Griken

Set along a shopping street in Higashi-Jujo, Italian restaurant Griken offers honest cooking and wine in an unpretentious atmosphere. Along with table seating, counter seats provide a comfortable vantage point for anyone dropping by on their own.

At lunchtime, the pasta sets make a satisfying draw with their appealing combinations of ingredients. The lineup highlights the natural flavors of each component, spanning clams and mushrooms in tomato sauce, a seafood-rich pescatore, and rich cream-based preparations. Each lunch set is rounded out with a colorful salad, hot soup, and a drink, making for a well-rounded midday meal.

Come evening, the menu shifts toward small plates and warm appetizers that pair naturally with a glass of wine. After starting with a draft Carlsberg, moving on to deeply simmered tomato-braised tripe or richly pungent gorgonzola penne feels indulgent. An assortment of appetizers, ajillo, and pizzas are well suited for sharing among groups, and finding the right wine to accompany each course keeps the conversation flowing.

To finish, an espresso pudding or another dessert with coffee offers a pleasant finale. From a routine lunch to an evening over wine, diners can settle in at whatever pace suits them.