Daizuya * - Japanese
Kichi Joji
Reviewed by Beth Noble

Address Kichijoji Honcho 2-18-8 Komori bldg. Musashino-shi Tokyo 180-0004 Opening hours 5-11 pm, closed on Mondays Map - Yes (you can use Toque Blanche's. Daizuya is right below it) Telephone - 0422-22-2212 Menu - In Japanese

I have eaten here three times, once having the 4000 yen set course which is the only option if you make reservations (3+ people required to make reservations). The specialty and focus in on soybeans. Tofu, yuba, etc. There are other things as well, meat, salads, sashimi, grilled veggies which look great although I have yet to try them. If you like soybean cuisine, you will love it. The 4000 course filled me way beyond the brim. High quality, generous quantity, reasonably priced and aesthetically pleasing food. Some things might get a little to rich if you're not that hungry or not in the mood, however.
It's pretty small, which is why reservations are recommendable unless one shows up around 9:00. Beautiful Japanese style dining atmosphere, tasteful and unique. Warm yourself around the hibachi on the small enclosed terrace if you have to wait for a table, they will serve complimentary tea or you can order drinks while waiting. I noticed some regulars, an older Japanese couple, who waited longer than I and my friend outside in the cold to get their fix. Service is friendly, but sometimes a little slow.

* Daizu is of course the Japanese name of the soybean.

I also have Tom Boatman's comments

.
There's an excellent tofu restaurant in Kichijoji. It's called Daizu-ya and it's located in the area behind the Tokyu Department Store. They claim to be Kyoto-style cooking, but even after countless trips to Kyoto, I'm no judge. Every season they change the menu. Imagine anything tofu and they make it. Tofu nabe, sashimi tofu (super fresh tofu), grilled tofu with miso paste, tofu side products (like yuba and ofu), baked, grilled, fried and even tofu deserts.

A typical course goes for ranges from 4200 to 6000 yen. For 4200, you get to try 10 different kinds of tofu.

I love the interior. Very cool and calming. I guess I'd describe it as chic Japanese minimalist with indirect lighting. Seating is on the floor (kotatsu style, but with a hole under the table for your legs) or at the counter.

Reservations are recommended. It's always packed, and people are always waiting to get in.

Dinner only (18:00 to 23:00). No holidays except New Years.

BTW, in the same building, right above Daizu-ya is a very good French
provincial restaurant called Toque Blanche.
TB