Ittoku

In the former Petit Robert Bistro space, Ittoku brings contrast to a residential neighborhood with scarce dining options. Enjoy the $1 valet parking, as Commonwealth Avenue is mainly resident parking only. Dined at this location while it was Petit Robert, and immediately noticed the transformation of the space with a few similarities. The bar area is still on the right and the kitchen is still central. The sushi bar is hidden in the back. Ittoku has many tables, but at around 7 PM on a weekend there was already a wait. Take your pick of Japanese fare, this place has it. From sushi, ramen, yakisoba, and yakitori, Ittoku has an overwhelming selection of options (with the exclusion of curry). The 10-piece Chef's choice yakitori combo was reasonable with a random sampling of momo (thigh), sunagimo (gizzard), harami (skirt), bon jiri (chicken tail) and bacon & okura (bacon-wrapped okra). The consistency of meat varied from tender to chewy. The yakitori each had their own marinades and char textures. Would recommend the 5-piece option over the 10-piece, and a la carte options are also available.

The yuzu subuta (citrus flavor pork vinegar) was enough to share with the 10-piece yakitori. The pork, onions, and mushrooms had a strong orange flavor and the dish was light on vinegar. The pork cut was cubed and most likely pork belly. Would recommend a side of rice with this dish.

Finished the meal with a few quick bites, the dashimaki tamago (Japanese-style egg omelette) and piri kara kombu kyuri (spicy cucumber with kelp). They were lovely "desserts." The omelette was delicate with a smooth texture. The bits of daikon and scallion on top of each small omelette provided the perfect pairing. The cucumber spice was reminiscent of a combination of Korean and Szechuan peppers. The cucumbers were thickly sliced. This meal was a true potpourri of flavors.