Address - Tokyo-to, Suginami-ku, Nishi Ogi Minami 3-10-1 Opening hours - Mon to Fri 11:30 - 14:30 (L.O.14:00) and 17:00 - 22:30 (L.O. 22:00), Sat 11:30 - 22:30 (L.O.22:00). Closed on Sunday Map - Yes Telephone - 03-3331-2777 Menu - In Japanese CC - No

I had noticed here and there, in Shibuya for example, Chinese restaurants decorated with a gorgeous logo, a red and powerful tiger. The name Benitora (Red Tiger) is also interesting, so I decided to give the chain a try. I knew there is a branch in Nishi Ogikubo, right near home, so I went as soon as I happened to be in the neighborhood. I had expected something special, not simple Chuka Ryori. I couldn't believe that such good, if unoriginal, design, could all be for nought, yet this seems indeed to be the case. Benitora is a cheapie, and not even a good one. Prices indicate that this is not a sophisticated restaurant, but that should not necessarily indicate sloppy cooking. The evening I went, however, the Chinese cooks were too busy chatting with the Chinese waitresses to look at the tools of their trade too often, and the results were predictably bad. For the sake of fairness, I decided to give Benitora another chance, and went to the Shibuya branch (3498-3373). I must say service was better, but food quality again wasn't anything to write home about. Benitora doesn't have anythong to set it apart from just another greasy-spoons neighborhood restaurant. Next time, I will eat somewhere else.

For a complete list of Benitora's branches, see their site (in Japanese).