In 2006, Forbes.com listed Aragawa as one of the most expensive restaurants in the world. It probably still is. So naturally I was excited to try this restaurant and see what all the hype was about.

The high cost of the meal definitely doesn’t show in the decor. I found the interior of the small restaurant with about 5 tables to be rather outdated, but some might call it vintage. Wooden walls and ceilings, classic wallpaper and red velvet chairs dominate the scene.

Our enquiry to bring our own bottle of wine was declined by the restaurant, yet when we asked for some wine that we wanted, they were out of stock. Twice. They had our third choice.

Our first course was some beluga caviar with some crispy toast and celery on the side.

Then came the home-made smoked salmon which was exquisite, unlike any smoked salmon I’ve tasted before.

Then came some fresh asparagus. Good, but nothing too special.

And of course the star of the show, the reason for our visit and for the steep prizes was the beef. Aragawa has an affiliation with its own special farm that provides what they call Sanda-gyu (meat from Sanda).

The beef was juicy and delicious, and it came with some baked potatoes, a few carrots and some peas. You could dip the meat in some mustard if you wanted to but it tasted perfect just plain.

To tell you the truth, it is not uncommon for a good meal to cost an arm and a leg in Japan. However in my opinion, Aragawa wasn’t worth the price tag. The food was good, service was just alright, the beef delicious but I could not find a reason for the high price tag. I’ve tasted better for much less. Well, at least I can say I’ve been.

Price : $$$$$

ARAGAWA

3-23-11 Onarimon Odakyu Building 1st floor

Nishi-shimbashi, Minato-ku Tokyo

Tel 03-3438-1867