Zeniba BBQ Ginza

At the entrance of Ginza Corridor Street stands an unassuming building underneath the express way, transformed into a sprawling venue remodeled after the red-brick warehouses typically found in Hokkaido’s port towns. A bright red neon sign signals your arrival: Zeniba BBQ. Though it stands among one of Tokyo’s most elite and international culinary hubs, this laidback eatery is championing dishes from the Hokkaido region, specializing in regional fares that showcase the diversity and depths of the northern prefecture’s flavors with slight updates. Seafood delivered directly from Hokkaido is a prominent presence on the menu, including sea-fresh shellfish like scallops, oysters and surf clams, as well as crustaceans like red king crab and large shrimp. The kitchen avoids unnecessary fusion, opting instead to perfect simple, direct grilling over charcoal. After all, there's no need to mask the natural flavors of crabs, shrimp, fatty Atka mackerel and Hokkaido fish with heavy seasoning when they are so fresh. Carnivores are equally well served by a mighty, meaty selection, such as Hokkaido-style barbecue lamb called the jingisukan. A standout is the thickly sliced lamb shoulder loin, cooked to the ideal doneness, while juicy lamb chops are grilled to perfection right at the table. Besides its stellar Hokkaido-focused degustation, Zeinba BBQ Ginza is famed for its high-energy atmosphere. The space, now swathed with exposed bricks, echoes with the clinking of draft beer mugs and lively chatters, both vital pillars in keeping good times. The scent of food grilling over charcoal instantly whets the appetite as soon as guests step through the door.