Located in a less than 2m wide alleyway in Tsukiji, about 3 min walk from Tsukiji 4-chome crossing, Takeno started its business back in 1940. Counter and two tables on the first floor, 4 tables on the second floor, capacity about 30 persons. Family business, mother, two sons, daughter in law. And not to forget the guy with the white cap who is “collecting” the orders (and having a little nap afterwards): the place has a very unique ordering-system, there are writing pads and pencils on every table, so instead telling your order directly to Mr. Whitecap you write the items on a piece of paper and hand it to him. When you sit on the second floor, there is usually no one attending. Therefore you take the drinks self-service from the fridge (leave the empty bottle on the table for counting). If you want to order food you write it on a piece of paper, attach a laundry peg and throw it into a kind of air shooter which ends up in a basket hanging above the kitchen counter on the first floor. Wow! Another special: the menu displays no prices! Hmm. Food: fish is excellent, well, this is what you would expect at a place located at Tsukiji fish market. Recommendable: 鰈刺身 (karei / flounder sashimi) (700 Yen) and 鰯たたき (iwashi tataki / pounded sardine) (800 Yen). Drinks are standard, the sake comes in an unlabeled bottle....

Prices are not as cheap as you would expect for a place like this. Overall: friendly, messy, fun.

Beer (633ml bottle): 630 Yen