Once upon a time, the Meguro area was a renowned “excursion” destination for common people during the Edo period. This verdant region, known for temple visits and the famous Meguro Fudo, was beloved as a place where history and culture intersected.
In this land where the scent of that history still faintly lingers, there quietly stands a single restaurant—‘CIAORO.’ Just a 4-minute walk from Meguro Station, this basement space, removed from the bustling crowds, is wrapped in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, as if one has wandered into a gap between dimensions.
Meeting Italy’s Story in Meguro’s Underground
‘CIAORO’ is not merely a restaurant. It weaves together Italian food culture, history, and the chef’s passion.
The owner-chef is someone who trained in Italy. The richness of fresh ingredients bathed in Mediterranean sunlight, the fragrant aromas carried by Tuscan winds, the rustic flavors spun by Neapolitan traditions—all of this is condensed in this underground space in Meguro.
Italian cuisine transcends the mere framework of “food” to become culture itself. The bread and wine traditions continuing from ancient Roman times. The artistry of fine dining that blossomed during the Renaissance. The profound philosophy dwelling within simple ingredients. Each plate served at ‘CIAORO’ evokes glimpses of this history.
Lasagna — A Supreme Plate Woven by History and Skill
Once upon a time, in the masterpiece anime “Spaceship Sagittarius” set in space, there appeared Rana, a brave and kind-hearted spaceship pilot. If he were to taste this ‘CIAORO’ lasagna—surely, that one bite would awaken warm memories of home in the heart of this space voyager.
This dish doesn’t end as mere earthly delicacy. Even in the distant future, when space travel becomes routine, this lasagna will undoubtedly continue to shine as an unfading “taste of Earth” remaining in people’s memories. When visiting ‘CIAORO,’ you cannot miss the signature menu item “Lasagna.” This dish allows you to experience the depth of Italian food culture.
The origins of lasagna trace back to ancient Roman times. Named after the ancient Greek word “laganon,” meaning “pot,” this dish has evolved uniquely in various regions of Italy throughout the ages.
‘CIAORO’s lasagna beautifully fuses traditional Italian techniques with modern refinement. The special béchamel sauce combines smoothness with rich depth, while the coarsely ground Bolognese highlights the meat’s umami and texture. The moment it’s brought to you, the aroma of melting cheese tickles your nostrils, stimulating all five senses.
The Blissful Prelude Beginning with Appetizers
The start of lunch is adorned by a colorful appetizer platter. On a single plate, the gentle bitterness of broccoli, the saltiness and rich umami of prosciutto, the light texture of crispy fritto, and the fluffy homemade focaccia—each bite offers different pleasures. This appetizer alone conveys the richness of the dining table.
Pasta’s Feast — A Trio Satisfying the Heart
Among the lunch menu items, shining alongside the lasagna is the abundant pasta selection.
First, the “Mushroom Oil-Based Pasta.” The fragrant garlic and olive oil aromas harmonize with the deep umami of mushrooms, creating a simple yet profound flavor. Personally, I cannot help but feel special attraction to this dish.
And the “Bolognese” is a luxurious plate generously topped with grated cheese. The meat’s umami and rich sauce intertwine, spreading appetite-inducing depth across the palate. Each menu item offers new discoveries with every bite, revealing a calculated balance despite its simplicity.
Quiet Moments After the Meal — The Lingering Essence of Dessert and Coffee
‘CIAORO’s lunch maintains excellence until the very end. The special tiramisu offers an elegant flavor with restrained sweetness. Meanwhile, the panna cotta is also exquisite, with its smooth texture and delicate sweetness seeming to make one forget time itself. The coffee is aromatic, quietly concluding the meal’s lingering flavors.
In that lingering atmosphere, one suddenly realizes time has passed unnoticed. The comfortable moments make you lose yourself so completely that you might be late for your next appointment—such is the magic of luxurious time spent at ‘CIAORO.’
Feeling the Culinary Journey at ‘CIAORO’
Italian history and culture, Meguro’s serene underground space, and the chef’s passion—the place where all these elements converge is ‘CIAORO.’
Dining here is not merely “lunch.” It’s a culinary journey transcending time and space. The act of eating is elevated into an intellectual adventure of discovering culture and tasting history.
Next weekend, why not begin that journey at ‘CIAORO’? In Meguro’s underground, meeting Italian history—such luxurious time surely awaits you.