Editor Pick
Buttu Trick Bar
- January 25, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Nicole-san from Tokyo, Japan
Like the treasure at the end of a weathered map, this place is difficult to find, easy to miss, but worth every penny. Located on the 7th floor of the giant Book 1st in Shibuya, the restaurant is easily lost in the infinite neon chaos that is Shibuya. But venture past the endless rows of books and otaku to the rear set of elevators, and when the doors slide open on the 7th floor, you will feel as if you've stepped inside a genie's lamp.
Although the restaurant is decidedly Thai, the cuisine is heavily Indian and Chinese influenced. The staff is extremely friendly and the atmosphere inside is a sexy, smoky red that invites you to kick back and stay awhile.
There is a 300 yen table charge per person, but the reasonable food and drink prices somewhat offset this cost. The tables and booths are situated around a giant bronze Buddha, illuminated by soft candlelight. Some of the smaller tables feature overstuffed chairs, while the larger tables comfortably seat large groups. Although Buttu Trick attracts a mostly young professionals crowd, I have seen a few well-behaved children with their parents feasting on the Asian fusion cuisine.
Dishes are relatively small, and best ordered in large quantities to be shared and savored. Starters range from 400 to 700 yen and include typical Asian fare such as spring rolls, Indonesian fried rice, Thai chicken peanut salad and Vietnamese pho soup.
Entrees range from 700 to 1200 yen and include curry served with yogurt and a warm, puffed pastry in the Buttu hand brand, a variety of sushi rolls, pad thai noodles and an excellent dessert menu.
The drink menu is a little overpriced but features some exotic choices such as a mango beer, Cuban mojitos, and a variety of mixed drinks. The iced chai tea is also refreshing. Drink prices average around 900, beers around 700.
Buttu Trick Bar is an excellent choice for entertaining expats, first dates, or just a girls' night out. The welcoming decor, outstanding food, and unpretentious service will keep you coming back again and again. Just don't forget to draw yourself a map so you can find it.
From journal Timeless Tokyo