The owner and chef, Ryosuke Tamura, was inspired by his father's Chinese restaurant and pursued a career in culinary arts. After gaining experience at various Chinese restaurants such as "Suiko-en" in Yokohama Chinatown, he further honed his skills under Matsuo Nagasaka at the Sichuan cuisine restaurant "Azabu Choko."
After becoming the head chef of "Azabu Choko Kofukuen" in 2006, he became its owner chef in 2009, gaining popularity. Following the closure of the restaurant in April 2019 due to the aging building, he opened "Itsuka" in December 2019.
The name "Itsuka" represents the concept of cherishing ingredients, producers, and cuisine, Mr. Tamura offers Chinese cuisine that can be expressed only in Japan.
He is meticulous in sourcing ingredients, therefore he is concerned over the depletion of marine resources in Japan. In order to preserve seafood for the future, he procures ingredients from producers who share the same idea, such as the Goto Islands, Kanagawa, Hakodate, and Wakayama, who thoroughly manage resources.
He pays close attention to pasteurization to make the most of the goodness of the ingredients that are filled with such feelings.
The signature dish, "Assorted Appetizers for Good Fortune," presents around eight seasonal dishes arranged vertically, to be savored from bottom to top. It undoubtedly enhances anticipation for the upcoming course.
For drinks, the recommended pairings include wine, Shaoxing wine, and Japanese sake, which complement the flavors of the cuisine.
The interior features a combination of Japanese wood and Chinese stones, creating a natural and tranquil atmosphere that aligns with the cuisine's concept.
The restaurant provides both table seating and private rooms with round tables, catering to various occasions such as family gatherings, outings with friends, business meetings, or romantic dinners. It ensures that every visit becomes a special and pleasant experience.
Please indulge in the exquisite Chinese cuisine served with top-quality dishes, attentive service, and an inviting ambiance at "Itsuka."