Tabelog ratingMaruta (マルタ) offers a unique dining experience in a house-like setting in Tokyo's Chofu district, built around an open wood fire, an on-site herb garden, and a fermentation pantry. The experience is highly interactive, beginning with a guided tour of the garden where many of the menu's ingredients are grown. Guests then sit at long, communal tables with a view of the live-fire kitchen, where the chefs prepare a single, multi-course seasonal menu.
Reviewers consistently praise the immersive nature of the meal, from the garden tour to the engaging, English-friendly staff. The wood-fired cooking is a highlight, with frequent mentions of dishes like grilled TOKYO X pork, Iwate short-horn beef, and kamasu (barracuda) risotto. The finale is also a standout, featuring a playful dessert buffet with self-toasted marshmallows and a signature wood-fire cake (薪火ケーキ, makibi-keeki).
However, the menu's strong focus on foraged herbs and vegetal flavours can be divisive; some diners find it overly experimental. A few also questioned the value for money, feeling it didn't align with expectations for classic fine dining at this price point. The set course is reported to be around ¥24,000, with a typical total spend of ¥20,000 to ¥29,999 per person. One group of five noted a bill of approximately ¥140,000 including drinks. For those who appreciate the story, the garden-to-table process, and the live-fire spectacle, Maruta offers excellent value.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and can be made online up to two months in advance. You will be asked to arrive 30 minutes before your reservation time for the garden tour.
- Getting There: The restaurant is in a residential area of Chofu. It is best reached by a 15–20 minute bus ride from either Chofu or Mitaka stations, followed by a 1-minute walk. Plan your transport in advance.
- Seating: Seating is for 20 guests, primarily at long communal tables. There are no private rooms.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), QUICPay, and PayPay are accepted.
- Children: Children of all ages are welcome, and a kids' plate can be reserved in advance.
- Dress Code: Comfortable footwear is recommended, as the experience includes a walk through the garden.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking. Guests arriving by car should use nearby paid parking lots.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
