You might find this place a little daunting at first: it's old and funky, cramped, and always packed. But chef-owner Takao Inoue holds forth here with an inspired version of Japanese home cooking. There's no menu; the best thing you can do is tell Inoue-san (who speaks some English) how hungry you are and how much you want to spend, and leave the rest to him. A meal at Robata is simple to the eye but subtle and satisfying. Typical dishes include steamed fish with vegetables, stews of beef or pork, and seafood salad. Subway: Hibiya, Chiyoda, and Toei Mita lines, Hibiya Eki (Exit A4).