Tabelog ratingTempura Kusunoki Nakameguro (天婦羅 くすのき 中目黒店) is a counter-dining experience dedicated to the art of tempura. What sets it apart is a mastery of heat and batter, resulting in a coating so thin and light it’s almost imperceptible. The kitchen’s technique ensures each piece is entirely free of oiliness, amplifying the natural sweetness of the core ingredient. The meal is often structured as an educational experience, with the chef presenting ingredients like sea urchin both raw and fried to contrast textures and flavours.
Guests consistently praise this lighter-than-air approach, calling it a revelatory meal. Standout items frequently mentioned include the sweet kuruma ebi (prawn), uni (sea urchin), seasonal young ayu fish, and earthy shiitake mushrooms. The signature bara-tendon—a lunch-only bowl of individually fried pieces scattered over rice—is also highly sought after. The intimate counter format and attentive service from the head chef are highlights for many.
However, the experience comes at a high price, and a common complaint is that portions can feel small for the cost, with some diners reporting leaving hungry even after a full course. Service can also be inconsistent, with reports of rushed pacing or a drop in quality for extra items handled by a junior cook.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 noted that the lunch bara-tendon cost around ¥5,500, while a dinner course was listed at ¥24,200. With premium add-ons like extra uni and drinks, final bills frequently landed between ¥30,000 and ¥50,000 per person. For those who prize technical perfection and ingredient purity in a special-occasion meal, it offers good value; for diners seeking volume or a more casual dinner, it may not.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and must be made in advance, often via services like OMAKASE. Start times are strict.
- Getting There: The restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the bloom aobadai building, a 10-minute walk from either Daikanyama Station or Nakameguro Station.
- Payment: Major credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 10% service charge applies.
- Seating: The restaurant has 12 counter seats. There are no private rooms.
- Children: The venue is not suitable for small children.
- Dress Code: Smart casual is recommended. Guests are asked to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
