Tabelog ratingOsa Tei (おさ亭) is a small, focused restaurant in Yokohama dedicated to a single, theatrical dish: 'Kamo Tetsu', or duck-iron shabu-shabu. The experience is a multi-stage ritual that begins with staff slowly searing pieces of duck skin in a heavy iron pan at your table. Once the fat has rendered and the skin is perfectly crisp, it's served as a first bite.
What follows is the highlight for many guests: fresh vegetables, particularly spring chrysanthemum (*shungiku*), are briefly cooked in the clear, fragrant duck fat before being served. Only then are slices of tender duck meat and *tsukune* (minced chicken meatballs) cooked shabu-shabu style in the rich, clean-tasting broth. Reviewers consistently praise the incredible flavour of the fat-infused chrysanthemum, the tender duck, and the quiet, grown-up atmosphere. The attentive table service, where staff often guide you through the cooking process, is also frequently commended.
The main drawback noted by visitors is the initial wait of 20–30 minutes for the duck fat to render; most recommend ordering small side dishes to enjoy during this time. The menu is tightly focused on the course, and some diners with larger appetites found the portions a bit light. Be aware that the cooking process can leave odours on clothing, though paper aprons are provided.
Dinner typically costs between ¥8,000 and ¥9,999. Recent reviews from 2024–2026 place the 'Kamo Tetsu' course at around ¥5,700–¥5,800, with many reporting a final bill of ¥6,000 to ¥10,000 per person including drinks. Most guests feel the unique preparation and high-quality ingredients offer good value for the price.
- Getting There: Osa Tei is a 1-minute walk from Exit 3 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line. The signage is understated, so using a map is advised.
- Reservations: Essential. The course must be booked by the day before, and weekend tables can be fully booked a month in advance.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and QR code payments (PayPay, Rakuten Pay, au PAY) are accepted. Electronic money is not.
- Age Restriction: Children under junior high school age are not permitted.
- Seating: The restaurant has 24 seats, with private rooms available for groups of 4 or 10–20 people.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but a paid public lot is located next door.
