Apron Mark

Stroll through the leafy grounds of Asukayama Park and you will come upon Apron Mark, an airy dining space that steps well beyond ordinary park refreshments. Lunchtime favorites include the sweet ginger pork, prepared by cooking pork shoulder confit-style until remarkably tender, then finishing it in a gentle ginger sauce. The care given to low-and-slow cooking carries into the evening with selections such as miso-marinated roast pork, where thick cuts of pork shoulder—steeped in confit cooking for 3 hours—are coated in a savory-sweet Saikyo miso sauce.

An engaging à la carte line-up pairs naturally with wine or a sour. Plates made for casual sharing brighten the table, from spiced lamb penne with its addictive crunchy seasoning, to crisp snack-size teriyaki pizza suited to all ages, or boiled gyoza dressed in an aromatic shiso-basil genovese that matches a glass of white wine. The beverage list complements the food with house-infused Asukayama fruit sours made from seasonal enzyme syrups, varied highballs, and skin-contact orange wines.

Welcoming multiple generations into the room, the restaurant pays close attention to guests dining with little ones. The spacious interior accommodates strollers easily and provides child booster chairs, while the kids' menu features an udon bowl as well as an assorted children's lunch plate piled with fried shrimp and a hamburg steak. Thoughtful stage-specific baby foods—including a soy-milk sea bream risotto and Chinese-style minced chicken congee—are provided free of charge, giving parents peace of mind on a family outing.

The dining room draws lively crowds, especially on weekends, making an advance reservation a practical step for both lunch and dinner. After the meal, lingering over a rich, retro-style homemade egg pudding or a soft-serve ice cream makes a satisfying close to time spent in the park.