Honoji

Frommer's Review

A plain wooden facade and a stark interior of concrete walls with wire-mesh screens set the mood for good, home-style Japanese cooking. Although it looks small at first glance (an open kitchen takes up half the space), quiet back-room nooks give diners a sense of privacy as they enjoy grilled fish, sashimi, yakitori, grilled eggplant with miso, deep-fried tofu, stir-fried dishes like cabbage with oyster sauce, and seasoned pork with potatoes. Honoji serves the kinds of food offered by neighborhood nomiya (drinking establishments) all over Japan, which isn't exactly the kind of fare you'd expect to find in trendy Roppongi (you might want to steer clear of the grilled cow diaphragm with salt listed on the English-language menu). Still, the crowds that wait at the door, especially on weekend nights, attest to its success. Note that there's a dinner table charge of ¥450 ($4.30), though I was told it will be waived if foreigners don't like the snack that comes with it. The lunch teishoku, available for ¥945 ($9) and the only item offered for lunch, draws Japanese from all walks of life.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top