Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2014

If you like your shrimp, this one is for you. Ebigaraso in Kagurazaka bills itself as an “ebistro”—a shrimp bistro. Spilled into the nooks and crannies of an antique three-storey house, Ebigaraso serves up more than seven kinds of shrimp and shellfish relatives, including a freshly fried whole lobster for ¥2,980. Secret rooms make the place itself fun to explore: the door labeled “staff only” actually leads to a chandeliered party room for groups of eight or more, while the three couples’ seats on the third floor can only be found by clambering through the emergency exit. Of course, you’re free to just sit on the second floor and watch the chef broil your dish over a charcoal flame. But heads up: most of these shrimp still have their brains!