Tabelog ratingNatari Tei (奈田利亭) is a small, specialist store on the Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping street, dedicated entirely to products made from fermented black garlic. It’s not a restaurant but a retail shop with a small takeaway counter, attracting visitors looking for unique Japanese food gifts and a quick snack.
The main draw is the black garlic itself, which reviewers praise for its sweet, mellow, and complex flavour, a world away from raw garlic's pungency. The shop offers generous samples, allowing customers to taste before buying. Popular products include whole bulbs of black garlic, a concentrated garlic soup paste (ajo soup), and an aromatic garlic oil (ajoen oil). Many also stop for the hot, steamed garlic pork buns (ninniku man), which can be eaten on the spot.
While the quality and flavour of the products are consistently praised, some reviewers note that items can be relatively expensive, though most feel the price is justified for a specialty souvenir. A few guests have also reported that popular gift sets can be sold out, particularly for online orders, and that service can be inconsistent—ranging from very friendly and helpful to occasionally inattentive.
No specific prices were quoted in recent reviews, but the general consensus is that the products are positioned as premium gift items. For garlic lovers or those seeking a distinctive souvenir from Tokyo, reviewers find Natari Tei offers good value despite the higher cost.
- Location: Located on the Sugamo Jizo-dori shopping street, a short walk from Sugamo Station.
- Booking: Walk-in only. No reservations are needed.
- Service: Staff are generally helpful and offer samples, which is useful for non-Japanese speakers. However, some reviews mention variable service quality.
- Stock: Popular items may sell out. It is best to purchase in person rather than relying on the online store.