Gotanda—what comes to mind when you hear this name? Its face as a business district, the entertainment quarter glittering with neon lights at night, or perhaps some might sense the shadow of the phantom inn “Kaiki-kan” that once existed here, made famous in the film “The Land Swindlers.” Yet Gotanda’s charms cannot be fully captured by these images alone. This neighborhood harbors infinite possibilities spreading like a galaxy, where history and culture intersect with the breath of new eras.
In the heart of such Gotanda stands a quietly nestled renowned establishment—“Trattoria Romano.” With over a decade of history in this fiercely competitive lunch district, its presence has transcended the realm of a mere “hidden gem” to become what might rightfully be called a “temple of cuisine.” Today, let us open those doors and embark on a journey to explore the profound world of Gotanda and the allure of exquisite lunch.
At the Crossroads of Gotanda’s History and Culture
Gotanda developed as a transportation hub to Shinagawa-juku from the Edo period, and in modern times it flourished as a commercial district. During the Showa era, it was known as a neighborhood lined with many high-class restaurants and inns, frequented by cultural figures. In recent years, with ongoing redevelopment and the gathering of IT venture companies, it has also gained attention as a business frontier.
Yet even amid such urban bustle, Gotanda maintains a mysterious atmosphere that somehow evokes “nostalgia.” The old taverns quietly nestled in narrow alleys, the Showa-retro coffee shops—from these gaps, one can sense the cultural depth of this neighborhood where old and new intermingle.
And positioned at the heart of this Gotanda culture is “Trattoria Romano,” which we introduce today. This is not merely an Italian restaurant. It’s a special space where Gotanda’s history and modernity seem concentrated on a single plate.
The Enchanting Lunch Time — Savoring Grilled Pork Shoulder Roast
We visited during the early afternoon. Stepping away from Gotanda’s hustle and bustle and descending into the basement of a building, we encounter the doors of “Trattoria Romano.” This is a renowned establishment popular for both lunch and dinner. That day, driven by an irresistible craving for “pork dishes above all else,” we unhesitatingly decided to visit during lunch hours.
The interior, despite being a spacious area accommodating over 100 seats, maintains a homey warmth. Recently implementing QR code ordering systems, it incorporates modern convenience while preserving the relaxed atmosphere of an Italian trattoria.
Now, today’s star dish—“Grilled Pork Shoulder Roast with Grilled Vegetables.”
The moment I took the first bite, I involuntarily gasped at its deliciousness. The fragrant aroma of slowly grilled meat and its moist juiciness spread throughout my mouth. With each bite, the pork’s umami permeated deeply, creating a sensation as if I were tasting the historical layers of Gotanda neighborhood one by one.
The accompanying grilled vegetables are also carefully selected seasonal ingredients, with their sweetness and subtle bitterness achieving an exquisite balance. The compatibility with olive oil is outstanding, and when enjoyed with soft bread, moments arise where you can feel the Italian breeze.
The Essence of “Gotanda” Embodied in a Single Plate
This plate seems to contain meaning beyond mere dining. The fusion of old traditions and new culture that Gotanda possesses—it’s like the exquisite harmony woven between slowly grilled pork shoulder roast and fresh seasonal vegetables.
The lunch menu is also diverse, featuring not only meat dishes but abundant pasta and lasagna options. Each carefully crafted dish is a masterpiece that conveys the chef’s passion and dedication. Next time we visit, we’ll certainly want to thoroughly savor other menu items as well.
Gotanda — Shining Like a Galaxy in a Corner of the Universe
Gotanda is a neighborhood that radiates a uniquely distinct brilliance even within the metropolis of Tokyo. Like a particularly luminous galaxy in the universe, its unique culture and history intersect, continuously generating new energy.
Lunch time at “Trattoria Romano” was a moment to feel the profound charm of such Gotanda. Through the experience of dining, one can sense not only deliciousness but also this neighborhood’s history, culture, and the breath of its future. Places where you can spend such time are not many.
If you have the opportunity to visit Gotanda, please step into this “corner of the galaxy.” There, new discoveries and emotions that will surely satisfy your intellectual curiosity await you.