Address Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 2-33-12-B2 Opening hours 5:30 pm to 4:00 am Map - See directions Telephone - 5410-6288 Menu - In English and Spanish CC - OK

Hi Frank,

I tried Nataraj in Ogikubo and it was great, maybe even better than good old Devi.

I know you lament the lack of a good Mexican restaurant in town, but have you tried Fonda de la Madrugada (think that is the spelling) in Harajuku? I first went to this place on the recommendation of a Mexican acquaintance of mine. It is the best Mexican restaurant I have tried and the great atmosphere (kind of like a Hacienda) really adds to the whole experience. Not cheap, but not unreasonable, a generously portioned meal with drinks, coffee and dessert is about ¥5,500-6,000 per person.

To get there: From Chiyoda line Harajuku Station, walk up Meiji Dori toward Shinjuku, past Aux Bacchanales about ten minutes. It is on the opposite side of Meiji Dori from AB. You will pass over a pedestrian bridge and an alcohol-laden AM PM on the way.

There is another upscale one very close to Nishi Azabu crossing. The name has "Escondita"

(Frank's note: it's La Escondida in Nishi Azabu, 3486-0330) in it and they always have Mariachi singers, but it is slightly more expensive and the food is not as good as Fonda. Still quite enjoyable however.

Peter Ford writes:

Just to say that I was looking at your comments about the woeful standard of Mexican restaurants in Tokyo. I immediately did a search for my favourite to find that someone had beaten me to it and already told you about La Fonda de la Madrugada. I second all his comments. Certainly after a long search for authentic food, I was happy to pay their prices. A very nice interior too, good for a romantic dinner for two, or a large group in one of the many rooms. My wife still prefers my tortilla soup though...

Happy eating

Pete