🍜 Renga-tei (煉瓦亭)

Opened in 1895 in the prime location of Ginza, Tokyo, this classic Western-style restaurant is renowned as Japan's first Western cuisine establishment. The menu features iconic Western dishes such as Fried Pork Cutlet (元祖炸豬排), Omurice (蛋包飯), and Japanese Red Wine Beef Stew (元祖日式紅酒牛肉燴飯), showcasing the origins of modern Western cuisine in Japan. This historic restaurant has been beloved by many food enthusiasts, including the notable post-war novelist and historical fiction writer, Shōtarō Ikenami (池波正太郎), who was a regular patron. Many customers visiting the restaurant often order the signature dish, Fried Pork Cutlet (元祖炸豬排), which can be considered the origin of Japanese pork cutlet. The dish features pork with the fatty parts trimmed, resulting in a delightfully crispy exterior that is incredibly satisfying. The pairing with shredded cabbage also originated here. In addition, the restaurant offers a complete array of dishes, including the "Omurice born in the Meiji era," as well as Fried Shrimp (炸蝦) and other Western-style dishes that originated from this establishment. This is a must-visit establishment for anyone strolling through Ginza who wants to sample a piece of culinary history.

Classic Western-style dishes such as Japanese-style red wine beef stew rice are offered at what is known as a Japanese Western-style restaurant. The signature dish is "Ganso Katsu" (元祖炸豬排 - Original Fried Pork Cutlet). Dishes like fried shrimp, which originated from this restaurant, are also recommended.