Address- Nakano-ku, Arai 2-27-6 Opening hours - Open every day from 11:30 to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Map - See site Telephone - 3319 3022 Site - Yes

Hi.
I promised to send you info on a few places I know in Nakano so before my good intentions disappear in the sands of time I'd better get to it.

Here is the first and the best (only my opinion)

Cous Cous is about a ten minute walk from Nakano station and is situated in a quiet street just off Waseda dori that you'd not likely go down without a reason. An Italian and a French flag can be seen fluttering in the wind about 50 metres before you arrive. A life size manikin will greet you as you approach a little closer.

Despite the flags it's best to think of this place as a bistro which serves a variety of cuisines which you couldn't really say belonged to any country in particular (his pizza is even less Italian than you). The owner has a real sense for simple cooking though, and I've never been disappointed when I've eaten here.
I've been a regular at Cous Cous for a long time and only decided to share it with the world after much soul searching. Why do I like it? The first reason is that old Scottish favourite: It's very cheap. Sometimes I leave wondering how any restaurant that's this good value can survive. The low prices are partly a result of the owners family connections (farmers) and being good friends with a fisherman. Lunchtime sets are common in Tokyo but this place even has dinner sets for about 1000 yen.
The next thing I really like about Cous Cous is the atmosphere which is very laid back and not the least bit pretentious. The decor certainly isn't high class but you never feel any pressure when you step inside. You can stay as long as you like and although the owners aren't talkative you can feel their friendliness through the food and the service.

Food:

Although the evening set menu offers fantastic value I really recommend the specials board which will be brought to your table. Fresh Oysters, Carpaccio, ebi sautee salad, soup, home made bread, any fish dishes........ It's hard to go too far wrong. The deserts are all home made and ridiculously good value. It really would be a crime not to try one.
The wine is nothing special (I admit I haven't tried any of the more expensive bottles) but like everything else here, it's very good value and always drinkable.

To sum up this place is grrrrrrrreat, five stars on my list but everyone has their own way of judging. I know that you value authenticity very highly and Cous Cous really couldn't be said to be anywhere close to authentic French or Italian cooking but good food knows no boundaries, so pop in some time.

Hamish (reluctant Brit)