Ramen Elevated by Two Decades of Craft
Published: July 24, 2025
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“3rd Generation ZENPEI” is run by a chef who trained for over 20 years at a famous high-end Japanese restaurant.
The highlight of “3rd Generation ZENPEI” is its ramen, crafted with only the finest, carefully selected ingredients.
Orders are placed through a vending machine at the entrance, making the process smooth and efficient. It’s a convenient setup that lets the chef focus entirely on delivering top-quality bowls to each guest!
The interior is clean and features a stylish, ambient atmosphere that creates a welcoming and refined space.
I was truly charmed by the overall vibe, and the gentle jazz music playing in the background enhanced the experience, making the act of enjoying ramen feel premium.
The “Special Tilefish Ramen” made with premium natural tilefish, and the fresh “Bluefin Tuna Rice Bowl” featuring top-quality natural tuna from the Toyosu Market, is an incredibly popular set!
It is rich, silky, and packed with umami. It’s the kind of tuna that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. I totally understand why it’s one of the shop’s most popular items. It felt like something you’d expect at a high-end sushi counter, yet here it was, served as part of a creative and accessible dish.
During your meal, you can enjoy changing the flavors by adding various toppings and condiments, such as roast beef, sudachi citrus, myoga ginger, fresh seaweed, chashu pork, mitsuba, maitake mushrooms, and a seasoned egg.
It was like experiencing multiple dishes in one bowl. The combination of roast beef with the refreshing kick of sudachi and the earthy aroma of maitake mushrooms was especially memorable. It’s a playful and refined way to explore Japanese ingredients in a single meal.
The owner, after considering how to introduce traditional Japanese cuisine to the younger generation, decided to focus on ramen.
Even though it’s ramen, the fresh seafood used is of top quality, sourced directly from Toyosu Market and local producers.
Hon-maguro Don (Bluefin Tuna Rice Bowl)
“Hon-maguro” is considered the highest grade of tuna in Japan for its rich flavor and deep red color. The texture was incredibly smooth and the flavor had just the right balance of umami and sweetnesss, but deeply satisfying.
“3rd Generation ZENPEI” was born from the owner’s passion to share the beauty of Japanese cuisine. Their signature course, originally called “Ramen Kaiseki,” offers a unique experience where you can enjoy both ramen and kaiseki (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal known for its seasonality and elegant presentation) in one sitting. With over 20 years of experience at a top-class Japanese restaurant, the owner creates every dish, from the ramen to the dessert, with originality and expert care.
With prices starting at 4,000 yen, the restaurant offers excellent value for money and is a popular spot for business dinners and casual gatherings among women.
Ramen is often seen as casual food, but this is the kind of place I’d love to take my friends to change that image. This establishment shows that ramen can be refined, elegant, and high-quality, while still keeping its comforting charm.
In the summer, seasonal specialties like the “Chilled Tilefish Tsukemen” appear as limited-time offerings.
“3rd Generation ZENPEI” completely changed the way I see ramen. With top-quality ingredients, a refined atmosphere, and a chef’s dedication behind every bowl, they offer a unique experience that blends tradition with innovation. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to enjoy Japanese cuisine in a new light.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Grégoire Renais
・Nationality：France
・Hobbies：Hiking, Photography (Landscapes, Japanese cultural events)
※Information is based on June 2025. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
