Tokyo’s Pasta Revolution: Where Italy Meets Japan
Tokyo’s pasta scene offers a delightful blend of Italian tradition and Japanese innovation, as exemplified by these five standout restaurants. From Mugi to Tamago’s fresh, Hokkaido-inspired creations near Tokyo Station to Japone’s long-standing Japanese-style spaghetti in Yurakucho, each eatery brings something unique to the table. Spaghetti Stand Carbo in Asakusa thrills with its crispy stir-fried noodles, while Sabouru 2 in Jimbocho is renowned for its comforting Napolitan Spaghetti. Rounding out the list is Spaghetti Pancho, a chain that has captured hearts with its nostalgic flavors and generous portions since 2009. These restaurants showcase the diversity and creativity of Tokyo’s pasta offerings, promising unforgettable culinary experiences for pasta enthusiasts and curious diners alike.
Mugi to Tamago Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit (生パスタ専門店麦と卵 東京駅八重洲北口)
Mugi to Tamago, a specialty fresh pasta restaurant near Tokyo Station, stands out for its commitment to using premium Hokkaido ingredients. They craft pasta from scratch using Hokkaido wheat and special eggs, employing a unique double vacuum method for superior texture. The menu features dishes like “Ultimate Pepe Tama!” and “Hokkaido Carbonara,” showcasing local ingredients such as Hokkaido beef, cod roe, and fresh cream. The restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of Hokkaido.
Japone (ジャポネ)
Japone, a B-class gourmet spot near Yurakucho Station, offers unique Japanese-style spaghetti since 1980. The French-inspired name reflects its standing noodle shop atmosphere. Known for affordable, generous portions with soy sauce-based seasoning, Japone’s stir-fried spaghetti attracts salarymen and students alike. Find this unchanged favorite under the Shuto Expressway in GINZA INZ 3.
Spaghetti Stand Carbo (スパゲティスタンド カルボ)
Carbo, a restaurant in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, offers unique stir-fried spaghetti with a crispy exterior. The menu features four sauce options: carbonara, tomato and ketchup, soy-based Japanese, and demi-glace meat. Portions range from 200g to 1kg. Diners can customize their dish with Tabasco, black pepper, and grated cheese. Carbo provides a quick, casual dining experience similar to a ramen shop, making it a must-try spot for visitors to Asakusa.
Sabouru 2 (さぼうる2)
In Tokyo’s Jimbocho district, Sabouru 2 is a popular restaurant known for its Napolitan Spaghetti. Unlike its café-style sister restaurant Sabouru 1, it offers a full dining experience. The cozy, lodge-like interior can feel cramped due to high demand. Besides the famous Napolitan dish, the menu includes meat sauce spaghetti, pork ginger stir-fry, hamburg steak, and curry. Portions are generous, with options for smaller servings. The meat sauce spaghetti stands out for its perfect balance of flavors, evoking a sense of traditional home cooking.
Spaghetti Pancho (スパゲッティーのパンチョ)
Pancho, a popular Japanese restaurant chain specializing in Neapolitan pasta, opened its first store in Shibuya in 2009. Its success stems from a nostalgic yet artful culinary approach, offering flavors that are hard to replicate at home and notably large portion sizes.
The menu features various pasta options, including meat sauce and white Neapolitan, with a wide array of toppings. Portion sizes range from 300g (small) to an enormous 2.3kg (seijin), with complimentary upgrades available.
The classic Neapolitan dish includes onions, bell peppers, wieners, and garlic. Customers can customize their meals using Tabasco and powder cheese provided at each table, allowing for personalized flavor adjustments.
