English translation follows Japanese text.

曙橋から靖国通りを新宿に向かってしばらくの間、車ならばほんとうに僅かな時間、歩いても数分なのだが、「新宿区内で、靖国通りという基幹通り沿い」ということを一瞬忘れてしまうような落ち着いた空気が漂う。それは住宅街の静寂とも、小洒落たエリア特有のスノッブな静けさとも違う、何かホッとする空気。「CUCINA AMANO」は、そんなエリアに佇むイタリアンレストランである。

広めの歩道に面した店内は、カウンターとテーブル席合わせて１６席。決して広くはないが、落ち着きのある明るい色調と通りに面した大きめの窓によって、ゆったりとした開放感が感じられる。カウンター越しに見えるキッチンは「シェフ1人では広すぎるのでは？」と思える程のスペース。この広い空間で天野シェフが黙々と働く様は、これから登場する料理への期待感を自然と高めてくれる。

「ちゃんとした料理を食べて頂きたいんです。」と語るとおり、各プレートには、口に入れた際に素材同士が良い意味で刺激を与え合うような丁寧な仕事がされている。そして、いわゆる豪快なイタリアンというイメージではないのだが、前菜からデザートまでどのプレートもボリュームも満点。「凄くおいしいのだけれど、1口、2口で終了。」というもどかしさを感じることなく、それぞれの味わいを満喫することが出来る。

ゲストの時間をじゃますることなく、しかもきっちりと気配り・目配りが行き届いたサービスを担当するのは、シェフの奥様。決して多くを語るわけではない2人の醸し出す空気が、このエリアの空気とぴったりマッチしていて非常に心地良い。「このお店を知っていてよかった。」と心から思える一軒である。

Even in bustling Shinjuku ward along Yasukuni Dori, one of Tokyo’s main thoroughfares, the area between Akebonobashi and Shinjuku, like many of Tokyo’s more interesting neighborhoods, has a surprisingly relaxing atmosphere. This patch of Tokyo is not renowned for a sparkling arcade of shops and fashionable boutiques, and its rather humble offering of restaurants does not attract Tokyo’s dining population in great numbers. It is here that you will find Cucina Amano, one of a few restaurants located in this corner of Tokyo.

This restaurant, with space for only 16 diners including those sitting at the counter adjacent to the kitchen, faces directly onto Yasukuni Dori’s wide sidewalk. The atmosphere inside the restaurant however, is very settled and calm. Although small, you will not feel crowded in the dining room thanks to a large picture window through which you can watch Tokyo stream by outside. In the kitchen, behind the counter seating section, Chef Amano is in full view as he works diligently and with purposeful focus on each dish he prepares. Seeing him thus, a solitary figure preparing the meals for his guests, the kitchen looks almost oversized.

Chef Amano’s philosophy about his creations is simple, and he explains very briefly, “I would like people to eat good solid food”. On each plate he painstakingly puts all of his effort in, ensuring that there are always ingredients and portions which complement each other. This is probably not a restaurant you would go to for a bold Italian feast, but this restaurant is far from stingy. You will not have leave thinking “That great dish was so delicious I could have eaten more.” From appetizers to dessert, this restaurant is true to the Italian tradition of good taste and good volume.

While Chef Amano works busily in the kitchen, Mrs. Amano looks after their dining guests. Just like her husband, she is gracious and attentive, but does not waste effort with fancy airs as she makes sure the guests are well cared for and happy.

Cucina Amano, although not Tokyo’s fanciest dining establishment boasting an international superstar chef, is simply a place you are very happy to be one of the few who know about.