regular square, rectangular tables do not fit in. Why do many restaurants tend to be longish and narrow? In the past, the amount of tax a shop owner pays depends on how wide the store front is and because of that many ingenious ideas were formed causing today's iconic streets and alleys.
My husband brought me to this place specialize in fish and all other fresh seafood by simply slow grilling them.
All counter seats surrounding the bright red orangey flames and I must say that flame there is really hot that you can feel the heat waves even sitting by the counter. The end result beautifully, soft, fluffy cooked fish which you can never complain even if it takes alittle longer.
It is located at one of those lanes branch out from Nakano Broadway. Do take note that they do not have any English speaking staffs or English menu so do bring along a Japanese friend or someone who can converse in Japanese to communicate on their daily special and catch of the day.
カウンターだけのレストランは日本人にとっては普通なんですが、海外の人から見るとちょっと面白い事ですね。なぜか日本の店は狭行くて長くてカウンター席が多いですか？この前テレビが放送された番組を見て、理由は昔は税金がいくら支払いか、店前の広さから決められた。
この中野にある店は魚系が得意で、火の周りは全てカウンター席で、凄くいい雰囲気です。カウンター席で火の熱さが感じられるので火でゆっくり焼いて、結果は魚の肉が柔らかくてふわふわな食感(^-^) 大満足です！完食でした。ちょっと時間をかかったでも、かまりません。
Another interesting dining concept which we must try is, "Ikinari Steak". Here, the price is determined by the weight and the cut you choose and of course you can tell them how you want it done. They even have a mileage card where you can clock in how much beef you have eaten with them and gain gold status just like any being a member to any airlines. Another interesting part about it is they have no seats, all standing counter. It comes in an apron or a bib for big babies like us!
もう１つ人気があるカウンターの店はイキナリステキって言う牛肉の店です。お値段は自分が決めたステッキのカットと重さからですね。飛行機を乗る時と同じようなマイレージカードもあります。赤ちゃんのようなスタイももらえるよ。座る席じゃないので、いっぱい買い物したら足が痛の時、ここがお勧めできないね。でも、肉を凄く食べたい時、ここにします。