I already lauded Akkeshi oysters that I experienced in a feast at their izakaya in Nihombashi in Tokyo. In December 2019 I doubled down and I tried their Oyesterbar at Coredo Muromachi, always in Tokyo. I ended up having both a dinner and a lunch.
The Visit: Dinner
The eatery is located on the ground floor of Coredo Muromachi 2, a shopping mall north of Nihombashi bridge (attention, there is also Coredo 1 and 3 in different buildings nearby, not to mention Coredo Nihombashi South of the bridge). It is a relatively small restaurant and is always busy. I arrived for a late dinner and initially there was no table available. However the waiter asked me to wait and he was able to sort out a table for me eventually. He really went above and beyond.
After ordering a drink I was offered a complementary appetizer, a soup with nori and what I believe was crab paste. Let’s say that it was forgettable.
They had two varieties of Akkeshi oysters (really two brands, Akkeshi is a city in Hokkaido): Kakiemon (large ones) and Maruemon (coming in different sizes). Oysters can be ordered raw, grilled, or steamed. I prefer raw and I went for a double tasting platter featuring the three sizes of the Maruemon variety (they call it M, L, LL). These were just great oysters all around: juicy and flavorful. Now, the one with more flavor was the medium one (L) in my opinion.
Then I compared the Kakiemon (on the left) with a large Maruemon. The Kakiemon was indeed marginally meatier and tastier.
With the oysters I was offered several condiments, but I like them raw.
This location is famous for their deep-fried oysters. And, similarly to the ones I had at their izakaya, the fried oysters were delicious with a strong batter envelope that would leave the interior fresh and juicy.
I also tried their tuna and avocado roll that turned out to be a DIY dish.
Then I needed a miso soup and I had their soup with Hanasaki crab. Good and a very large portion.
For this massive dinner, including 11 oysters, my check was 7,359 yen (68 USD). I think it was reasonable. I was fully satisfied by the food and service even if it was a busy evening for the restaurant.
The visit: Lunch
Lunch is a busy affair at this location. I found myself in the area on a Saturday morning and I joined the queue. I was one of the last people in the queue, but I was among the first customers of the day to be seated at 11.00 (perhaps I should call it a brunch).
They had four set menus all revolving around fried oysters. One menu was just that, fried oysters (4 or 5 pieces), the other menus would include 2 fried oysters plus another dish (a seafood bowl, fried chicken, seafood rice with crab). In addition to the fried oysters in your set menu you are limited to order a maximum of one extra fried oyster (I think Japanese restaurants like to have all sort of rules… but in this case I guess it is an attempt to spread the daily stock over a larger number of customers).
My set lunch had the seafood bowl (minced tuna and ikura mainly), a large miso soup and my three coveted deep-fried oysters (I ordered the additional one I was entitled).
I mixed the egg and I used it to add flavor to the rice, as expected.
The miso soup had large clams.
For lunch you can also order their usual oysters. I had three of their large Kakiemon.
The check was 3,976 yen (half was the three big oysters). Worth every penny.
Where in Tokyo:
2-3-1 Nihombashimuromachi Coredo Muromachi 2, 1F, Chuo.
In Japanese: 〒103-0022 東京都中央区日本橋室町2-3-1 コレド室町2 1F.
Website: http://www.funfunction.co.jp/shopinfo/muromachi/.