Since we were not able to dine at Outback Steakhouse last Sunday because we're a minute too late (read the full story here), we looked for alternatives on where to eat in Ikebukuro.
I suggested looking around for restaurants on Ikebukuro east side but we were not really pleased with what we saw. Maybe I was still so disappointed that we couldn't dine at Outback, I was really craving the BBQ ribs so all others were not appetizing to me. Going to an Izakaya, a Japanese-style bar, was our last priority and we kept seeing a lot of Izakayas as we wander.
Eventually, we stopped walking and took a break on the sidewalk. At this point, he told me to look for restaurants online but since I haven't moved on yet from my cravings, I couldn't decide which one. This was the time he suggested going to Pepper Lunch.
Pepper Lunch is like fast food in Japan where you could order steaks, beef, burger patty, and others. There are many branches all over Japan, but not as many as the gyudon restaurants like Yoshinoya or Sukiya though. I have only dined at the branch in Osaka and that's not even so memorable.
I knew of the restaurant because I ate in this restaurant in Cebu, Philippines a few years ago. The restaurant in the Philippines was located in Ayala Mall Cebu, and it's a bit cozy. The food prices were not so expensive but it's not cheap either.
I agreed to go to Pepper Lunch because it's a bit similar to what I was craving. I mean there's meat and steak there so it's fine. π The location's just near the station so it's accessible.
Prior to coming here, we've been outside the branch in Shinjuku so we know the restaurant is fine. My partner had dined in other branches too so he's fine. So we were kinda surprised upon entering the the restaurant's branch in Ikebukuro.
The Pepper Lunch we found in Shinjuku is way bigger than this branch in Ikebukuro. This one is so narrow and they only have counter seats that can accommodate maybe 7 people. If you're with a group, this place is not advisable. And I don't think you would like the ambience there too. It seems the place was not cleaned well.
Upon sitting down, we were given a not so good looking menu. They should really improve on that. I haven't taken a photo but their menu was shabby looking.
The waiter was writing our orders but he said the wrong order to the kitchen staff. Luckily my partner heard it so he told the guy the correct order.
The food was not so expensive. The price is just right given it's a fast food chain.
The taste? Hmm, it's normal. My partner ordered the Wild Juicy Steak (γ―γ€γ«γγΈγ₯γΌγ·γΌγΉγγΌγ) 450g, as shown on the right side of the photo above. That's the expectation, the reality is found below. They look identical, right? Or no?
I ordered their signature dish, the Beef Pepper Rice with more meat (γθγγ£γ·γγγΌγγγγγΌγ©γ€γΉ) and extra egg for topping. It wasn't that bad too. I ate on this plate so imagine eating it so hot. Before mixing everything, I needed the beef to be cooked and I realized it too late. Good thing, beef is just fine even when it's not super cooked.
The only thing I would complain about my order was the amount of beef. I ordered the "more meat" option but it seems like there were only a few. If I ordered the normal Beef Pepper Rice, that means the amount of the beef would be lesser than this!
They have different sauce available. I used the spicy sauce for mine but it's not spicy at all. LOL Was being spicy a lie? π The sweet soy sauce was fine though, it suits my taste.
I have no complaints of how the food taste but I don't think it's exceptional that I would really spend a train fare just to grab food from Pepper Lunch.
And I wouldn't recommend going to Pepper Lunch Ikebukuro branch. The place is so small, and the staff wasn't so attentive as if they didn't have the energy. It's still fine to go to Pepper Lunch but not in this branch.
I was already so heart broken after not being able to eat the ribs that I was craving for, and now, my heart sank because of how dining at Pepper Lunch Ikebukuro turned out.
We went home right away because it was not a great Sunday night experience. But even when that happened, I'm still thankful I was able to eat out with my partner. Maybe next time, we can find a better place to eat.
Thanks for reading!
See you around! γγγγγΎγγοΌ
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.