Little Koiwai

«Rome Spa» restaurant and takeout sandwich shop in Ootemachi. International foodies, you better take notes.
Do you want to try a restaurant that no foreigner has ever tried?
Go to Little Koiwai. 100% Japanese customers only; everyday of the week. If a Gaijin walked in, everyone would be shocked.
QUIZ: What the heck is Rome Spa?
A. Italian style bathtub
B. X Rated adult only service facility
C. Japanese style fastfood spaghetti
ANSWER: C.
Trick is, it is pronounced «Ro-​meh Spa».
«Romen» (Standing Soba Shop)
+
«Spaghetti»
= «Rome Spa» (Japanized Pasta eaten like a fast food standing room only soba shop). At these places, while they offer various sauces, the most popular type is «Napolitan». While the name stems from Napoli, Italy, execution is nothing like Pasta in Italy.
How cool is it to know this place: Very cool. Again, you will be the first gaijin. Absolutely no English menu. Staff likely does not speak English.
Line: You will see a long line along the wall across the hallway from Little Koiwai. Get in line and wait. Line moves at approximately 1 minute per person in line; which is amazingly quick. While in the line, be prepared to place an order. The lady will come by and ask, without a menu.
How to order: If you cannot read Japanese, just say «Napolitan». If you want to super size it for extra 60 Yen, say «O-​O-​Mori». That is the extent of your speaking at the restaurant.
How to eat: Fork only. No other utensil available. Tabasco sauce and powdered cheese available on the table. Feel free to lift the bowl towards your mouth, just like how you would eat Soba noodles. This is not considered poor manner here. No talking. Eat and leave within 10 to 15 minutes.
Rome Spa: 90% of foreigners will hate the taste. Japanese style pasta is an acquired taste. It has been around since Showa Period around WWII. People grew up eating it, so it is a comfort food for many Japanese men. Why males? I have no idea, but 99% of the customers were male. One female during the entirely of my stay. Most foreigners dislike taste of Napolitan, because there is a certain expectation on the texture of pasta and the way it tastes. Pasta at Little Koiwai feels a bit like Udon (but thinner). Tomato sauce tastes like ketchup.
Shared seating: Don’t go here in a group. The place is tiny. Be prepared to sit with 3 other strangers at a table for four.
Attire: Very formal. 100% of customers were wearing a suite and a tie. I was the only customer without a tie.
Pay: They will place a bill on the table as the food is served. After eating, bring the bill to the cashier and pay.
Smoking: Completely non-​smoking.
Cost: 600 Yen.

little koiwai is well known for office workers at this area, ootemachi. they provide various sandwiches. i like this shops sandwiches as i buy it in the morning before works.