This hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant is nestled in a residential area of Yoyogi-Uehara. The owner, Daisuke Oyaizu, gives warm welcome to every guests and, with his credentials as a Certified Rice Appraiser, pours love beyond measure into his rice dishes.
The main feature of the venue is certainly its rice cooked in earthenware pots, so much so in fact that all of its course menu includes clay pot rice as one of their dishes. Each pot is brought out individually, where it is carefully mixed and served in front of the guests. Of the various types of rice offered, there is one that comes with a particularly high recommendation: ”Milky Queen," a variety created by Showa Imperial Rice Provisioner Koji Aoki. Having been awarded a gold medal in the past in the overall category of the International Contest on Rice Taste Evaluation, this exquisite rice was also awarded a first-place gold medal in the Eighth Annual Japan's Most Delicious Rice Contest. It features an exceptionally good texture when cooked in a clay pot. The moment the lid is opened, the sweet fragrance of the rice spreads with the steam through the air. Coming apart in the mouth with the first bite, the feel of each grain of rice is maintained, resulting in a texture that is eminently pleasant to chew.Taking each and every grain of rice seriously, the preparation done here incorporates modern techniques along with cooking methods in line with centuries of traditional Japanese cuisine. It is the cutting-edge effort of the producer, along with the skill of a rice dealer in rice preparation and management, that makes Okon's clay pot rice what it is. There is an amazing love for Okon's outstanding technique in turning the best of rice into the best of dishes and for the owner's rice that goes into that technique. At Okon, you can find the "real" rice which even the locals rarely get the chance to experience.
The restaurant features a sharply-designed interior with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. 16 table seats are available in addition to a separate room for eight, and reservations are welcome for larger parties and events. Traditional red rice instead of a cake for special occasions such as family events are special service provided at Okon, the venue is also a great place for a meal to celebrate the precious turning points in your life.
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* The availability of an English version of this page does not guarantee that the restaurant can provide services in English unless otherwise stated. Please be aware that, even if stated, there may still be days when English speaking staff are unavailable.
■Access
Odakyu Line Yoyogiuehara station 7 minutes by walking
Keio Line Hatagaya station 7 minutes by walking
