Momose is one of those hard-to-find gems that often has a line up – even at lunch (I know, I know, everywhere in Tokyo sounds like this!). The line is definitely warranted though. Momose serves up some of the best tempura that I’ve ever eaten. Like everywhere else we go to with a purported line, I made Mike go early. We arrived early, found the tiny shop down a stairwell and when there was no line, Mike insisted that we visit the nearby shrine. I couldn’t really enjoy it though, I felt antsy about missing out on the first seating. When we went back, the signboard was out but there was still no sign of anyone so we went through the door and luckily, there were two seats for us at the bar. I absolutely love sitting at the bar in tempura joints. It’s where all the action is and you really see the care and preparation that goes into each and every item. Mike and I both had anago baraage-don, tempura salt water eel. It was crispy and delicious, especially with the giant pile of shredded shiso. Lots of people were ordering the tempura set as well as kakiage and tendon. You basically can’t go wrong, especially at lunch, when the cost is a fraction of what it is at dinner.
