Shienn

One of the pleasures of ordering omakase tempura is seeing the selection change with the seasons. One diner described a course featuring Angel Prawns, sweet green peppers, Japanese whiting, makomodake, scallops, wild maitake mushrooms, barracuda, white tilefish and figs. Another recorded an omakase that began with shrimp heads, followed by Manganji peppers, Japanese whiting, yam, shirako, conger eel and figs. The menu is not the same every time, making this a good choice for an evening centred on seasonal ingredients and the anticipation of what might arrive.

Diners have praised the tempura for being well-fried without lingering greasiness, and for letting the ingredients’ own flavours come through. Sake is another reason to visit. One diner noted that guests can share their preferences and ask for a recommendation, and that some bottles do not appear on the menu. The menu also says that a wide range of seasonal sake is available, with suggestions to match the food; if you are unsure what to choose, it may help to describe what you like. Other drinks include bottled Akaboshi beer, plum wine and highballs.

Diners have reported choosing tempura chazuke, a tempura rice bowl or tempura rice balls to finish their course; the menu also lists tempura chazuke and tempura rolls. À la carte tempura and the signature shrimp tempura roll are available too, whether you are settling in for a seasonal course or picking out a single dish. Shienn is a Japanese restaurant in Showa-cho, open for dinner from 18 to 23. Reservations are available for a meal in its relaxed setting.