Viento

If on a mild evening one was looking for the fresh food and sultry atmosphere of the Mediterranean, chef Kosuke Shinobu’s Viento would be the destination. Sitting in this breezy corner establishment, with its sliding doors pushed aside to let in the warm summer air, feels not unlike being in Barcelona. Hand-painted Spanish tiles, upholstered weathered chairs and colourful glass lamps evoke the relaxed ambiance of the Mediterranean coast.

The heart of the venue is the enormous bar, behind which cocktails are expertly shaken and chef Shinobu performs his culinary magic. Shinobu prepares all food from his broadly Mediterranean menu on a large grill in full view of guests. His tapas, range of pastas and mains are bursting with flavour, and are graced with the freshness that makes food from that region so good. Go for the ¥300 pizza, which is great for a light meal and may well be the best value item on the menu. Eat on stools watching Shinobu cook or on one of the tables a touch away from the action.

Even as winter draws closer, never fear, this little beauty has the cosy factor covered. Friday is roast night; a rotating menu of pork, beef, lamb and turkey with mashed potatoes, winter vegetables and gravy. With this hearty fare, Friday’s live musical acts, and Shinobu’s warm hospitality, you’re guaranteed to stay roasty-toasty.

[box]Where: 1F, 1-12-11 Higashi-shinsaibashi
Tel: 06-6121-7887
Hours: 7pm – 5am[/box]