Try to imagine what Turkey would look like if the Japanese were involved in the decorating, and you probably have a fairly accurate idea of what Pecori looks like.
This quirky little restaurant, a short walk from the Ikebukuro JR station, is vibrant, cosy and colorful, exactly the place you would want to have a fun cocktail or pre-party dinner with your girlfriends.
Stumbling across the brightly colored sign on a too-hot afternoon, I gratefully ducked inside and was charmed by the dozens of beautiful, Middle Eastern style lamps hung around the restaurant.
As well as plenty of tables, there is also a big squishy couch area, and a raised platform, like a tatami area but with tons of bright cushions and glass lamps.
The music was mostly acoustic versions of pop songs from ten years ago, done by Japanese singers, which was nice, if occasionally a little cutesy.
I was tempted by the yummy-looking cocktail menu, but decided it was still too early in the day, so opted for a soda instead. With fifteen different flavors to choose from, it took a while, but the very patient staff members were happy to wait. I eventually decided on the amaretto and ginger, and it was easily the most delicious soda I have had in my life.
While I drank it, I checked out the rest of the menu. The lunch menu seems slightly incongruous with the drink menu and the décor, as it is mostly omurais (omelette on rice) based meals, but there was also a small salad bar, and smaller meals or snacks on offer.
The dinner menu is slightly more varied; western-style food, with pizza, pasta, meat and fish on offer.
They have a surprisingly good beer menu, as well as a mojito list, homemade sangria, and lassi cocktails, as well as the usual wines and beers, all at reasonable prices, and they have several all you can eat and drink options, if you want to go for an all out party.
Pecori also has branches in Shinjuku, Kichijoji and Kokubunji, which I will absolutely be checking out for cocktails sometime in the very near future.
