When it comes to kakifurai (deep-fried oyster) lunches in Tsukiji area, I think Fujimura and Takeno are absolutely iconic in terms of visual impact. But there’s also a Japanese Western-style restaurant quietly nestled between Tsukiji and Higashi-Ginza that I really like—Hachinoko (蜂の子). Their kakifurai lunch has a slightly refined, classic Western-style touch that makes it special. This long-standing establishment has been around since 1948 and is tucked away on a quiet backstreet.
The restaurant has table seating as well as counter seats facing the window. I’ve also heard they have a tatami room? During lunchtime, the counter seats are spaced out individually, but in the evening they seem to pair them for couples.
Their lunch menu features several great options, but during oyster season, their top recommendation is definitely the fried oysters. They also serve omelet rice, stews, and gratins. Lunch sets A to C come with a variety of dishes and are quite a good deal.
So of course, I went with the kakifurai lunch (カキフライランチ / ¥1,650)—I always order this. I’ve been curious to try their liver and gratin dishes (レバグラ) too, but this one keeps calling me back. The set comes with a soup, which arrives almost immediately after ordering. It’s not so much a creamy soup as it is a thick, smooth paste-like texture—almost like a chowder, perhaps? You can really taste the umami from the clams, even though there aren’t many visible ingredients. It’s delicious.
Soon after, the fried oysters and rice are served. The rice comes on a flat plate, but you eat it with chopsticks—which I find kind of charming. If you want, they prepare folk.
The oysters themselves are a perfect size—not too big, not too small (compared to Fujimura’s). The fresh breadcrumbs create a crispy, light coating, and the oysters are juicy and flavorful. No surprise, considering they’re sourced directly from the market. And I love that they include a lemon squeezer—somehow it just makes the dish feel more special
The tartar sauce is made with homemade pickles and has a light, tangy creaminess to it. Honestly, I could eat rice with just this sauce, haha.
On the side, you’ll find potato salad, shredded cabbage, and tomato. I believe this season’s oysters may already be over, but I’d love to visit again next season. Although… maybe I should finally try the liver and gratin first.
About
Name Hachinoko (蜂の子)
Open Lunch, Dinner
Reservation Available for dinner time
Credit card Available for dinner time
URL Website
Google Map
