01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Tucked into a side street in Shinjuku 1-chome, not far from the Shinjuku Gyoen gardens, Kaoku offers thoughtful, affordable izakaya cooking in an unhurried setting. The lanterns light up as the doors open at 17:00, welcoming solo drop-ins and small groups gathering around a table with easygoing hospitality.
Fragrant Warm Bites Packed with Savoury Depth
The menu immediately draws the eye with hot, freshly prepared dishes that set a lively tone for the table. One of the kitchen's signature items is the sweetcorn kakiage tempura, where the sweetness of the kernels pairs with a crisp, aromatic crust—an ideal match for an opening drink. Other plates highlighting contrasting textures soon follow, including crisp stir-fried crab and beansprouts, warm potato salad, and fried ginkgo nuts.
From Seasonal Fish to Robust Grilled Dishes
Beyond fried and sautéed dishes, the restaurant pays close attention to seafood, with selections rotating on daily and seasonal menu strips. Richly marbled yellowtail (buri) sashimi, fatty salmon, and lightly seared bonito (hatsu-katsuo tataki) served with refreshing aromatics offer clean, fresh flavours after the opening toast. Heartier fare follows naturally, from fragrant grilled atka mackerel (hokke) and gridiron-grilled free-range chicken to saba heshiko—mackerel fermented in rice bran—delivering deep, concentrated savouriness that calls for another round.
An Easygoing Space for Evening Drinks and Dinner
The drinks list covers wide ground, featuring draft Asahi Super Dry alongside stout, mixed sours, whisky, and wine, making it simple to find a match for any dish. With attentive service, a relaxed ambience, and table reservations accepted, Kaoku makes a reliable choice for anyone seeking a composed, satisfying dinner.
