Yesterday, the Tokyo location of A16 opened as planned, serving more than 700 people and proving that it’s not just San Franciscans who go nuts for a bowl of locally-sourced tripe (though that’s not actually on the menu, thank you very much Nate Appleman). Located in the Marunouchi district, the restaurant’s concept goes right along with its parent shop in San Francisco, featuring wine from California and Italy and local ingredients wherever possible, as well as an open kitchen. Executive Chef Toyoshima Katsuya trained in Sicily and has worked in Japan, where he will be aided in the new restaurant by sous chef and pizzaiolo Beth Ann Simpkins, who came over from San Francisco. Pizzas still play a big role on the menu, as do some of the signature dishes like tuna conserva with roasted peppers, chilies and anchovy, in this case made with Japanese Shishito peppers. Take a look at some photos from the opening below, and if you happen to be in Tokyo, swing by and let us know how you found it.
Pizza making at A16 Tokyo.Courtesy A16
The A16 Tokyo opening staff.Courtesy A16