Katsuretsu Yotsuya Takeda is one of our favorite restaurants in Tokyo, so when deciding where to go for my birthday lunch, this was an easy choice.

The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM, so we planned to arrive a bit early to ensure we were among the first in line. Since it was a weekday, we assumed there wouldn’t be too many people. We arrived at 10:50 AM—only to find a long line already formed. We were probably around 40th in line.

It took two hours before we were finally seated at 12:50 PM. We ordered their winter specialty, the butter-seared oysters, and with just one bite, we knew the wait had been worth it. It was the perfect choice for a birthday meal.

Having lived in Yotsuya, we used to frequent this place often, but it seems even more popular now. Most of the people waiting were Japanese, though we overheard a couple of foreign visitors. It’s only a matter of time before this spot becomes a must-visit on every Tokyo foodie’s list.

The butter-seared oysters are their most famous dish, but they’re only available in winter—which is why we tend to visit during that season. They also serve pork cutlets, as well as other dishes featuring chicken, salmon, and more.

We finished our lunch in about 20 minutes, mindful of the many people still waiting outside. Afterward, we walked about two kilometers along Shinjuku-dori to Shinjuku, where we spent the rest of the afternoon.

A great meal, a nice walk, and a relaxed afternoon—just the kind of birthday celebration I enjoy most.