Tokyo is full of famous restaurants that chase the spotlight, but Owariya in Asakusa doesn’t bother. It’s quiet, understated, and has been around long enough that it doesn’t need to prove anything. Step inside, and you’ll mostly see locals who clearly know they’re in the right place for soba and tempura that never disappoints.
Owariya is first and foremost a soba shop, and you’ll find both hot and cold soba served in different styles. Their standout is the Tempura Soba, topped with two giant tiger prawns that practically spill out of the bowl. If you’d rather have rice, the Tendon Set (jumbo tempura over rice, served with soup and pickles) is another popular favorite.
When I walked in from the Asakusa’s Kaminarimon Dori, the vibe flipped instantly. Outside it’s noise and tourists, but inside it’s calm and traditional. The staff moved smoothly from table to table, and the room had that steady murmur of locals who’ve been there for like a hundred times before. One of the wait staff immediately served tea at my table before I even picked up their menu – but actually I already had my eyes on one dish before I event went.
I came for their Tendon Set Meal (¥2,000) and it was so good, I made the right choice. The two jumbo tiger prawns were just so massive and heavy, the bowl couldn’t even. The tempura was lightly battered and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, sitting on a heap of rice that soaked up just enough of that tendon sauce without getting soggy. The set came with clear soup and a small dish of pickles (tsukemono), both perfect counterpoints to the richness of the tempura. Every bite worked: rich, fresh, and balanced by the little extras on the side, making it a very filling meal.
They actually have two Owariya locations in Asakusa. The main shop sits at 1Chome -7-1 Asakusa, while the branch (this is where I went) is located very near Kaminarimon at 1 Chome-1-3 Asakusa and it’s closer to Asakusa Station. Both serve the same comforting bowls of soba and hearty tendon, and both keep nearly identical hours: 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The only catch is their closing days – Fridays for the main shop and Wednesdays for the branch – so double-check before you head over. And oh, they have a “Cash only” sign at the door, so make sure you bring some.
