Address - Shinjuku-ku, Takadanobaba 2-15-10 Opening hours - Closed on Sundays. Open from 5:00 to 11:00 Map - Yes Telephone - 3232-1997 Menu - In Italian and Japanese CC - No

Taverna is unique. I have been its most faithful customer ever since I came to Japan in 1982, and I have always considered to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Tokyo.
Many other places are just as good, but none is better, and they cost invariably twice as much or more. Plus, Taverna has a certain something I can't explain that reminds me of home, a pleasant homeliness I never tire of. Fujimoto san, the owner, and Kaminoda san, the waiter, know me and my tastes very well, and that adds to the pleasure of eating there. It's a quaint and pleasant environment that I find extremely relaxing and friendly.

Two years ago (in the year 2000), however, disaster struck and the cook who had been working there from the very beginning left, leaving all customers, me included, in the lurch. His helper did his best to learn fast the art, but in the beginning he just couldn't cope. I am happy to report, and as a matter of fact I should have done it as long as a year earlier, that he has overcome his limitations, and Taverna again deserves five stars, in my book at least. Spending literally little more than the price of an appetizer at Elio's you can have a complete and excellent meal here. And food here is better than at Elio's.

As you enter, you can see at the right their collection of traditional Roman appetizers. They are all excellent and you can have three kinds with all their sets, which start at 2600 yen. The cheapest includes appetizers, a pasta dish or risotto of your choice, and a salad or dessert. The most expensive sets include a main dish, which can also be freely chosen. You can order à-la-carte, too, but I strongly recommend the sets. They are just too convenient.

This is what I recommend:
Call to make a reservation and ask for a table (as opposed to a seat at the counter, where you might very well end up eating). Take the best set, which costs I think 2900 yen, and choose:

- Appetizers, if possible including Peperoni alla romana (bell peppers) and broccoli

- Spaghetti alla bolognese or Risotto alla milanese

- Saltimbocca alla romana or Scaloppine all'aglio

- Orange sherbet

- A coffee (not included)

- An Amaro Averna (a digestive, also not included)

I guarantee complete satisfaction.