by Aude Camus
Open since 1995, its fair to say that Tokio Joe is not only an institution but an oddity on a local dining scene where restaurants open and close in the blink of an eye. The problem with institutions is that they sometimes tend to get dusty. As one of the city’s longest-running omakase restaurants, Tokio Joe could have easily become that “oh yes, I know the place, last time I was there was five years ago” kind of place. But with revamped menus and a brand new look , the freewheeling restaurant proves that it can stand the test of time without aging a bit.
Interior Design
Open since 1995, its fair to say that Tokio Joe is not only an institution but an oddity on a local dining scene where restaurants open and close in the blink of an eye. The problem with institutions is that they sometimes tend to get dusty. As one of the city’s longest-running omakase restaurants, Tokio Joe could have easily become that “oh yes, I know the place, last time I was there was five years ago” kind of place. But with revamped menus and a brand new look , the freewheeling restaurant proves that it can stand the test of time without aging a bit.
Interior Design
The original inspiration for the restaurant was Ken Eto, also known as Tokyo Joe, a Japanese-American mobster who ran gambling operations for a crime syndicate known as the Chicago Outfit. For the restaurant’s revamp, the team looked even further into this bold historical character to recreate the look, and feel, of a 1950s/1960s Japanese gaming den. Cue dark woods, retro antiques, retro black and white Japanese photographs, 1960s speakers, vinyl records of Western jazz and blues artists that were popular in Tokyo back in the days, vintage sake glasses and a working vintage Pachinko machine.
Watch the new bar space right next to the entrance. Rumour has it that once COVID restrictions further ease, you can hang out there and gamble for drinks while waiting for your table.
Drinks
Watch the new bar space right next to the entrance. Rumour has it that once COVID restrictions further ease, you can hang out there and gamble for drinks while waiting for your table.
Drinks
With the inspiration behind the restaurant being a Japanese mobster, you won’t be surprise to hear Sake is the drink of choice at Tokio Joe. With so many different types of sake available out there, the restaurant has decided to focus on three major types: Daiginjo, a super-premium sake often regarded as the best of the best, premium sake Ginjo and pure rice sake Junmai. Kanpai!
Not in the mood for sake but feeling like joining the party? Fear not, you can always opt for a Highball, a beer, a Japanese whisky or a glass of wine.
Food
Not in the mood for sake but feeling like joining the party? Fear not, you can always opt for a Highball, a beer, a Japanese whisky or a glass of wine.
Food
If Omakase often tends to be a rather formal experience, the team at Tokio Joe thinks dining doesn’t always have to be serious. Expect cheeky vibes and intriguing flavours. At lunch time, the Omakase experience is priced at HKD 800 and for dinner you can opt for the Kiku Omakase (HKD 1,100) or the Matsu Omakase (HKD 1,400).
Not willing to leave it up to the chef today? A la carte options are also available.
Not willing to leave it up to the chef today? A la carte options are also available.
Dishes we love from the a la carte menu:
The Spicy Toro Tartar (HKD 320).
The Kelp-Grilled Chilean Sea Bass (HKD 280)
The Spicy Toro Tartar (HKD 320).
The Kelp-Grilled Chilean Sea Bass (HKD 280)
This write-up is based on a media dinner hosted by Tokio Joe. No money has been paid for this article which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.
