Tabelog ratingTen Yokota (天 よこた) is an intimate, eight-seat counter in Motoazabu where tempura is treated as a fine craft. Chef Yokota's approach is defined by precise control over the fryers and a paper-thin batter that results in light, non-greasy pieces where the high-quality ingredients speak for themselves. The omakase course is substantial, and the experience is paced with care.
Guests consistently praise the sequence of dishes, starting with a delicate hamaguri clam broth. Highlights often include a marinated botan prawn, perfectly timed kuruma ebi (prawns) with their crisp-fried heads, and shiitake mushrooms stuffed with shrimp. The anago (sea eel) is another standout, served as a large piece. For the final rice dish, guests can choose the size of their kakiage tendon (tempura over rice) or tenchazuke (tempura with tea poured over rice), allowing them to finish as full as they wish.
While service is generally lauded, a few visitors have noted that the atmosphere can feel dominated by regulars, and in rare cases, the reception felt cool to newcomers. Securing a seat is the main challenge.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying between ¥15,000 and ¥19,000 for the omakase course, with specific bills noted at ¥15,000 and ¥18,000. Drinks are charged separately. For the quality and quantity of ingredients, it is widely considered to offer outstanding value compared to other top-tier tempura restaurants in Tokyo.
- Reservations: Booking is mandatory and extremely competitive. Seats are released on the OMAKASE booking platform on the 1st of each month and are typically gone within minutes.
- Access: A 7-minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station (Namboku Line, Exit 4; or Oedo Line, Exit 7).
- Seating: There are just 8 counter seats, with two seatings per evening (around 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM).
- Language: Explanations are mainly in Japanese, though some staff may speak some English.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No private parking is available, but there is a paid public lot nearby.
