Himonoya: Lunch place for salaryman

Bento or eat out?

Do you have any go-to lunch place? Maybe you prefer bringing some food from home or getting some at a market & eating at a nearest park from your workplace. 

Here in Japan, eating lunch at a park isn't so common (maybe because of our climate). Some bring bento (boxed lunch) almost everyday and others eat out frequently exploring cheap eating places.

Lunch menu offered by Izakaya

What I'm gonna introduce you today is that kind of place, I mean, the go-to place for lots of office workers across Tokyo. The name of this chain restaurant is Himonoya, where a variety of fish & seafood menus are available at reasonable prices. 

Presumably, their main target is still drinkers visiting them after work to enjoy fresh fish with their favorite sake. (Technically, they should be categorize as Izakaya) However, an increasing number of izakaya has come to offer their lunch service in the last 5 years or so. This used to be unusual in the industry but now they can't make enough profit only with night operation. 

Himonoya Equation

Their typical location is underground of a mid-scale building. The rent for such an harder-to-recognize location could be less expensive than upper floors. But interestingly, this going underground seeing a very Japanese pattern above makes you feel a bit thrilled.

I've eaten at their different locations, but this nuanced lighting & wooden interior seem to be common among them. No complaint, of course. 

This is how we have cooked fish!

This is their lunch menu (at Shibuya Tokyu location) Obviously, grilled fish is what they are proud of, but Grilled Pork Rib Set (￥790) & Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Set (￥740) are also on their list.

Needless to say, I by myself picked fish one & ordered Grilled Mackerel Set (￥790) It consists of main, rice, miso-soup, pickles, small salad, tofu & natto (fermented soybeans)

Look at this fatty, appetizing pieces! You can find soy sauce on a table, but I didn't have to use it. It was flaky and flavorful. 

If you're looking for super fresh sushi or sashimi, this isn't a palce to go. But if you want to experience a typical & ordinary Japanese meal reasonably, this restaurant should be highly ranked.

Thanks for reading.

Posted by 3e-Tokyo

Himonoya Shibuya Tokyu mae:

official website (japanese only)

unofficial to refer (menu pics)

open: 24 hours

5-7 mins walk from Shibuya station