IKEBUKURO: Kura Sushi counter seating but unfortunately all toilets line this area. (iPhone 12 mini)

 

FYI Kura Sushi Ikebukuro counter seating is a hit or miss... The mens, womens and family toilets are just behind you!  Soooo lucky to get counter seating #56 away from the poops and pees.

I usually select 2 people and table seating but this night the time frame on my ticket was exceeded and wasnt sure how much longer I would have to take.  So took a risk and selected counter seating and got a spot immediately.

My fav! Squid Tempura! Made to order and super crispy hot.

Seasoned tuna with slightly boiled egg.

Due to annoyance Japanese Tiktokers who licked and put sushi back on the counter all kaiten sushi spots are now mostly made to order. 

More seasoned tuna!  This one is soooo flavorful.

If you are lucky you will be placed at counter seating #55-58... and 58 has full views of all the chefs in the back kitchen area.

Im not a big eater... usually max out at 5 plates just to play the Gatcha game.

Last one! Nice and quiet.

No cashiers... all payment is thru a self pay system.

Restaurant: Kura Sushi Ikebukuro West Exit Branch

Restaurant J: 無添くら寿司 池袋駅西口店

Homepage: https://www.kurasushi.co.jp/menu

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13273029/

Address J: 東京都豊島区西池袋1-10-10 東武アネックスビル B1F

Address E: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Nishi Ikebukuro 1-10-10, B1F

Google MAPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KQDgJXvivBXgBQWR8

回転寿司, 池袋駅, Japan, Japanese, tokyobelly, yelp, foodie, iPhone 12 mini, sushi, beer, sake, lunch, dinner, cheap, izakaya, kaiten sushi, sushi go round, 

IKEBUKURO: Yobocho for some great 1,000 yen western and Japanese lunch options! Very flavorful Hamburger steak lunch plate!! (Pixel 7 Pro)

 

I never have lunch in Ikebukuro but this day a few friends invited me out to give Yobocho a try!  There is a vending machine style dispenser so just put in your money and push the pictured lunch item you want.

The lunch options.  Give you ticket to the waitress then wait in line until a spot opens up on the counter or the few table seats.  You will be called on in order.

Counter seating! Quite the volume for 1,000 yen.  Tonjiru soup, hamburger steak and rice

Hamburger has a sunny side up egg on top and smothered in very flavorful sauce.

Misoshiru or Tonjiru... Tonjiru all day folks! 

And there were lots of veggies on the hot steel plate.

The hamburger steak on this hot skillet keeps grilling and grilling... I would suggest cutting it in half and placing it on the plate of rice. It started to get a bit over cooked.  FYI! But overall its a quick in and out spot in Ikebukuro. If you go in a small group there is a possibility you will sit separately.  

Restaurant: Yobocho Ikebukuro Branch

Restaurant J: 洋庖丁 池袋店

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13114697/

Address J: 東京都豊島区池袋2-41-6 第1ジャンポールビル1F

Address E: 〒170-0014 Tokyo, Toshima City, Ikebukuro, 2 Chome 41-6

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iV4kswgkaPYacPTCA

食堂、洋食、ハンバーグ, 池袋駅 Japan, Japanese, foodie, yelp, tokyobelly, google pixel 7 pro, cheap, lunch, family restaurant, western 洋食、ランチ、安い、コスパ

IKEBUKURO: Osteria Sante for an amazing Birthday Dinner! Plus the friendliest yet a bit mean on occasion Chef! (Sony RX100, iPhone Xs)

Birthday celebrations have nearly stopped after all my friends got married and had kids... but there is always one friend who is a father of 3! that I can count on to set up a little gathering.  

Our all you can drink nomihoudai drink menu had EBISU Beer! Super rare to see this premium beer on a nomihoudai menu. 

Ebisu dark beeru!

1st dish  selection of mini appetizers.

Some specials on the wall.

Sony RX100 vs.. 

...iPhone Xs.  Why is the iPhone so much brighter?

This Ika squid was soooo goood! Seasoned in basil.

Italian music on the BGM

2nd dish a tender meat stew. 

3rd. Thinly sliced potato and bacon in gorgonzola sauce. 

4th. Crab meat pasta!  Sooo incredibly creamy.

The chef! Ive known him for years but even on my birthday he endlessly criticizes my life. I dont take it to heart but he could be nice at least one day a year. 

Grilled LAMB! I havent had this in years... so amazing.

I never drink wine but had to pair the lamb with a glass of red wine. 

Lots of counter and table seating.

Sony RX100 vs...

iPhone Xs... I need to try and tweak the settings on my RX100.   I was just too stuffed to even attempt to eat this chilled pasta with grilled veggies.  

A gift from the chef! Gelato and brownie. 

The one and only birthday card this year with a message from my good friends 3 kids. 

1. Please dont drink too much alcohol.

2. Take are of your health.

3. Please make us great Okinawan Goya gain. 

Dude! Absolutely loved this clip on earphones! Unfortunately they fell my ears on day 1 and broke.

The chef was in Italy for 4 years training at a restaurant and opened his own spot.  Everything is always consistently delicious and his menu is basically what he sources that day.  YOU MUST GO! Let him know Steve aka Sutebu sent ya! 

Restaurant: Osteria Sante

Restaurant J: オステリアサンテ

Tabelog Foodie: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13117071/

Homepage: http://www.osteria-sante.com/

Address J: 東京都豊島区池袋2-39-8

Address E: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Ikebukuro 2-39-8

MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1NgVtGquC4yfXyF88

イタリアン、パスタ、居酒屋, 池袋駅, Japan, Japanese, tokyobelly,. foodie, yelp, sony rx100, iphone xs, ikebukuro, italy, italian, wine bar, lunch, dinner,