Tabelog ratingEman (eman) delivers a tightly composed modern Spanish omakase from an intimate open kitchen in Tokyo's quiet Shirakawa district. The experience marries Basque culinary techniques with high-grade Japanese produce, creating a menu that is both creative and precisely executed. The restaurant has built its reputation on its live-kitchen theatrics and, most notably, its two distinct rice courses that conclude the savoury portion of the meal.
Guests consistently praise the entire progression of the menu, starting with intricate tapas like 23-month-aged jamón on coca bread and a clever corn and ajo blanco soup with Idiazabal cheese ice cream. The main events are the perfectly grilled Iberico presa and the dual rice finales: a show-stopping seafood paella, often featuring botan ebi, and a separate, soupy meloso rice with ingredients like clams or horsehair crab. While criticisms are rare, some diners note that the high counter seating may not be comfortable for everyone, and a few found the desserts less memorable than the preceding courses.
In absolute terms, eman is expensive, but reviewers overwhelmingly consider it excellent value for the quality and creativity. The dinner omakase is priced around ¥18,000, with lunch at ¥8,500. The optional wine pairing, highly recommended by guests, is about ¥8,000. Expect a final dinner bill of around ¥26,000–¥32,000 per person, including drinks and a 10% service charge.
- Reservations: Booking is essential and extremely competitive. Reservations are released online for two months in advance on the 1st of each month at midnight and sell out almost instantly.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 1-minute walk from Exit A3 of Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon and Oedo lines.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: The small space has 9 counter seats overlooking the kitchen and one table for four.
- Age Restrictions: Children are not permitted during dinner service. Families are welcome at lunch.
- Smoking/Parking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. No parking is available.
