One of the most common questions I get from guests at Ramen Cooking Tokyo is: “Where should we go for dinner tonight? Can you recommend a good local izakaya?”
After years of exploring Tokyo’s dining scene, I’m finally ready to share my absolute top pick—a place so special that I’ve kept it as my secret recommendation for our guests: Mahou no Enogu (まほうのえのぐ).
Why Mahou no Enogu Is My Number One Recommendation
This isn’t your typical tourist-friendly izakaya with English menus and pictures of every dish. Mahou no Enogu is where Japanese celebrities and locals quietly gather for exceptional food in an intimate, authentic atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a genuine local izakaya experience—the kind of place that has almost no tourists and serves food that will make you understand why Japanese cuisine is so revered—this is it.
The Story Behind the Name
The owner, Rocky, is originally from Kyoto. When he first came to Tokyo, he was a musician playing in a band. “Mahou no Enogu” (Magic Paint) was the name of one of his songs—and when he opened his izakaya, he chose this name to honor his artistic roots and the passion he brought with him when he moved to Tokyo.
That creative spirit shows in everything he does, from the hand-painted murals on the walls to the carefully crafted dishes that come out of his kitchen.
Rocky and I have become good friends over the years. If you mention that Johnny from Ramen Cooking Tokyo sent you, he’ll take great care of you.
What I Ordered: A Complete Dinner Guide
Let me walk you through my recent dinner at Mahou no Enogu, in the exact order I ate it. For visitors unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine, I’ll explain each dish so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Frozen Mug Asahi Super Dry
Start here. The beer mugs at Mahou no Enogu are kept in the freezer until they’re frosted with ice crystals. When they pour Asahi Super Dry into that frozen glass, the beer becomes so crisp and refreshing that it’s almost a religious experience.
If you love Japanese beer, this is how you should start your meal. There’s nothing quite like that first sip of ice-cold beer in a frozen mug after a long day of exploring Tokyo.
2. Buri no Goma Shoyu-zuke (Yellowtail in Sesame Soy Marinade)
What it is: Fresh yellowtail (buri) from Ise, sliced sashimi-style and marinated in a rich sesame and soy sauce mixture.
Why it’s amazing: The fish practically melts on your tongue. The sesame adds a nutty depth that complements the natural fattiness of the yellowtail. This is a perfect izakaya starter—light enough to whet your appetite but flavorful enough to pair beautifully with that frozen beer.
3. Seseri no Negi Shio-yaki (Chicken Neck with Green Onion and Salt)
What it is: Seseri is the neck meat of the chicken—a cut that’s incredibly tender and juicy because it’s one of the most exercised muscles on the bird. It’s grilled simply with salt and topped with fresh green onions.
Why it’s amazing: If you’ve only ever had chicken breast or thigh, seseri will be a revelation. It has an almost bouncy texture and is packed with umami. The simple salt seasoning lets the quality of the meat shine through.
4. Madara no Shirako Konbu-yaki (Cod Milt Grilled on Kelp)
What it is: Shirako is the milt (sperm sac) of cod—a winter delicacy in Japan that’s creamy, delicate, and absolutely luxurious. Here it’s grilled on a piece of kelp (kombu), which adds a subtle umami and slight smokiness.
Why it’s amazing: I know shirako sounds adventurous, but trust me on this one. The texture is like the most delicate custard, and the flavor is clean and oceanic. If you’re looking for a true Japanese delicacy that most tourists never try, this is it.
5. Okura no Nikumaki (Pork-Wrapped Okra)
What it is: Fresh okra wrapped in thin slices of pork and grilled until the meat is slightly caramelized.
Why it’s amazing: The okra stays slightly crunchy inside while the pork adds richness and savory depth. It’s a perfect example of how Japanese cooking transforms simple vegetables into something extraordinary.
6. Mentaiko Dashimaki (Spicy Cod Roe Omelette)
What it is: Dashimaki tamago is a traditional Japanese rolled omelette made with dashi stock, which makes it incredibly fluffy and slightly sweet. This version has mentaiko (spicy marinated cod roe) folded inside.
Why it’s amazing: The contrast between the soft, pillowy egg and the briny, spicy pop of the mentaiko is perfection. This is comfort food elevated to art.
7. Mahou no Motsu-nabe (Offal Hot Pot)
What it is: A bubbling hot pot filled with beef and pork offal (intestines), cabbage, garlic, chili, and a rich miso or soy-based broth.
Why it’s amazing: Motsu-nabe is one of Japan’s great comfort foods, especially in winter. The offal becomes incredibly tender and takes on all the flavors of the broth. It’s rich, warming, and deeply satisfying.
8. Nikusui-nabe (Beef Soup Hot Pot)
What it is: Nikusui is a specialty from Osaka—a light, clear dashi broth with tender slices of beef and usually some green onions and tofu. Think of it as a deconstructed udon soup without the noodles.
Why it’s amazing: After the rich motsu-nabe, the nikusui feels almost cleansing. The broth is delicate but deeply flavorful, and the beef is cooked just until tender.
My confession: You really only need one of these hot pots to finish your meal, but I love both so much that I ordered both. No regrets.
Practical Information
Mahou no Enogu is a small, intimate izakaya, so I recommend making a reservation if possible—especially on weekends.
Pro tip: When you arrive, tell them “Johnny from Ramen Cooking Tokyo sent me” (ラーメンクッキング東京のジョニーに紹介されました). Rocky will know exactly who you mean, and he’ll make sure you have an incredible experience.
The Perfect Tokyo Evening
Here’s my recommended plan for guests visiting Ramen Cooking Tokyo:
- Morning or Afternoon: Join us for a hands-on ramen and sushi cooking class
- Evening: Head to Mahou no Enogu for an authentic izakaya dinner
This combination gives you the best of both worlds—learning to make Japanese cuisine yourself, then experiencing how the masters do it at a local izakaya.
Final Thoughts
Mahou no Enogu represents everything I love about Tokyo’s dining scene: a passionate owner with a story, exceptional quality ingredients, creative but respectful preparation, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special.
This isn’t a place you’ll find on most tourist guides. It’s a place where Japanese celebrities come to eat without being bothered, where locals return week after week, and where the food speaks for itself.
If you’re looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path izakaya experience during your Tokyo visit, this is my number one recommendation.
Have questions about visiting Mahou no Enogu or want more local recommendations? Join us at Ramen Cooking Tokyo—I love sharing my favorite Tokyo spots with our guests!