Kumamori Shokudo

(⁵⁄₅ stars)
Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — ⁷²⁄₁₀₀
Nakamichi Dori heading away from the station parallel to the JR Chuo line in Kichijoji is a shopping street marked by eating establishments, boutiques, and shops mixed in with the remaining shops of businesses that have been around for what seems like forever. It’s an area undergoing constant change and development, and competition for real estate here is fierce.
That said, it is quite amazing to see that while many shops come and go, others have the staying power as observed over the 20+ years I’ve walked the end-​to-​end here. I’ve already reviewed several other businesses along or near this street — today’s review focuses on a nice little café that is easy to miss if you’re too busy gawking at all the neat boutiques and window displays of the shops.
Highlights:
+ Menu: ⁵⁄₅ stars (Good offering of fixed and rotating items all using the freshest seasonal ingredients to offer a high quality dining experience, but wait, there’s more…)
+ Value: ⁵⁄₅ (Overall, if you order a la carte or take advantage of a set (only ¥200 more, plus discounted dessert options, if you’re not already stuffed), the presentation, degree of finish, cooking and seasoning are an excellent balance that will appeal to all of your senses — beautiful to look at; savory and tantilizing to consume)
+ Ambiance: 4.5÷5 (There are two main sections of the restaurant — the counter area up front near the entrance, and the square tables for couples filling out the mid to back section. Décor is modern European in flavor, but it also has a slightly retro/​rustic feel, maybe closer to French provencale)
+ Service: 4.5÷5 (Depends on which time and day you visit. Sometimes there’s an older gentleman; at other times, there are younger staff on premises. They are proper and polite, and will be happy to answer any questions you have. They don’t go as far as waitstaff in Western restaurants do, however. This means they won’t push you to order more, but at the same time, they won’t come around and ask how your meal is either (very atypical in Japan for any restaurant to do this))
I’m actually hesistant to write this review, but also hope those who discover this restaurant will keep it a secret. Meal times usually get pretty crowded, but if you hit it off hours, you can enjoy a carefully prepared meal in a setting that transports you to other worlds. Relaxing, tasty, warm cozy ambiance… what more could you ask for?