Even though it¡¯s called Garage, this eatery is probably better described as a shack. On weekdays, during lunch and after work, the clientele is mostly drawn from the surrounding offices, but on weekends the crowd is not as uniform.
A small open-air courtyard where wine casks have been turned into tables dominates the entrance. Just beyond is the wine cellar ¡ª actually it¡¯s just a room, but feel free to take a walk around and peruse the substantial collection. Most of the wines are priced between ?2,000 and ?5,000, and there¡¯s normally a few on special offer. The staff are fairly hands off, but if you¡¯re feeling a bit stumped to choose, they¡¯ll jump in with some recommendations.
Food wise, Garage isn¡¯t too adventurous, varying between Japanese standards and Italian and Spanish influences: Pastas and pizzas dominate, but there are also a few worthwhile seafood dishes such as gambas al ajillo (Spanish-style shrimp in garlic and oil) and squid ink rice croquettes. The anchovy potato salad in particular is a (little) showstopper.
The lunch menu is limited to a few reasonably priced set-plate standards: The daily special, which changes often, when I visited was mince cutlets with rice and salad, pasta sets and loco moco, the Hawaiian concoction of rice, hamburger patty and gravy that¡¯s now a mainstay in Japan. Garage is an easy place to lounge, if your wine glass stays full.
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