Only ten years ago if a person wanted to find good quality western food in Tokyo outside of the highest priced restaurants, they would have had to settle for either Italian pasta or American burgers. The quality of most Italian restaurants would have been sub-par and usually had a few questionable concoctions on the menu. But in the last ten years Tokyo has radically changed to having not only quality Italian restaurants, but Spanish, French, and American style restaurants as well. This could be due to the internet, and it could also to be due to the rising number of Japanese who have spent time abroad learning how to cook other styles. Never-the-less, Inokashira Kitchen represents this new wave of quality western restaurants.
Inokashira Park is in Kichijoji, a small town just outside of Tokyo. In recent years it has become famous for its lovely shops and unique restaurants. Inokashira Kitchen sits right at the entrance to Inokashira park, with an open air dining room. The shop looks like it was transplanted directly out of downtown LA. There are tables outside on the main street, and a wooden counter facing the kitchen. During the winter, blankets are provided for guests who dine outside and even during the cold days, the outside tables are a great place to enjoy a bottle of wine. Inokashira Kitchen is owned by Mother's Inc, which is a western style restaurant franchise here in Tokyo.
The food here can best be described as California cuisine. A blend of Italian, Spanish, and Mexican dishes, there is no single ethnic influence the dishes have, but are instead a mix and match of foods that are common in California restaurants. Their specialty is their rotisserie chicken, which comes in quarter or half-size portions. The half-size portion is quite hearty and comes with oven roasted potatoes. This dish alone will fill you up. The chicken is also available in the form of fajitas, and comes complete with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. They serve an assortment of small plates, including vegetables and nacho french fries. They also have flat bread pizza and jambalaya which are both very good. They have different wines and cocktails, and my favorite is their tea sangria.
If you come to Inokashira park for a stroll, or come to Kichijoji to shop, make sure to stop by Inokashira Kitchen for a nice meal and lovely drinks.
