When you think of Japan, Italian food probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, nestled in the bustling heart of Shinjuku lies a hidden gem: Green Italian TORCIA, an innovative restaurant that combines traditional Italian flavours with a modern vegan twist. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious to try something new, this place offers something for everyone.
Entrance of TORCIA (Source: Chaya Macrobiotics, https://chayam.co.jp/english/)
A Welcoming Haven in the City
Despite being located inside a department store, Green Italian TORCIA creates a calm, green-filled space that feels like a retreat from the urban chaos of Tokyo. A glance out their windows reveal luscious shrubs and bushes, creating the ambience of a garden paradise.
TORCIA Interior
My friend (who isn’t vegan) and I were excited to check out their unique menu, which caters to a variety of diets—both plant-based and traditional Italian fare.
With an à la carte option and a set lunch course starting at 3,300 yen, we decided to go for the lunch course to sample a bit of everything. Vegan choices can sometimes be uninspiring, but here, each dish was thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavour. What I appreciated most was that the portion sizes were just right—generous enough to satisfy, but never overwhelming, making it easy to savour each dish.
The Starters
Our meal began with a plate of roasted seasonal vegetables, plant-based meat and croquettes. The vegetables were beautifully roasted, each one bringing out its natural sweetness. They were accompanied by a sauce made from olive oil powder, bitter lemon, and shio koji (a fermented rice salt), which added a delicate umami taste without being overpowering. The vegan parmesan sprinkled on top gave the dish that extra kick of richness.
Entree: Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Plant-based Meat and Croquettes
The croquettes, made from mock meat and pumpkin, were a delight. Served with checca sauce—a raw tomato sauce—they were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfectly balancing the richness of the vegetables. However, the croquette had a slight coconut flavour, which was a pity since I’m not fond of coconut. It didn’t overpower the dish, but it was noticeable.
Plant-Based Sea Urchin & Yuba Soy Carbonara
One of the highlights of the meal was the plant-based sea urchin and yuba soy carbonara, for which I gladly paid the extra 440 yen. I had been eagerly anticipating this dish, and it did not disappoint. The sea urchin substitute looked and tasted shockingly close to the real thing, while the fresh yuba (tofu skin) added a creamy texture that brought the dish together. The flavors were bold yet refined, making this a must-try for any pasta lover.
My favourite: Plant-Based Sea Urchin & Yuba Soy Carbonara
That said, much like the croquette, there was a slight hint of coconut flavour in the pasta. While it didn’t detract from the overall experience, I found myself wishing they had used soy milk or another plant-based option like oat or rice milk instead.
Personal Favourite: Vegan Meat Hamburg Steak
Next up was the plant-based meat hamburg steak. As someone who’s tried many plant-based burgers in Australia, I was blown away by the texture and juiciness of this one. The meat substitute was delectable, and the dish had that perfect balance of hearty and satisfying—definitely one of the best plant-based meat dishes I’ve had.
Vegan Meat Hamburg Steak
A Sweet Finish: Vegan Pudding
For dessert, I opted for the vegan pudding, which was akin to a traditional Japanese cream caramel. It was rich and creamy, but without the overpowering coconut flavour that sometimes sneaks into vegan desserts. I suspect they used soy milk, and it was absolutely delicious—smooth, indulgent, and the perfect way to end the meal.
Vegan Japanese Cream Caramel Pudding
Beverage Offerings: A Lovely Addition
While the set lunch course offers great value, one thing to note is that tea or other drinks are not included in the price. It’s a small detail, but worth mentioning for those expecting a drink to come with the course. They offer a lovely selection of teas that complement the meal, so it’s definitely worth adding one to round off your dining experience.
Black Tea with Soy Milk
Take-Home Treats
As if the meal itself wasn’t enough, Green Italian TORCIA also offers an array of vegan sweets to take home. With so many options, I was tempted to buy them all! I even spotted a vegan Mont Blanc cake, which they prepare fresh in front of you by piping chestnut purée into delicate threads. While I didn’t get a chance to try it this time, it’s definitely on my list for next time.
Wide Dessert Selection! Vegan Mont Blanc Offer
A Must-Visit in Shinjuku
If you find yourself in Shinjuku, I highly recommend giving Green Italian TORCIA a try. Its central location makes it the perfect stop after a day of sightseeing, and the food is well worth the visit—even if eating Italian in Japan might seem a bit unconventional!
Green Italian TORCIA
Address: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome 1F.
1-6-3 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ward, Tokyo
Website: https://chayam.co.jp/english/
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