Yobocho (Ikebukuro Store)

natsudaze ottottotto Jul 2026

The level of satisfaction was so high that it's no wonder this place is so popular. It was a rare occasion for lunch in Ikebukuro, and I agonized over the choice. Ikebukuro really has a lot of options! Ultimately, I chose this place, which was also close to my work site that day, and it was absolutely the right decision. I arrived just before 11 AM, but it was already open. I wonder what time they opened? I was lucky to get in without waiting, but when I left, there was already a line, so I was pleased. Seeing the regulars, mostly older gentlemen, already seated, I was already convinced it deserved 5 stars. I chose the large portion of the grilled pork with sauce for 1150 yen. However, after sitting down and looking at the person next to me, I realized that even the regular portion was quite substantial, so I think the regular portion would have been perfectly fine. Time to eat! Wow, it was amazing. The portion size was incredible. The seasoning was perfectly balanced and made me want to eat more rice. The fact that it was pork belly was also a plus. It was well worth the price. And watching the kitchen is also one of the joys of the restaurant experience. Watching them tirelessly toss the large pot, continuously stir-frying pork while simultaneously sautéing a massive amount of vegetables, and skillfully handling the occasional irregular breaks in the jumbo tofu, I couldn't help but think they deserved a title higher than three Michelin stars. The teamwork of the international students supporting them, who handled the frying and other tasks, also deserved applause. I even felt a presumptuous parental desire for the staff to open their own restaurants and share Japanese culture when they return to their home countries. I'll definitely go again!