Basque cuisine is the unusual specialty at Etxola and sister shop Gastroteka Bimendi. Etxola is the slightly fancier of the two, and they turn out beautifully presented prix-fixe menus based on top-quality seasonal ingredients.

Some highlights from an autumn five-course lunch were excellent roast seasonal vegetables in tximitxuri sauce, grilled isaki (grunt), and an earthy risotto-style shirasu (whitebait) rice dish. Creamy Basque cheesecake, certainly that region's most famous dish here in Japan, was served with a refreshing pear sorbet for dessert.

The dining room is casually elegant, with ample counter space for solo diners and walk-ins. The open kitchen makes the most use of the space, and gives a light, airy feel to the dining room. Service is cordial and professional.

Lunchtime prix-fixe menus start at around Y3,500. Full dinner menus are priced from around Y9,000, or you can order a la carte. Gastroteka Bimendi, just across the street, is somewhat less expensive and more casual.