Osteria Barababao

Step out of the lift on the ninth floor of Ginza Treasures and, just inside the entrance, you’ll find a standing bar inspired by Venice’s bacaro taverns. It’s an easygoing place to linger over a glass of Prosecco or an Aperol spritz while browsing the small plates lined up at the counter, much like a traditional Italian bar. The dining room, decorated with furnishings imported from Italy, also has spacious tables towards the back. That makes it possible to drop in for a short visit or settle in for a longer meal.

Seafood and pasta with the flavours of Venice

At a table, the menu centres on dishes rooted in the traditions of Italy’s Veneto region. Among the regional flavours are homemade bigoli, a thick pasta prepared with onion and anchovies, and Venetian-style squid ink risotto. Diners have described the risotto as rich, without a fishy taste. For starters, there’s baccalà mantecato, a dried-cod pâté, and sardines in saor. Mains include Kuroge wagyu grilled on lava stone and herb-crumbed lamb, offering diners a choice of seafood or meat as the focus of the meal.

A choice-led lunch and a relaxed way to dine

At lunchtime, a prix fixe course includes an assortment of starters, a choice of pasta, dessert and coffee. The generous number of dishes for the price has made the lunch popular, and a pasta set available on weekdays is another option in the Ginza area. The dining room is often lively and busy, so booking ahead is recommended if you’d like to enjoy a course at a table at a more leisurely pace.