As many have proclaimed, good food in Tokyo is not difficult to come by and some of the best food is hidden away in quiet streets, in more local neighborhoods, a safe distance from the touristy areas, off the top restaurants lists, but always with the prerequisite 3.5+ Tabelog rating touting the approval of discerning local palates. Yuu is one of these gems. A quiet, understated yet sophisticated shopfront in the Yoyogi-Uehara neighborhood, a sanctuary from the bustle of nearby Shibuya. The one-man restaurant embodies the concept of kappō — refined, counter-side cooking and dining — with the distinct personal philosophy of Chef Yusuke Imoto.

The cooking is crafted around “now-or-never” seasonal ingredients, using produce selected from local farms. The dishes evolve week to week, showcasing the best in the season in the omakase menu, which ranges from 8-12 courses depending on the set. Each dish is beautifully plated on Japanese ceramics, unfolding like scenes in a play, culminating with a clay pot rice dish. It’s an intimate atmosphere with great attention to detail, feeling special without feeling overly fancy. To dine here feels like stepping off the beaten path, even though it’s mere steps away from the subway and very close to touristy hot spots.