Since its inception in July 2019, Ichi has been creating chatter within my fellow Japanese community in Berlin. I finally made it to the cozy restaurant on the Mitte/Prenzlauer Berg border, and it did not disappoint. As you enter, you are asked to take your shoes off – something that may startle you at first but is quite familiar in Japan. You will notice the horigotatsu-style seating, with a low table and a recessed floor beneath it so you can stretch out your legs . Here you quickly feel at home, and the non-pretentious and authentic Japanese dishes are served in beautiful omakase-style. During our visit we had the crispy fried chicken nanban, dressed in sweet and sour sauce – a specialty of the Miyazaki region where the owner-chef Shunichi Nagamine hails from. Together with his lovely wife Ikue, he hopes to promote more local specialties like shochu and wine from his hometown at this perfect little joint they created together. Ichi offers a true Japanese experience in the heart of Berlin. (Text: Rei Matsuoka / Photos: Sven Hausherr)
Ichi, Straßburger Str.60, 10405 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Wed 18–22h, Thu–Mo 12–15h & 18–22h
@ichi.eins.berlin
