TOKYO: Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima ( 1 Michelin Star )

So I've already said that I'm a brand/michelin chaser. So how could I ever pass on the chance to eat at  the cheapes/most affordable Michelin restaurant in Tokyo?! I WILL HUNT IT DOWN EVEN IF IT REQUIRES ME TO WALK HALF A DAY! 

Well, I suppose their Michelin star was probably awarded for their dinner set, but hey, a michelin restaurant is still a Michelin restaurant :D

Located in Shinjuku, it's inconveniently located sorta underground one of a nondescript building. I had so much difficulty finding it because apple maps was just making me walk round and round and round. Well, thanks apple maps, because of the walking, I found out where Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku branch was located. Lol, not really a challenge since unless youre blind, you wouldn't miss that huge line extended out to the pavement. 

After what was around a half an hour intense search, I FINALLY REACHED. 

They open at 11.30am, so please reach 15minutes early or on time if you don't want to be waiting for long. I reached at 11.45am (BECAUSE I WAS LOST urgh) and there were about 10 people in front of me. 

4 set lunches. 800 yean EACH, except for 1 that is 900yen.

Each set comes with your choice of how you want sardine to be cooked, rice and tsukemono (picked veg), miso soup and hot green tea. Quick tip, it seems like most foreigners do not know this (because can't read japanese, duh) but you're able to order the sardine as an ala carte as well.

I had to try ALL the 4 different ways of cooking the sardine. So I opted for 2 sets and 2 ala carte. 

The couple beside me looked on surprised. The elderly service staff must have thought I was mad " 2 SETS?! "  They didn't think a small petite asian like me could stomach everything. But as my colleague once said " I thought she was gonna eat the whole restaurant down" 

crumbed and fried

Simmered in soy sauce daishi

Sashimi tossed in sesame

egg in sizzling hot pot

Very very satisfied with this meal. My favourite is the simmered Sardine.
I've recommended this restaurant multiple times to all my friends and those who've tried it were all very impressed.
I definitely think this restaurant is first grade and a MUST GO!

Will come back for their dinner in a few months time when I'm in Tokyo :D

Nakajima

B1 Nichihara Building, 3-32-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

T: +81 333564534 (reservations for lunch not allowed) 
Closed on sundays and public holidays.