EN LAVIDA

We came here searching for some paella, but personally loved the tacos! I especially loved the pork carnitas, which was extremely tender and juicy! Our main objective paella, was also delicious, but make sure you order it first as it takes time. The small size is plenty for couples. The buffalo chicken didn't have much meat, but spicy enough to make it a good accompaniment of beer! The place did get packed, so I recommend you to make a reservation if you are interested in this place. Many people like the paella, but don't miss out on the tacos too!

Crowd Size: Very High (Reservation Recommended)
Payment Method: Credit Card

A former Spanish restaurant turned into a Mexican joint, with the same owners. I never tried the Spanish place, but if you’re looking for good tacos, this is the place. They have several different taco options and even have speciality tacos, but the fish taco and pork taco were outstanding. The others were tasty too. The nachos and wings are worth trying, and oddly enough, the cheese quesadilla was really good. It’s a cool and vibrant vibe, albeit it’s a small space. Service was fast and friendly.

I live in Chicago surrounded by various authentic Mexican places as well as various new wave places. I eat at both kinds often, and can say this place is very authentic. The music playing in the background is Hispanic, the decorations, wall livery, everything down to the seating, tables, and dish-ware feels like I’m in a Mexican restaurant back home. On top of that, the drinks are authentic and taste incredible, and the food is perfect. Feels like I took a step out of Japan and into Mexico. I respect the attention to each detail the owner put into the place, and the authenticity of the food. A must visit if you are in Jyuugaoka and Tokyo in general.

I recently celebrated my 58th birthday at this incredible Mexican gem in Jiyugaoka, and let me tell you, it's easily one of the best Mexican restaurants I've visited in the entire Tokyo area!

We opted for the set menu, and it was a culinary adventure. From the moment the nachos arrived with their SIX glorious sauces (yes, six! I nearly needed a map to navigate them all), I knew we were in for a treat. The quesadillas were perfectly cheesy, the fajitas sizzling with flavor, and the chicken on rice salad was a refreshing surprise. But the real showstopper? The roasted rosemary chicken – absolutely divine! And just when I thought I couldn't eat another bite, out came the crème brûlée for dessert, a perfect sweet ending. Every single dish was beyond incredible.

The set menu also included a fantastic variety of drinks, which kept the good times flowing. The staff were super nice and incredibly attentive, making the whole evening feel special.

What really struck me was how busy it was for a weekday evening – a true testament to how beloved this place is. And in a delightful twist, the clientele seemed to be mostly groups of young office ladies, which was a fun surprise!

The decor perfectly captures that "hole-in-the-wall" Mexican street restaurant vibe without feeling at all fake or contrived. It's got an authentic charm that makes you feel right at home. The menu looked fantastic, and I'm already dreaming of my next visit to dive into their à la carte options.

Overall, a resounding 5-star experience! I was so busy enjoying the food, the company, and the birthday festivities that my phone barely left my pocket. Consider that my highest compliment – the food was too good to interrupt for photos! Can't wait to go back again soon.

I went to La Vida for valentine with my wife and son. The place has around 25 to 30 seats, all around the kitchen space which is open. The staff is really kind and they talk to you like you're a close friend. We took a steak, a big paella and a big plate of jamon Serrano. All the plates were absolutely amazing, the meat was juicy and the paella was full of clams. The ham was also really well thinly sliced and not too salty. We paid around 7500 yen (not a lot considered the amount of food) and got kairo for our hands (outside was cold) and a candy for the kid. I would recommend this place 100% to anybody in the area.