Unaju lunch in Tokyo?
 

Has anyone been to either Yamanochaya (山の茶屋) or Obana (尾花) in Tokyo -- preferably both for comparison?

I'm just putting the finishing touches on our itinerary and I'm trying to decide between these two 'Old Tokyo' institutions. Decision will be based on the unaju course as we aren't big on shirayaki or grilled innards. We've narrowed it down to these two restaurants based on feedback, ratings, and mostly their time-warp historic settings. I'd love to get some more feedback to determine which would be the better choice for lunch.

Thanks!

Good choice of food to try out in Tokyo!

I haven't been to either, but I checked out the reviews on tabelog (the most reliable place for restaurant reviews in Japan).

Obana looks like the obviously better choice. Its rating is significantly higher, plus it's cheaper. Yamanochaya looks very formal and might not be as comfortable an experience for you (and you'd have to make a reservation). If you go to Obana, it might be better to show up right at the opening, at 11:30am, as they do not take reservations.

Thanks, I've done the research as well but I wonder how much of Obana's rating and hype has to do with its Michelin star.

The one downside (apart from the queues) is that it's pretty out of the way in Arakawa, which could either be a hassle and inconvenience or an interesting trip to the 'burbs, depending on our plans... I wonder if it might also be a nice place to see sakura in bloom.

Thanks, I'm convinced! :p

Who knows when we'll be in Japan again after this trip...I'm adding it to our itinerary!

Are the temples and parks in the area worth exploring?

ISTR that at one point the New York Grill was Tokyo's best restaurant, according to Zagat.

It's true there is always hype surrounding michelin stars...but a starred restaurant will definitely have good food!

I can recommend walking around the area west of Nippori Station. There's Tennoji temple, Yanaka cemetary, and some rows of traditional shops. There's also sakura trees there. Nice area to walk around and explore. Nippori Station isn't too far from the restaurant.

Obana has peaked and here's why ...
[Sorry for the inside joke]

My experience extracting ratings and guidance information from Japanese foodies is that they are not beholden to Michelin at all. e.g. Tsuta is ranked very well, but not the best in the nation or city, by the locals.