Kotaro
📍 28-2 Sakuragaokachō, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan
Weighted rating from:
Google: 4.3 • TripAdvisor: 4.5
JetlyGo Score
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Located in the heart of Tokyo, Kotaro is a charming izakaya that offers an authentic Japanese dining experience. With a cozy ambiance and a focus on high-quality ingredients, this restaurant creates a delightful atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike. The menu features an array of traditional dishes, and the friendly staff enhances the experience with warm hospitality. Diners rave about the excellent sake selection and the masterfully crafted dumplings, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. However, securing a reservation can be a challenge due to its limited seating, so planning ahead is essential. Kotaro is truly a gem for anyone looking to indulge in the flavors of Japan.
Signature Dishes
- •Sizzling yakitori
- •Perfectly crafted sashimi
- •Dumplings
- •Vegetarian options (upon request)
Overall rating 4.3 / 5 (186 reviews)
Google: 4.3 (160 reviews)
TripAdvisor: 4.5 (26 reviews)
Customer Reviews
I’ve been there once. The dishes were mostly good—you could tell the chef put a lot of thought into selecting the ingredients, no doubt about that. Before going to the restaurant, I was a bit nervous, worried that I might be disappointed because of the rude attitude we experienced when making the reservation. But thankfully, during the meal, the atmosphere was quite relaxed and pleasant. I’m alcohol intolerant due to ALDH2 deficiency, so I didn’t order sake, but I believe they should be good. Unfortunately, that ended up being our only visit. The subsequent attempts to make a reservation were frustrating—the rules seemed inconsistent and confusing, and I was hung up on a couple of times There are many famous restaurants where it’s difficult to get a reservation due to their popularity. Among them, many prioritize their customers’ dining experience; I’ve never felt discriminated against. I can’t help but wonder—what’s the point of making myself being iced out? Some might say I’m just being bitter, but it’s true: eating isn’t just about nutrition or taste; it’s also a social experience. If the overall experience leaves you feeling frustrated, why bother? There are plenty of other choices out there. It seems this restaurant only wants to cater to their regulars or close-knit clientele. It’s fine, and I would just say, good luck.
Wonderful food served by friendly staff in an elegant yet laid-back setting. The sake was excellent and paired beautifully with the courses. I doubt we will ever have a better dumpling.
This place doesn’t want foreigners coming. They don’t answer phones and there’s an English only sign outside saying “please make a reservation”. Inquired in person about a reservation and lady said fully booked - forever.
Mid glamorous, fancy I'd say, Kotaro prepared some local dishes in a very interesting flair. This places is filled by locals, thus, our experience was even better than we expected. The staff doesn't speak good English nor German, but with the card and google translator we worked fine. It was important to get here as my best friend came here some time ago and talked highly about their kitchen, we were not disappointed.