The down-to-earth name, ‘Shokudo’ or ‘cafeteria’, was chosen because the restaurant aims to be one where people can drop in casually, while ‘Tanoshi’ (from tanoshii, ‘fun’) reflects the fun atmosphere created by Hirata, who handles service, and the chef. Indeed, it’s fun just to peruse the extensive menu. The inventive items, which weave together Japanese, Western and Chinese influences, offer no end of variety. Abalone-like shrimp croquettes and Chinese-style fried chicken-wing tips amply exemplify the spirit of Shokudo Tanoshi.