When visiting Japan, don’t just stick to sushi and ramen—be sure to try traditional Japanese home cooking as well.
Ootoya is a teishoku (set meal) restaurant chain that makes this experience possible. Since its founding in 1958, Ootoya has been serving meals that taste just like something a loving mother would cook at home, earning the trust and love of people all across Japan.
With carefully selected ingredients, in-store preparation, and freshly steamed rice, every dish is filled with the warmth and comfort of home.
In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of Ootoya and its most popular menu items—everything you need to know to enjoy your first visit with confidence.
Contents
What Is Ootoya? – A Place to Experience Japanese Home Cooking
Ootoya’s Commitment to Quality
Nutritious and Well-Balanced Set Meals
Ootoya’s meals are inspired by traditional Japanese home cooking. The “Ichiju Sansai” (one soup and three dishes) style offers a well-balanced and gentle meal for the body. Each element—rice, soup, main dish, and side dishes—plays an essential role, making it ideal for those who want to eat healthily even while traveling.
Freshly steamed white rice and five-grain rice are both popular choices. Ootoya carefully selects rice according to the region, pursuing flavors loved by locals. With attention to visual appeal, taste, texture, and aroma, Ootoya’s rice-centered dining style represents the heart of its philosophy.
Carefully Selected, Safe Ingredients
All dishes at Ootoya are carefully prepared and cooked in-store. Vegetables are washed, dried bonito is shaved, and soup stock is made from scratch on-site. Boiling, grilling, and frying—all steps are done in the kitchen. Unlike fast food, Ootoya is dedicated to serving proper home-style meals made by hand.
For the broth, Ootoya uses premium “Katsuo Honkarebushi” (dried bonito flakes) from Makurazaki, Kagoshima. These are made using traditional methods that take over six months, involving repeated mold aging and sun drying, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor that enhances every dish.
A Deep Commitment to Handmade Cooking
Ootoya remains committed to traditional handmade cooking. For example, fish and meat are grilled slowly over charcoal. Charcoal’s far-infrared rays cook the food more evenly and quickly than gas, sealing in the umami and creating a crisp exterior and juicy interior.
Each dish is cooked after the order is placed, so it may take a little longer—but this ensures the freshest, most delicious experience. Ootoya also sought to break the stereotype that multi-grain rice isn’t tasty. After repeated testing, their original five-grain blend was developed, balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Ootoya’s History
A Long-Established Eatery Founded in 1958
Ootoya began its journey in 1958—the same year Tokyo Tower was completed, marking the dawn of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth. In that pivotal year, a small, casual eatery named “Ootoya Shokudo” opened its doors in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Founder Eiichi Mitsumori had a strong desire: “To provide the taste of Japanese home cooking—delicious, safe, and reasonably priced.” At that time, it was said that one in four Japanese people suffered from undernutrition. To overturn the image of eating out as a luxury, he set bold pricing: every dish cost just 50 yen. Ootoya aimed to be a “second dining table at home.”
The tiny 48-tsubo (about 160 square meters) restaurant welcomed over 1,000 customers per day and became known affectionately as the “50-yen Shokudo.” Gentle and warm, like a homemade meal from mom—this heartfelt approach became the foundation of Ootoya’s identity.
Evolving with the Times
While staying true to its home-cooked roots, Ootoya has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of each era. In the 1990s, the brand refreshed its interior design and menu concept, rebranding as “Ootoya Gohan-Dokoro.” The updated, modern, and calm atmosphere made it easier for younger customers and solo diners—especially women—to visit comfortably.
In 1997, the first franchise location opened in Meguro (Gonnosuke-zaka), accelerating the chain’s national expansion. Today, Ootoya can be found not only in urban centers but also in suburban areas, shopping malls, and train stations, becoming a beloved staple for people of all ages and regions.
Bringing Japanese Home Cooking to the World
Ootoya’s dedication to Japanese home-style meals has now spread far beyond Japan’s borders. As of 2018, Ootoya had expanded to include 3 locations in New York City, 44 in Thailand, 32 in Taiwan, 4 in Hong Kong, 5 in Shanghai, 9 in Indonesia, 3 in Singapore, and 1 in Vietnam (source: Wikipedia).
Overseas, Ootoya is praised as a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Japanese teishoku (set meals). Even abroad, Ootoya maintains its commitment to making dashi, cutting vegetables, and preparing meals in-store—continuing to embody its mission of “bringing Japanese home cooking to dining tables around the world.”
Why Japanese People Love Ootoya
Affordable and Satisfying Set Meals
Ootoya’s set meals are known for being delicious, hearty, and reasonably priced. This balance of value and satisfaction is one of the key reasons why Ootoya has remained a beloved choice among Japanese diners for decades.
In today’s world, where eating out is part of daily life, finding a well-balanced set meal—with rice, a main dish, side dishes, and soup—for around 1,000 yen is quite rare. For those who want to eat healthy and balanced meals even outside the home, Ootoya is a place they can trust.
It may not be luxurious, but every dish is made with care and time. That’s the kind of “just right” quality that keeps customers coming back.
Comfortable for Solo Diners
One of Ootoya’s biggest strengths is its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for solo diners to walk in and enjoy a meal—no matter which location in Japan you visit.
Many locations have counter seating, and the staff are known for their polite, attentive service. These thoughtful touches make Ootoya especially approachable for people who may usually feel uneasy about dining alone.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch during work, enjoying a solo trip, or stopping by for dinner after a business meeting, Ootoya is the kind of place where you can casually drop in—not for a special occasion, but as part of your everyday life. For international travelers, this local, lived-in atmosphere adds an authentic charm beyond the typical tourist experience.
Seasonal Menus Highlight Japan’s Culinary Calendar
Ootoya regularly offers limited-time seasonal dishes that showcase the best ingredients of each season. In spring, you might find bamboo shoots and nanohana (rapeseed greens); in summer, tomatoes and okra; in fall, mushrooms and sweet potatoes; and in winter, root vegetables and hot pots.
One example is the summer special: “Grilled Pike Conger and Summer Vegetables in Ethnic-Style Sweet Vinegar Sauce.” The dish features lightly fried vegetables and grilled hamo (pike conger) dressed in a refreshing sweet-and-spicy sauce accented with lemon and green chili. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and zesty—ideal for Japan’s humid summer climate.
These seasonal creations give customers a reason to return throughout the year. With each visit, you can look forward to discovering what’s new on the menu and savoring Japan’s flavors at their seasonal peak.
Recommended Menu Items for International Visitors
Classic Set Meals
Charcoal-Grilled Atka Mackerel (Shima Hokke)
This dish is a shining example of Japan’s set meal culture. At Ootoya, thick, juicy fillets of Atka mackerel are grilled over charcoal until the skin is crispy and the inside remains tender and moist.
The smoky aroma from the charcoal and the rich umami of the fish make this a favorite, even for international visitors trying grilled fish for the first time. Served with steamed rice, miso soup, and pickles, it’s a complete and well-balanced meal that captures the essence of a traditional Japanese home-cooked dinner.
We recommend savoring each bite slowly with chopsticks—it’s a truly authentic Japanese dining experience.
Fried Chicken and Vegetables in Black Vinegar Sauce
This is another one of Ootoya’s most popular signature dishes. Crispy fried chicken (tatsuta-age style) is paired with colorful sautéed vegetables, then finished with a gently tart, house-made black vinegar sauce.
The mild acidity of the sauce enhances the savoriness of the chicken and the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Visually vibrant and nutritionally balanced, this dish is a hit among health-conscious diners and pairs perfectly with rice.
Though it’s a fried dish, the lightness of the black vinegar makes it refreshing—much like a Japanese-style sweet-and-sour pork. It’s especially well-received by international guests.
Ginger Pork with Grated Fresh Ginger
No list of Japanese comfort foods would be complete without ginger pork. At Ootoya, thick and tender slices of pork shoulder are marinated and cooked in a soy-based sauce made with freshly grated ginger.
The aroma of the sauce rises with the steam, and the spicy-sweet flavor of the ginger awakens the appetite. While the preparation is simple, the quality of the ingredients and careful cooking techniques give it exceptional flavor.
It’s a classic choice for anyone wanting to try a deeply satisfying and thoroughly Japanese meal.
Atmosphere of the Restaurant
A Calm, Japanese-Style Dining Space
Warm Wooden Interior Design
Ootoya’s interior offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, much like a cozy dining room at home. The décor features natural wood tones and a calming aesthetic that instantly puts you at ease—even though you’re dining out.
Large windows let in soft natural light, and gentle lighting fixtures create a relaxing mood. The overall space evokes the feeling of enjoying a comforting “homemade meal” in a traditional Japanese household.
By avoiding flashy decorations and noise, the environment allows diners to fully focus on their food. It’s an ideal retreat for travelers looking to unwind and recharge after a busy day of sightseeing.
Comfortable Layout for Solo Diners
Another appeal of Ootoya is how easy it is to dine alone. The restaurant is designed with solo diners in mind, offering a good balance of counter and table seating.
The layout ensures you can enjoy your meal peacefully without worrying about the gaze of others. This thoughtful design aligns well with today’s lifestyle trends, where eating alone is more common and more accepted.
Even for international visitors who may feel uneasy about dining out solo, Ootoya provides a stress-free space to experience authentic Japanese home cooking. It’s also a perfect spot for those who want to step away from the tourist hustle and enjoy a quiet, satisfying meal.
Access and How to Find a Location
How to Find a Store
Locations in Major Cities Across Japan
Ootoya has over 400 locations throughout Japan, including in major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, as well as many stores in regional cities.
Many of the restaurants are located in train station buildings and shopping centers, making them highly accessible and easy to stop by in between sightseeing or during travel.
For international travelers visiting Japan for business or leisure, Ootoya is a dependable nationwide chain where you can enjoy the same comforting flavors no matter where you go. This reliability has earned it a loyal following among both locals and visitors.
Conveniently Located Near Tourist Destinations
You’ll also find many Ootoya locations near popular sightseeing spots. For example, there are branches in Tokyo’s Asakusa, Ueno, and Shinjuku areas; Kyoto’s Shijo Kawaramachi; Sapporo in Hokkaido; and Osaka’s Namba and Umeda districts—areas frequently visited by both domestic and international tourists.
If you’re unsure what to eat while traveling or craving something familiar after several days of foreign cuisine, Ootoya is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Japanese set meals with ease. It’s also ideal for a peaceful break between sightseeing adventures.
Easy Search with Google Maps
Finding an Ootoya near you is simple with Google Maps. Just type in “Ootoya” or “大戸屋,” and nearby locations will appear instantly. You can check store hours, get directions, and even see how busy the restaurant is—perfect for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
You can also search using the official Ootoya website (https://www.ootoya.com/), where you can enter your location or a specific region to find the closest branch quickly and easily.
Ootoya Menu Overview
Set Meals (Teishoku)
Ginger Pork with Freshly Grated Ginger
A rich and tender pork shoulder grilled with plenty of fresh ginger.
Set Meal: ¥1,230 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,140 (incl. tax)
Ootoya Lunch
A long-loved classic featuring sweet pumpkin croquette and fried chicken.
Set Meal: ¥960 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥870 (incl. tax)
Ootoya Lunch (Extra Portion)
Same great taste with 3 extra pieces of fried chicken.
Set Meal: ¥1,130 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,040 (incl. tax)
Grilled Moromi Chicken
Moromi-marinated chicken grilled slowly over charcoal.
*Some locations use open flame instead of charcoal.
Set Meal: ¥990 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥900 (incl. tax)
Grilled Moromi Chicken (Extra Portion)
Double the flavor with an extra piece of charcoal-grilled moromi chicken.
*Some locations use open flame instead of charcoal.
Set Meal: ¥1,260 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,170 (incl. tax)
Ootoya-Style Chicken Nanban
Served with a hearty handmade tartar sauce packed with ingredients.
Set Meal: ¥1,030 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥940 (incl. tax)
Ootoya-Style Chicken Nanban (Extra Portion)
Homemade tartar sauce packed with ingredients makes the difference.
*One extra piece of chicken included.
Set Meal: ¥1,250 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,160 (incl. tax)
Fried Chicken and Vegetables in Black Vinegar Sauce
Colorful vegetables and crispy fried chicken topped with Ootoya’s special black vinegar sauce.
Set Meal: ¥1,030 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥940 (incl. tax)
Fried Chicken and Vegetables in Black Vinegar Sauce (Extra Portion)
Colorful vegetables and crispy fried chicken topped with Ootoya’s special black vinegar sauce.
*Two extra pieces of chicken included.
Set Meal: ¥1,150 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,060 (incl. tax)
Fried Alaska Pollock and Vegetables in Black Vinegar Sauce
Crispy fried Alaska pollock and colorful vegetables topped with tangy black vinegar sauce.
Set Meal: ¥1,080 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥990 (incl. tax)
Fried Alaska Pollock and Vegetables in Black Vinegar Sauce (Extra Portion)
Crispy fried Alaska pollock and colorful vegetables topped with tangy black vinegar sauce.
*Two extra pieces of pollock included.
Set Meal: ¥1,230 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,140 (incl. tax)
Seasonal Vegetables with Pork and Chicken Meatballs in Black Vinegar Sauce
Juicy pork, chicken meatballs, and vibrant seasonal vegetables in a rich black vinegar sauce.
*Vegetable selection varies by season.
Summer: okra, paprika, bitter melon, young corn.
Set Meal: ¥1,360 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,270 (incl. tax)
Seasonal Vegetables with Pork and Chicken Meatballs in Black Vinegar Sauce (Extra Portion)
Juicy pork and chicken meatballs with colorful seasonal vegetables in a rich black vinegar sauce.
*Ingredients vary by season.
Summer: okra, paprika, bitter melon, young corn.
Includes one extra piece of pork and meatball each.
Set Meal: ¥1,520 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,430 (incl. tax)
Charcoal-Grilled Mackerel and Fried Chicken
A luxurious set featuring flavorful grilled mackerel and juicy fried chicken.
*Some locations use open flame instead of charcoal.
Set Meal: ¥1,230 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,140 (incl. tax)
Chicken Meatballs with Hijiki & Grilled Moromi Chicken
A delicious combo of fragrant charcoal-grilled chicken meatballs and moromi chicken.
*Some locations use open flame instead of charcoal.
Chicken meatballs contain soft bone (cartilage).
Set Meal: ¥1,260 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,170 (incl. tax)
Grilled Atka Mackerel & Moromi Chicken
A hearty and flavorful duo of thick-cut Atka mackerel and grilled moromi chicken.
*Some locations use open flame instead of charcoal.
Set Meal: ¥1,230 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,140 (incl. tax)
Steamed Chicken with Ginger Soy Sauce
Tender and moist chicken thigh served with an addictive ginger and green onion soy sauce.
Set Meal: ¥1,060 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥970 (incl. tax)
Spiced Karaage (Fried Chicken)
Juicy fried chicken seasoned with Ootoya’s special aromatic spice mix.
Set Meal: ¥960 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥870 (incl. tax)
Spiced Karaage (Extra Portion)
Juicy fried chicken seasoned with our original spice blend.
*Includes 3 extra pieces of karaage.
Set Meal: ¥1,150 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,060 (incl. tax)
Demi-Glace Chicken Cutlet
Crispy fried chicken cutlet topped with rich demi-glace sauce.
Set Meal: ¥1,030 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥940 (incl. tax)
Demi-Glace Chicken Cutlet (Extra Portion)
Crispy fried chicken cutlet topped with rich demi-glace sauce.
*Includes 1 extra chicken cutlet.
Set Meal: ¥1,430 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,340 (incl. tax)
Chicken Sukiyaki Rice Bowl with Egg
Richly seasoned chicken sukiyaki made even smoother with egg.
Set Meal: ¥1,190 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,150 (incl. tax)
Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken
Addictive fried chicken glazed with sweet and savory sauce.
Set Meal: ¥990 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥900 (incl. tax)
Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken (Extra Portion)
Addictive fried chicken glazed with sweet and savory sauce.
*Includes 3 extra pieces of karaage.
Set Meal: ¥1,230 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,140 (incl. tax)
Pork Fillet Cutlet
Exquisite tenderness and refined sweetness of premium pork
Set Meal: ¥1,450 (incl. tax)
A la Carte: ¥1,360 (incl. tax)
Pork & Vegetables Stir-Fry with Salt Koji
Light and refined flavor with plenty of vegetables
Set Meal: ¥1,030 (incl. tax)
A la Carte: ¥940 (incl. tax)
Fried Pork Shoulder with Garlic Sesame Sauce
Garlicky aroma and tangy, spicy sauce
Set Meal: ¥1,190 (incl. tax)
A la Carte: ¥1,100 (incl. tax)
Garlic Beef Teppanyaki
Savory garlic beef stir-fried on a hot plate
Set Meal: ¥1,450 (incl. tax)
A la Carte: ¥1,360 (incl. tax)
Stir-Fried Eggplant & Pork with Rich Miso
Deep miso flavor enhances pork and eggplant, topped with shiso
Set Meal: ¥1,080 (incl. tax)
A la Carte: ¥990 (incl. tax)
Spicy Authentic Mapo Tofu
Fiery Sichuan-style mapo tofu with a bold kick
Set Meal: ¥990 (incl. tax)
A la Carte: ¥900 (incl. tax)
Ootoya Bakudan Don
A hearty rice bowl topped with a variety of sticky and slimy ingredients.
Served with high-grade dried bonito flakes.
Set Meal: ¥1,060 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,020 (incl. tax)
Grilled Moromi Chicken Salad Bowl with Shiso Hijiki Rice
Colorful vegetables and aromatic grilled chicken.
*Some stores use direct flame grilling.
*Shiso hijiki rice is not included with the a la carte version.
Set Meal: ¥1,060 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥970 (incl. tax)
Charcoal-Grilled Mackerel
Rich and fatty mackerel grilled over charcoal,
served with freshly grated daikon radish.
*Some stores use direct flame grilling.
Set Meal: ¥1,060 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥970 (incl. tax)
Charcoal-Grilled Atka Mackerel
Thick, juicy Atka mackerel grilled until tender and fluffy.
*Some stores use direct flame grilling.
Set Meal: ¥1,130 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,040 (incl. tax)
Charcoal-Grilled Alfonsino Marinated in Soy Koji
Rich, deep flavor from soy koji marinade, grilled to perfection.
*Some stores use direct flame grilling.
Set Meal: ¥1,290 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,200 (incl. tax)
Fried Mackerel with Moromi Soy Sauce & Leek Dressing
Crispy fried mackerel with rich moromi soy sauce and aromatic vegetables.
Set Meal: ¥1,190 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,100 (incl. tax)
Fried Sardines with Ume Daikon Dashi
Crispy fried sardines served with refreshing plum and grated daikon broth.
*Contains honey. Do not serve to infants under 1 year old.
Set Meal: ¥1,190 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,100 (incl. tax)
Simmered Mackerel in Miso Sauce
Mackerel simmered in rich miso sauce accented with ginger.
Set Meal: ¥1,080 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥990 (incl. tax)
Chicken Katsu Stew (Kaasan-ni)
Beloved since the restaurant’s founding.
Chicken cutlet simmered in special sauce with grated enoki topping.
*Some stores use IH cookers and may not serve in earthen pots.
Set Meal: ¥1,030 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥940 (incl. tax)
Spicy Kimchi Hotpot with Chicken & Tsukune
Tender chicken thigh marinated in shio-koji, served in a rich, spicy hotpot broth.
*Tsukune contains cartilage.
*Some stores use IH cookers and may not serve in earthen pots.
Set Meal: ¥1,290 (incl. tax)
A La Carte: ¥1,200 (incl. tax)
Kid’s Menu
Kids’ Omelet Rice Plate
Classic omelet rice plate with sides, just for kids.
*Available only for elementary school children or younger.
Price: ¥500 (incl. tax)
Kids’ Vegetable Curry
Mild and colorful curry perfect for young children.
*Available only for elementary school children or younger.
Price: ¥470 (incl. tax)
Kids’ Udon & Fried Chicken
Choice of cold or hot udon served with crispy Tatsuta-style fried chicken.
*Available only for elementary school children or younger.
Price: ¥470 (incl. tax)
Desserts
Ootoya Ice Cream – Multigrain Rice & Warabi Mochi
A unique Japanese dessert with multigrain rice ice cream and soft warabi mochi.
Price: ¥360 (incl. tax)
Ootoya Tiramisu with Brown Sugar Syrup & Kinako
A Japanese twist on tiramisu, topped with brown sugar syrup and roasted soybean flour.
Price: ¥390 (incl. tax)
Egg Pudding
Classic custard pudding made with rich eggs for a silky smooth finish.
Price: ¥360 (incl. tax)
Uji Matcha Soy Milk Cheesecake
A creamy soy milk cheesecake with the rich aroma of Uji matcha.
Price: ¥390 (incl. tax)
Matcha Ice Cream with Karinto
Bittersweet matcha ice cream paired with crispy traditional Japanese sweets.
Price: ¥190 (incl. tax)
Milk Ice Cream
Rich and creamy milk-flavored ice cream with a simple, nostalgic taste.
Price: ¥190 (incl. tax)
Chocolate Ice Cream
Smooth chocolate ice cream with a deep cocoa flavor.
Price: ¥190 (incl. tax)
Ootoya: A “Second Home Kitchen” to Warm Your Heart While Traveling
Ootoya is a trusted and beloved teishoku (set meal) restaurant chain that offers warm meals and a calming atmosphere wherever you go in Japan. With freshly steamed rice, carefully prepared miso soup, and seasonal side dishes, each item on the menu reflects a commitment to homemade quality. This attention to detail has earned Ootoya praise not only from Japanese locals but also from international travelers.
Whenever you feel a little tired, or when you crave something comforting, consider stopping by Ootoya. It may just become one of your most memorable meals during your journey.