Gonpachi aka the Kill Bill Restaurant in Tokyo
Gonpachi is known not only for appearing in the film, but also for its incredible authentic Japanese cuisine. If you’re trying to remember, this is when Uma Thurman takes on the Crazy 88s and Lucy Liu in a spectacularly bloody fight. Though it was filmed on a sound stage in China, Gonpachi still feels very familiar—particularly when walking up the staircase and along the mezzanine. The large warehouse-esque structure dominates a corner block of the Nishi Azabu neighborhood and has a nice entrance featuring trees and plants, a rock wall, and glowing lanterns in the evening. As you make your way toward the door, you notice framed portraits of all the celebrity visitors; Kanye, Kim, Stallone, Rami Malek, and, of course, Quentin Tarantino. Stepping inside, the staff bellows out hearty greetings in Japanese, and you can notice they do the same for everyone who leaves, too. If you have to wait, they’ll give you a little sample drink to sip at the bar while you take in your surroundings. And what a space it is, all stone floors, rustic wooden beams, and lanterns. At the heart of the sunken ground floor sits a steaming, bustling open kitchen. Solo diners and small groups will inevitably be seated around its counter, while groups of 4 or more will fill the surrounding tables. Wooden and bamboo interiors spreading over two floors give it the ambiance of a classical izakaya from the past. Traditional Japanese izakaya food such as yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) is prepared in an open kitchen right in the center of the restaurant. All Gonpachi restaurants are known for their homemade soba noodles. Buckwheat, or soba, is ground fresh every day and turned into the popular Japanese noodles in front of the customers. Gonpachi serves everything you would expect from a traditional izakaya like sushi, edamame, yakitori, karaage, soba noodles, sake, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. The restaurant also offers Western and fusion dishes.
