Minowa, Tokyo, retains a charming historical atmosphere with several well-preserved architectural gems. You may not be familiar with this neighborhood, but it is within walking distance from the renowned Yoshiwara area. One standout spot is Dote no Iseya (土手の伊勢屋), a tempura restaurant with a legacy spanning over 120 years.
This wooden building, constructed before World War II, exudes an old-world charm. Inside, the slightly dim ambiance adds to its unique character, making every detail feel marvelously historic.
Dote no Iseya offers three types of tempura bowls, labeled “I (イ),” “RO (ロ),” and “HA (ハ).” The difference lies in the selection of tempura ingredients.
I opted for “RO”, which features conger eel, squid kakiage, shrimp, and shishito pepper. The conger eel, their specialty, is a must-try, but note that the “I” bowl does not include it. The eel was impressively large and tender. However, the sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste, soaking the rice thoroughly, which left me unable to finish it.
The miso soup with nameko mushrooms was delicious, complementing the meal beautifully.
Enjoying a meal at such a historical establishment is truly a unique experience. While the tempura itself was excellent, I plan to try their assorted tempura dishes next time to explore more flavors.
About
Name Dote no Iseya (土手の伊勢屋)
Open Lunch, Dinner
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
URL Website, Instagram
Google Map
Comments
That tempura looks scrumptious! YUM!