The new venue, to be called Lina Stores Omotesando, will open in the Shibuya ward of the city with a small plate restaurant and adjoining delicatessen for eat-in and take-away.
It will have an open-theatre kitchen and dedicated pasta room with pasta prepared every day using the same recipes that Lina Stores has followed for more than 70 years. The adjoining delicatessen will sell a range of cured meats, cheeses, fresh pasta, panini, desserts and coffee to eat in or take away.
Lina Stores Omotesando will be led by the Soho team, with head chef Masha Rener at the helm. Dishes on the launch menu will include a number of London favourites, such as crab and scallop rondini with prawn and confit cherry tomato; and 30-egg yolk tagliolini with black truffle as well as a number exclusive to Japan. Cured meats, cheeses, antipasti, desserts, Italian wines and aperitivi will also be available.
The 90-cover venue will be inspired by the original design of the original Brewer Street delicatessen, which opened in 1944 and will feature the signature pistachio-green interiors with bespoke banquette seating, vintage 1950s counters and white marble flooring.
“I have enormous respect for Japanese cooking and culture, in particular their mastery at extracting unique flavours through craft and dedication. Handmade pasta requires similar focus and both traditions rely on the use of seasonal artisanal produce to achieve the best plate of food,” says Rener.
“We chose the Omotesando neighbourhood in Tokyo because it’s a hive of creative energy, with both locals and internationals drawn there through accessible transport links and a wealth of art, fashion and lifestyle experiences close by. I look forward to making Lina Stores part of a vibrant international community.”
Lina Stores operates two restaurants in the capital, on Greek Street in Soho and in King’s Cross.