La Cuchara-Kagurazaka Restaurant in Tokyo

Welcoming bonhomie radiates from the 2nd-storey window of this vivacious tapas bar found in Kagurazaka. Once you’re inside, you’ll be greeted with ceramic plates painted in luminous Andalucian colors hanging tightly above the beautiful brick-lined counter. La Cuchara restaurant, which comfortably accommodates 24 people, has wine bottles clearly marked with price tags and short descriptions, beautifying the tall wooden shelves when you look at the far end corner of the room.

It also boasts Floor-to-ceiling windows which make the space appear bigger and creating an atmosphere of both openness and intimacy. The crowd inclusive of the staff is made up of young individuals. When you arrive, you should expect to wait for a while but it won’t take long before the tables turn. The place normally gets filled up past 7pm, as most people come in for drinks snacks. Even so, you can still sample a great meal because the menu has some larger plates for full meals.

La Cuchara restaurant’s menu features tasty prawns served in scorching hot garlic oil (Y880), potato croquettes ballooned with Jamon Serrano (Y680), syrupy organic vegetables with a light bagna caulda dipping sauce (Y780). Other unusual but surprisingly nice delicacies include bite-sized skewers of bonito and salty dried fish roe (Y380) and Lamb chops from the iron griddle (Y1600).

Being ranked among top restaurants in Tokyo, LA Cuchara boasts of the best wine variety served by the glass (six whites, six reds, and two cavas), or by the bottle. The wine list is dominated by Iberian selections although you’ll also spot the best from Italy, France and the New World. If you wish to have more than a glass or two, it would be better to order by the bottle. A word of caution though, the service tends to be glaringly slow although friendly. Go with a budget of circa Y5000/ person