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First Impressions & Ambience
After a whole afternoon exploring the Cup Noodles Museum, the walk to Anchors Ground felt like a gentle transition into evening — dimming skies, lanterns glowing, and a sense of expectation in the air. From the street, the facade is modest but inviting: warm lighting inside, large windows, and a soft hum of conversation leaking out. Inside, the space felt intimate yet casual, with enough modern touches to feel stylish without being stiff. The layout included a small bar area adjacent to the kitchen, which I immediately noted as ideal for couples — you get the slight thrill of watching the action behind the counter and feeling part of the culinary theater.
When the waiter greeted us, he led us to a cozy table and pointed to a QR code affixed to the table. Scanning it opened the English menu via the Line App — a modern and convenient touch that spared us the hassle of fumbling through physical menus. It also hinted at the restaurant’s comfort with digital ordering and multilingual accommodation.
Drinks
We began the meal with a glass of wine and a Jamaican Sunrise (a cocktail). The wine was well chosen — balanced, clean, unobtrusive but present. The Jamaican Sunrise arrived with pleasing color gradations (bright orange to reddish hues) and a scent of citrus. It was refreshing and set the tone for the meal to come.
Starters & Shared Plates
For starters and things to share, we ordered:
- Caesar Salad — crisp romaine, a creamy but not overbearing dressing, shavings of parmesan, and a gentle anchovy bite. A solid classic done well, which acted as a light counterpoint before heavier dishes.
- Edamame — simple, classic, salted just right. Good for snacking while waiting for more ambitious dishes.
- Baby Mushrooms in Garlic Oil (hot plate) — this was a highlight. The sizzling plate arrived warm, with aromatic garlic wafting, mushrooms tender but with a firmer bite, a slight char on the edges, and a touch of herbs. A great “warm-up” dish to get the palate ready.
Main Plates & Grills
Then came the heavier fare:
- Steak cooked on a rectangular skillet over flame — my friend’s dish became a sort of performance. The server brought a pre‑heated rectangular skillet over an open flame, and the steak arrived raw. My friend checked and noticed it wasn’t partially cooked, so she put it in the skillet and started cooking. The sizzle, the sharp hiss, the aroma — very theatrical and satisfying. Because she likes garlic, she glazed it with some of the garlic oil from the mushroom hot plate. The steak itself came out beautifully: juicy inside, a slight char, good seasoning. She then cut it up into smaller pieces so it could cook better on the inside. The DIY cooking or “finish at table” aspect added to the tactile pleasure of the meal.
- Margarita Pizza — simple, honest, tomato/basil/mozzarella. The crust was thin to medium, crisp around the edges, and the cheese was melding well—a good baseline pizza.
- Tuna & Corn Pizza — a more adventurous option, combining a light tuna layer (melted tuna) with sweet corn kernels. The balance was intriguing: the slightly savory fish with bursts of sweet corn. The cheese, sauce, and toppings were proportionate and didn’t overwhelm each other.
Service & Flow
Service was attentive without being overbearing. The moment the steak’s skillet was brought, the waiter was ready to assist and explain the cooking steps. Even though he spoke in Japanese, I was able to understand his gestures without understanding the language. Our courses were delivered at a comfortable pace — neither rushed nor dallying — which allowed us to enjoy conversation, savor drinks, and soak in the ambiance. Our server only comes over whenever we need something or to clear our plates. It was not overbearing like some Western restaurants, where they constantly checked in.
One detail I appreciated was the bar area adjacent to the kitchen, which seemed to pulse with energy, and diners there would get a bit more of a show. It’s the kind of place where couples might prefer to sit near that edge so they can watch the cooking, hear the spatters, and sense the heat. Thus, during the meal, I remarked that this place would make a delicate setting for a date night: it had enough intimacy, a bit of drama, and good food to sustain conversation.
Value & Highlights
- Ambience: warm, cozy, and stylish, yet not overly formal. The small bar area by the kitchen adds character.
- Food quality: high. The dishes we tried ranged from comfort classics (such as salad and edamame) to more theatrical and thoughtful items (steak cooked on a hot skillet, garlic mushrooms, and inventive pizzas).
- Drink options: the wine selection and cocktails (like the Jamaican Sunrise) were good complements, not afterthoughts.
- Service: smooth, helpful, responsive.
- Novelty/experience: the finishing of steak on the table over flame gives you something to talk about, a sensory ritual.
- Date potential: very high. The kitchen’s view, open layout, and sense of being a participant rather than a spectator all contribute to a romantic yet unpretentious vibe.
If I were advising someone planning to visit, I’d suggest:
- Try to get a seat near the edge of the bar or kitchen, if possible, for the added visual and sensory appeal.
- The steak finishing experience is a must; plan at least one “hot plate/flame” dish in your order.
- Share (don’t order all individually) pizzas or starters to free space for main dishes — the portions were generous.
- Arrive with an appetite and a willingness to linger — the experience is as much about pacing as it is about the food itself.
- For couples or dates, mid-evening seating (neither too early nor too late) will strike the perfect mood.
Summary & Recommendation
Anchors Ground (Anchor Ground Bashado) delivers a compelling combination: solid cuisine, a touch of culinary theater, and an environment that invites you to slow down and savor the meal — not just the food. The QR code menu via Line shows they embrace modern convenience; the open interaction with cooking (especially the steak) gives a tactile element to dining.
For couples, it is beautiful: the interplay of light, aroma, sound, and flavor can spark conversation and shared wonder. For a friend outing or a casual dinner, it still works — hearty but not heavy, interesting but not intimidating.
If you’re in the Yokohama / Bashamichi area, it’s absolutely worth stopping by — especially for dinner.