Chaopino

Just a short walk from Hamadayama Station on the Inokashira Line, Chaopino sits at the foot of a basement staircase, offering a quiet setting for unhurried Italian cooking. The layout pairs counter seating in front of the kitchen with tables set further back, creating an easy atmosphere for dining solo without feeling rushed.

The restaurant's enduring appeal rests on its pasta, which has drawn loyal patrons over many years. Longstanding staples include an aubergine tomato sauce pasta, an umami-rich squid-ink nero, and prawns coated in cream sauce, each focused on letting core ingredients lead the dish.

Midday diners lean toward the lunch sets, which include a side salad and a drink. A simple tossed pasta of shiitake mushrooms and bacon, seasoned lightly with salt, reflects this straightforward approach to flavour. At the end of the meal, coffee or tea is served in pre-warmed cups, showing a quiet attention to detail right through the final sip.

An evening menu is also on hand, accompanied by a selection of wine and beer.