When you’re worn out from gallery-hopping in Ginza, you’ll want to be soothed by a leisurely lunch, won’t you?
This time, I’ll introduce an Italian restaurant you can drop into easily even on your own.
Cantina Siciliana (CANTINA SICILIANA)
The Italian-Sicilian cuisine specialty restaurant “Cantina Siciliana (CANTINA SICILIANA)” is an establishment spread across floors from the 1st to the 3rd in Ginza 6-chome. In the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2018 it earned a Bib Gourmand for the second year running, following 2017 — in other words, a genuinely popular spot.
This time I dropped by on a Saturday at midday, but it’s a restaurant where lunch reservations are also possible.
Solo Diners at the Counter
I hadn’t made a reservation, but since a seat was open I took a spot at the counter. Reservation guests came in frequently, and when they had reservations they were shown to the 2nd floor and so on.
Owing to the nature of counter seating, quite a few customers came in alone — even young women would casually take a seat — offering a glimpse into one facet of Ginza, that grown-up part of town.
Perhaps the staff’s brisk, no-fuss service also puts solo diners at ease. The counter seating, by no means spacious (nor cramped), together with the clean interior, makes for a pleasant space.
Lunch Menu
The cheapest lunch option is set at 1100 yen (tax included), including an appetizer, bread, a main, and coffee.
The mains center on pasta, with certain menu items requiring an additional charge.
Appetizer
The appetizer was an assortment of three: cauliflower, egg, and ham. It arrived plated on a charming little dish.
Bread
The bread was served with olive oil into which salt had been added. Partway through, I was asked whether I’d like a refill. I had one more. It seems refills are free!
Pasta
From the fresh pastas, I chose the “Linguine in cream sauce with Hiroshima oysters and broccoli.” This was a resounding win! With a hint of garlic flavor, it was a deeply satisfying dish. On top of that, it had generous volume, making it quite a good-value option.
I also sprinkled on garlic-infused breadcrumbs to taste.
Coffee
For the final drink, you choose from coffee or black tea (iced or hot). The hot coffee had a strong, robust flavor.
Slot it in before or after your gallery-hopping and you’re sure to come away energized!
Cantina Siciliana （Italian / Ginza Station、Hibiya Station、Yūrakuchō Station）
Lunch overall score★★★☆☆ 3.5
