01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Tucked down a quiet backstreet in Kitasenju beneath a welcoming glow, Itameshi Shingitai invites guests to ease in with a drink and an assortment of inventive small plates. The antipasto selection features pairings like savoury corned beef and smooth soft-boiled egg laced with black truffle, alongside avocado fritters in crisp batter served with dill mustard. Hand-cut fries generously coated in garlic and anchovy offer another robust bite to start the evening.
The house signature is a Western take on beef tataki: wagyu carpaccio quickly seared on the outside to release a savoury aroma while keeping the tender, lean meat succulent inside. Seafood options are equally enticing, whether fresh fish carpaccio lifted by citrus dressing and dill or an ajillo of plump Hiroshima oysters and mushrooms accented by tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Thick slices of baguette soak up the rich, infused oil, making each bite an effortless companion to a glass of wine.
To round out the meal, a steaming bowl of black truffle risotto topped with an onsen tamago arrives with an earthy, fragrant aroma. Breaking into the soft-cooked egg and folding it into the rich rice deepens the creamy texture. For dessert, offerings such as vanilla ice cream finished with a dash of balsamic vinegar or classic crema catalana strike an appealing balance between sweet and tart.
With both counter and table seating set within a relaxed, retro-tinged interior, the dining room stays open until 2:00. It is an unpretentious setting to sip wines by the glass, cocktails, or craft beers while unwinding over conversation and creative comfort food.
