restaurant recommendations in chiba city

So earlier this week I helped out at the ALT Skills Development Conference, and during our block meeting we had everybody go through and share something they had discovered in our area. I prepared a list of some of my favorite eating establishments in Chiba City, so I figured I should share it here as well! They're all places that I've either stumbled across on my own or been introduced to, and while I've only visited some of them once (and don't have pictures of all of them), they're the first places that come to mind when I think about places I'd like to tell people about. Of course, there are lots of good places in Chiba City, but these are the ones I like for being unique and slightly off the beaten path.

Perrito

This is a place I've actually already written about, in my post about my wander-bike to Makuhari, but it's worth mentioning again. The second time I went back, almost a year after my first trip, both the chef and the server lady remembered me, which was pretty impressive. I had a nice conversation with them and learned that most of their customers are regulars who just let the chef decide what to make them (instead of ordering off the menu). Pretty cool.  

Selling point: The chef will make you whatever you feel like eating that day (provided he has the ingredients), based on your budget

Address: 1-1-4 Takahama, Mihama-ku, Chiba City

Hours: 11:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 22:00

Tabelog: http://tabelog.com/chiba/A1201/A120103/12027289/

Mother Moon

It turns out this restaurant is actually just one of a few locations all around Japan, which surprised me because it's tucked away in an area surrounded by factories and office buildings. My friend introduced me to it because it was apparently listed in a book of recommended cafes/restaurants in Chiba, and even though I've only been twice, I'm always impressed by how nice it is.

Selling point: Delicious food and dessert in a great atmosphere

Address: 117 Shinminato, Mihama-ku, Chiba City

Hours: 11:30 – 22:00

Tabelog: http://tabelog.com/chiba/A1201/A120103/12000148/

Necoman's Bar

I've only been here once, but this is a place that had caught my eye many times before, partly because cats are a motif of the design. I actually wasn't able to find a website for it, and since it's only open on weekdays I suppose a lot of the people who go there are regulars (since I imagine it'd be hard to stay open otherwise). I really liked the decor and the owner/chef seemed nice, though I didn't talk to him much. 

Selling point: A cozy little restaurant/bar with menu items that are hard to find other places (like spare ribs)

Address: ? Behind the Doutor in Chiba Ginza, next to Lava Cafe

Hours: 17:00 - ?

Closed: Weekends

Petit Gourmand

I came across this place with a few other new JETs/Wisconsin ALTs after Chiba Orientation, just a month after coming to Japan. I like it because it has a very casual, cozy atmosphere and I tend to take people there whenever they want a place that isn't a typical bar/pub/izakaya.

Selling point: A small, low-key place to grab drinks/food at a reasonable price

Address: 2-12-6 Fujimi, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Hours: 16:30 – 24:00

Tabelog: http://tabelog.com/chiba/A1201/A120101/12027036/

Syu's Garden Deli

This was another store that I'd been wanting to try for a while before actually going in, and it was exactly what I'd hoped it would be. The first time I went I had a really tasty lunch set with salmon/vegetables that was very well-priced for the amount of food that came out. I think they try to use seasonal and local vegetables, which is great, and the last time I was there I saw the owner hand-writing the menus, which was pretty cool. 

Selling point: Earthy décor and tasty, healthy food involving lots of vegetables

Address: 1-7-8 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Hours: 11:30 – 15:00, 17:30 – 24:00

Closed: Sundays

Tabelog: http://tabelog.com/chiba/A1201/A120101/12029472/

Beer O'Clock

This is a place that somebody introduced to me recently and I couldn't believe I had never found it sooner! I really liked the design of the shop, but they also had a ton of craft beers and everything on the menu sounded delicious.

Selling point: Craft beers (including a mini sampler set) and yummy food in a stylish setting

Address: 1-4 Shindencho, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Hours: Mon. - 17:00 – 24:00

Tue. - Fri. - 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 24:00

Sat. - 12:00 – 24:00

Sun., holidays – 12:00 – 22:00

Tabelog: http://tabelog.com/chiba/A1201/A120101/12032448/

Pantry Coyote

This was another place I was introduced to when I first got here, during lunch at Chiba Orientation. It's a very small shop that's decorated in an American Western style, and the burgers are amazing. I remember also being pleasantly surprised because they were playing Cat Power once and had a nice short conversation with the owner about it. 

Selling point: Delicious burgers and beer from all over the world in a cozy rustic location

Address: 3-11-11 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Hours: 11:30 – 22:30

Closed: Third Tuesday/Wednesday each month

Tabelog: http://tabelog.com/chiba/A1201/A120101/12020222/

Tapo's Coffee

I can't remember exactly how I discovered this cafe, but it was probably because it stuck out to me as the only interesting shop on the road it's on. It's a very small place but I find it very relaxing since there are usually not many other people in the cafe (though a lot of people come and buy things to take out), and the owner seems very nice.
Selling point: A simple but stylish cafe, with tasty desserts and latte art. 

Address: 1-4-10 Shinjuku, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Hours: 8:00 – 19:00

Closed: Mondays

Tabelog: http://tabelog.com/chiba/A1201/A120101/12020222/