West Gate Iron Plate

Getting to West Gate Iron Plate is almost a little expedition in itself. The restaurant is in a basement in Ginza, and there are no clear signs showing you where to go. The entrance is also a bit hidden, so it feels more like tracking down a secret spot than going to an ordinary restaurant. It's well worth the effort, because once you've found your way down, a really nice little place awaits. West Gate Iron Plate is a small restaurant in the basement level in Ginza, Tokyo. The name says most of it: the iron griddle is front and center here, a large teppan where the food is cooked right in front of the guests. Okonomiyaki is what you come here for, the hearty Japanese savory pancake cooked on the griddle, but the menu has other things too, like dumplings. The format is small and intimate, with the chef in the middle of the room, and that makes the place feel more like a personal neighborhood joint than a restaurant in Ginza. The okonomiyaki was really good, and it's hard to imagine a better way to eat it than freshly made, straight off the griddle in front of you. The dumplings I tried delivered too, so it wasn't just the main dish that kept up the standard. You can tell the kitchen knows its dishes, and being able to follow the whole cooking process up close makes you appreciate the food even more. The chef is a big part of the experience. He was very friendly and cooks the food on the griddle right in front of you, which makes the visit both personal and fun. It feels completely different from when food is simply carried out from a kitchen you never see, more like being a guest at someone's home than sitting in a restaurant. Together with the slightly hidden basement setting, it gives the place a relaxed and charming atmosphere. West Gate Iron Plate is a lovely little find in Tokyo and a place I happily recommend to anyone who wants to eat okonomiyaki in a personal setting in the middle of Ginza. My tip is to save the address in your map app before you go and expect to look around a bit for the entrance. There are no clear signs, so don't give up too early. The reward is good food cooked in front of you by a chef who truly gives of himself.