Bewitched by Incanto!

Incanto has been open 8 months just up from Tengenji crossing, and was recently featured in the Japanese foodie rag "Danchu". I have previously introduced you to my redoubtable Assistant, who is a dyed-in-the-wool fan of this magazine (to the extent of photocopying articles for future reference) and one of the best restaurant "snouts" I have met in Tokyo. It was at her urging I ventured off to Incanto with The Expat, desirous of some witty conversation and a sympathetic ear.

The web site suggests Incanto is all about "wine with a face you can see, and a story to tell". Oh yes... yes, indeed. This restaurant is truly fun and focused at the same time. Incanto - as I'm sure you know, Gentle Reader - is Italian for 'bewitched', and Owner-Sommelier (now there's a blessed combination!) Takeishi-san joined forces with Chef Koike to start this live guide to interesting food.

Incanto has a pan-Italian menu, but concentrates on what it does well to provide a very pleasant dining experience at a very reasonable price. The bread was deeply impressive and satisfying, and was replaced with alacrity whenever we gobbled it down。

Takeishi-san was a very generous and abiding host, taking the trouble to point out to me that the San Gimignano white that I had ordered was blown, and to offer a suitable replacement. We feasted on all manner of regional favorites, and The Expat deigned to pronounce one of his choices possibly the best salmon he had ever eaten. Big words of praise from an upstate Washington State boy, and thoroughly deserved. My Gnocchi was superb, and I will be returning to Incanto with a check-list in hand to test Koike-san across the other items on the menu.

My dear friend Prince Brian of Thornapple would thoroughly enjoy this place - the Dolce menu features both Affogato and Creme Brulee, and would delight both him and the lovely Mrs Smith at every bite.

Take friends and lovers to Incanto, and enjoy the delightful ambiance and outstanding service.

Rating: Food: 8/10; Wine: ７/10; Ambiance: 8/10; Service: 8/10; Price ($$): 7/10. Total: 38/50
Incanto [Japanese only] : 2nd Floor, 4-12-2 Minami-Azabu, Minato Ward, 03-3473-0567