Hiro

At 洋食工房 ヒロ, a large fried prawn, arranged upright in the middle of a broad plate, is the first thing to catch the eye. It rises above a mound of shredded cabbage and mashed potato, an impressive sight. Bite through the crisp coating and the prawn gives way to a springy texture, with the flesh packed right up to the tail. Lunch comes with steaming corn potage to sip while you wait for the main dish—a small pleasure that captures the appeal of classic Japanese yoshoku, or Western-style cooking.

A choice of fried favourites and hearty meat dishes

Two combinations draw particular attention: the mixed-fry plate and the hamburger steak with fried prawn. On the mixed-fry plate, the fried prawn is served with tartar sauce, the smooth, molten crab-cream croquette with tomato sauce, and the juicy minced-meat cutlet with a rich demi-glace. Each fry has its own sauce. The hamburger steak is thick and fluffy; cut into it and juices spill out, mingling with the deep-flavoured demi-glace to make a satisfying match for rice. Pork ginger, with a sweetish sauce coating a thick piece of meat, is another substantial option.

A few things to know before you go

The compact dining room has around 10 seats across tables and a counter, with a calm atmosphere. On arrival, diners are asked to use the intercom at the entrance. If the restaurant is full, staff may take your contact details and ask you to wait outside until a seat becomes available. Dishes are carefully prepared after you order, so allow plenty of time for your meal. Lunch can be busy, while advance reservations are accepted in the evening. For a more leisurely meal with wine or beer, dinner is worth considering.