Minoru

Tucked away on the 2th floor of a building in Ginza 8-chome, Minoru serves comforting Japanese cooking in an intimate dining room with just around 2 tables. At lunch, the proprietor's recommendation is Handa somen, hand-stretched wheat noodles from Tokushima Prefecture that are roughly the thickness of hiyamugi. Chewier and more elastic than standard somen, they offer a firm texture reminiscent of udon alongside a smooth, cooling glide. Diners dip them first in traditional noodle broth garnished with condiments, then stir in the accompanying seasoned ground pork to transform the dipping sauce into a rich, sesame-spiced dandan-style broth.

The signature oden set meal offers another comforting centerpiece. Daikon radish, simmered until tender all the way through, drinks up the shop's proud dashi stock and comes served with rice, miso soup, a small side dish, and pickles for a thoroughly satisfying tray. The kitchen also prepares varied lunch sets depending on the day's mood, including mixed seafood fry featuring kuruma prawn and daily catches, salted salmon collar, grilled mackerel, and a hearty hamburg steak stew.

With so few seats, the space stays calm and unhurried, making it an easy place to enjoy a relaxed meal solo. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts to casual homestyle dining complemented by draft beer, wine, regional sake from Tohoku, and three-glass sake tasting flights. Since capacity is limited, booking ahead is recommended for a leisurely evening meal.