Den () Tokyo, Japan

We were fortunate to dine at Den on our final night in Tokyo. Much has been said about their old-school reservation system, but in our case luck played a big role getting in. I received a call offering two seats just before we were due to fly home, and accepted immediately.

The reservation process is fairly unique. The restaurant calls you directly, asks about your trip and preferences, and some of those details may subtly appear during the meal. About a week before your date, you receive an email and must reply to reconfirm.

We were seated at the bar facing the kitchen, essentially front row seats to the entire service. Noriko greeted us warmly, introduced the team, and made us feel instantly welcome. I later learned she was the same person who handled my reservation call and has worked with Chef Hasegawa for nearly a decade.

Menu

Monaka
Crisp monaka wafer filled with foie gras and seasonal elements.

Pumpkin Soup

Dentucky Fried Chicken
A chicken wing stuffed with sticky rice. Piping hot and full of flavor. Since we were celebrating a birthday, the dish arrived with a handwritten card, which led the whole dining room to join in with well wishes.

Sashimi Course
Three slices of fresh fish with wasabi and seaweed sauce.

Cod Fish
Served with shirako (cod milt), yuzu sauce, and Japanese taro.

Salad
Around fifteen vegetables prepared without dressing. Each had its own texture and flavor. The tomato preparation was a standout.

Red Snapper Soup
With shiitake mushroom, leek, and grated turnip.

Claypot Rice
Rice cooked with mushrooms and served with miso broth and pickles. The flavors were excellent and I happily accepted a second serving. This time they added extra crispy rice on top, which made it even better.

Dessert
Japanese persimmon with soybean powder mousse and black sugar sauce.

Drinks

We chose the sake pairing. Each course was served with a beautifully presented sake, often poured into unique glasses selected by my wife and I. The variety extended beyond the Nada and Fushimi regions, which made the pairing more interesting.

Service and Ambience

Den has a warm and inviting atmosphere. The entire team, from front of house to kitchen, feels relaxed and welcoming—almost like being invited into someone’s home. Several regulars were dining that evening, and there were multiple birthday celebrations. The staff acknowledged each one, and the entire room clapped along, creating a sense of community.

Overall

I went in with very high expectations. While the meal did not reach the absolute peak I imagined, it excelled in warmth, playfulness, and subtle technical precision behind its casual, friendly spirit. I am grateful I didn’t have to go through the usual effort many diners face to secure a reservation. Den is memorable not only for its food but for the hospitality that defines the experience. It’s a meal I’ll remember for a long time.