the Records Diner

A fun, interesting lunch experience

the Records Diner is one of those places that I’ve passed a lot during my visits to or through Chiba Park and noted, but never managed to actually visit. Last week, I finally did so. It’s a nice, airy, open space. The records for which it is (presumably!) named make up a prominent display, and the view of Chiba Park outside adds to the pleasant atmosphere inside. There are two entrances, one that leads directly into the restaurant and one that detours through a related but separate bakery. This can be a little confusing if you enter through the latter, but the staff seemed well-accustomed to directing bewildered customers through to the restaurant. I arrived just before 12 on a weekday and there were very few customers, though more were beginning to arrive by the time I left. Even so, there were plenty of chairs and tables available. I ordered a lunch set, of which there were a number of versions available depending on how many side dishes you want and whether or not you want the dessert. I elected to get the C set, which let me choose three sides and get the dessert, which was a cheesecake on the day I went. You also get to choose the main dish. Including my drink, this came to 1750 yen. The dishes are “Western style”, with an Italian/Spanish/fusion theme going. My order was: - Tomato penne pasta - Quiche - Ratatouille - Eggplant and tomato with balsamic vinegar The plate was topped off by a bread roll and green salad. I was VERY happy with the plate. The dishes were delicious, and I highly recommend them. I would definitely order all of them again, though I’d be wanting to try the other dishes too. The range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is pretty decent too, and can be added to the lunch plate for 100 yen. However, I asked for an iced coffee, a pretty standard offering for set menus and especially so given the season, but it wasn’t included in my lunch set. Instead, I had to order it separately. This probably reflects that the diner encompasses a bar too; the cold brew coffee was certainly interesting in flavour but if I go back again, I’d probably forego adding a drink and get my caffeine fix elsewhere, or opt for one of those more readily available. Overall, I really liked this place for both the atmosphere and the food., and I’d recommend it to anyone who happened to be in the area, particularly those who like tapas-style dishes and something different and independent compared to the standard franchises Chiba typically offers. Other notes: - The menu is almost entirely in Japanese, though the Western style dishes mean that there’s a majority of katakana over obscure kanji, and a lot of pictures - the Records Diner is easily accessible from both JR Chiba station and Chibakoen on the monorail line - Parking didn’t seem to be avilalble, but there are a number of paid car parks in the area - There was a kids menu option as well - There seems be quite a few other things happening in the building - see the website here: https://the-records.com/