Il Boccalone in Ebisu is a relaxed Italian trattoria that has been serving Tokyoites hearty Italian cuisine since 1989. With sunny yellow tablecloths, an open wood-burning fireplace, wooden trims and fresco-decorated walls, the restaurant’s charming setting – not to mention the food – draw a loyal crowd of locals.
We recommend starting with the crisp and tender calamari fritti and a plate of freshly sliced prosciutto, then moving onto pasta and mains. The parmesan risotto, ladled from an enormous wheel of cheese shipped from Italy, is a speciality. House-made pasta comes perfectly al dente, whether you choose the Bologna-style tagliatelle or the spaghetti with clams. For a hearty main, you can’t go wrong with the house classic: roast beef with rocket and parmesan and a side of organic vegetables sauteed in butter.