01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Scanning the blackboard and paper menus at Cuore Azzurro feels like opening an invitation to curate your own dinner. Rather than locking diners into a set tasting menu, this Italian dining room along a calm street in Nakameguro lets guests assemble a meal entirely à la carte, drawing from an evolving repertoire of more than 50 dishes shaped by market availability.
Signature Starters to Open the Table
Many diners begin with the house specialty: a salt-crusted roasted onion filled with savory stuffing. Slowly cooked until mellow and meltingly tender, its natural sweetness pairs seamlessly with wine. The antipasti list features plenty of other warm choices as well, from the aromatic richness of the mushroom "bomb" topped with black truffle to a delicate, airy porcini soufflé cloaked in cheese sauce.
Handmade Pastas and Thoughtful Sauces
A central draw here is the lineup of fresh pastas, each shape and dough composition chosen to flatter its sauce. Ear-shaped orecchiette catch bits of tender braised broccoli and savory salsiccia; thick strands of pici tangle with rich tripe simmered in tomato sauce; and squid ink tagliolini is paired with oysters and salty shavings of bottarga. Regional curiosities also make appearances, such as bazanaiacoi—potato-based pappardelle served with a robust wild boar ragù.
Mains and Wine Pairings
The second courses lean into bold, hearty meats. Charcoal-grilled Kuroge Wagyu beef arrives with an appetizing smoky char, alongside crisp lamb loin cutlets and roasts of wild game such as Yezo sika deer or duck. An extensive cellar of Italian wines by the glass and bottle invites easy conversation with the staff about complementary pairings. Desserts such as tiramisu and cantucci, alongside espresso and digestifs, offer a lingering close to the meal.
With both counter seating and tables, the restaurant accommodates solo dining as comfortably as shared dinners with companions. Evenings often fill up quickly, making advance reservations well worth securing.
