Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2012

Hankerin’ for home-cooked washoku just like okaasan used to make—but in an upscale environment? Then Mother’s Shokudo (5F west walk, Roppongi Hills; www.mothers.jpn.com) will get your natsukashii on. The interior, by Megu New York designer Yasumichi Morita, features a relief map of the Japanese alps hanging from the ceiling, an open kitchen and some Showa-era pop art in the middle. Comfort up for lunch with the seafood rice bowl (¥800), ten don (from ¥800), or katsukare (¥900)—all inc. salad or miso soup, a healthy vinegar drink and pickles.