Feed me at Nomidokoro Indigo

Nomidikoro Indigo isn't another 12-set omakase restaurant that will cost $350 a head. Instead, it's a 12-seat izakaya with normal, everyday prices, but one that is still turning heads. Indeed, I've had to wait patiently and pounce to snap up a booking 12 weeks ahead as soon as reservations opened up.

By all accounts, it looks like it will be worth the wait. I mean, they even have their own Spotify list you can subscribe to!

The double door at Nomidokoro Indigo is purposely left half open, channelling the small bars and eateries found along the narrow alleyways of downtown Tokyo. Walk through the curtains hanging over the entrance and you’ll be greeted with a friendly “Irasshaimase!” (welcome) and handed a warm hot towel – just as you would in Japan.

It’s the fourth venue by the Hatena Group, known for izakaya Nakano Darling, skewer bar Yakitori Yurippi and Japanese standing bar Tachinomi YP. Owners Tin Jung Shea, Mitomo Somehara and Chris Wu have been exacting in their efforts to recreate Japan in their small, intimate bar.

At Indigo, everything is made from scratch, including the dashi (Japanese broth) that forms the basis of many of the dishes, such as dashimaki tamago (rolled omelette) and agedashi tofu. A house-made miso is used to marinate salmon, Wagyu, cream cheese and chicken thigh, which are then grilled. Other highlights include baby clams steamed in sake and school-prawn karaage. I think I'll be happy to try anything.

For our dinner, we let the chef guide us and order a la carte - everything is designed to be shared. And we'll either get individual drinks or share one or two bottles of sake from the beverage list.

(For those new to the group, I am a former wine pro and so tend to choose wine - and in this case, probably some incredible sake - for the table so there's one less thing to worry about.)

Things to note

• Our booking time is 6.15pm for 6.30pm.
• We have 5 seats only - bookings for 6 or more people attract a 10% service charge, and it's a very small space anyway.
• Your booking deposit is $50.00, which secures your booking and will be taken off the bill on the night. It's the same amount I'll be charged if you don't show. The remaining $9.50 goes towards the time and money I spend to keep the group running, admin fees and GST. Please note that Meetup won't refund its admin fee.
• Please make sure you have PayID enabled on your bank account to make it easy to split the bill.
• If you can no longer make it, please give me at least 48 hours notice. That way I can give you a refund and hopefully find someone else who would like to come.
• Check the menu and let me know if you have any food requirements.

I look forward to seeing you there!

-- Caroline.