Square-cut rather than served in traditional slices, Garlic Jo's original garlic pizza arrives hot from the oven with pieces of garlic baked directly into the cheese. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes)
Garlic Jo’s inside Queen’s Square Yokohama, steps from Minatomirai Station, makes no attempt to hide its obsession.
Neon signs glow with the word “garlic,” plastic food displays feature piles of golden cloves, and the menu delivers a straightforward message: If you don’t like garlic, you’ve come to the wrong place.
For those who do, it’s worth coming back. My wife and I have, several times.
We usually start with what has become our ritual opener: the original garlic pizza. Square-cut rather than served in traditional slices, it arrives hot from the oven with pieces of garlic baked directly into the cheese. It is simple, indulgent and unapologetically garlicky — an appropriate introduction to what follows.
Garlic Jo's Vampire Killer is an appetizer whose name tells you exactly what to expect. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes)
But on a recent visit, I went straight for the Vampire Killer, an appetizer whose name tells you exactly what to expect. Six whole garlic cloves are topped with cheese and grilled until sizzling, then served with baguette slices for scooping and spreading. It’s rich, aromatic and surprisingly addictive.
My wife opted for tako carpaccio, a lighter dish of thinly sliced octopus with olive oil, seasoning and, naturally, garlic. Its freshness provides a welcome contrast to some of the heavier dishes.
For the main event, we stuck with our usual order: Garlic Jo’s garlic steak.
A generous slab of beef arrives on a bed of onions, minced garlic and roasted garlic, with more roasted cloves piled on top. The meat can be a little chewy, but it delivers on flavor.
Nearly every savory item on Garlic Jo’s menu incorporates its namesake ingredient, yet the garlic rarely becomes overwhelming. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes)
Nearly every savory item on Garlic Jo’s menu incorporates its namesake ingredient, yet the garlic rarely becomes overwhelming. Instead, it serves as a foundation, complementing the spicy, tangy and savory flavors throughout each dish.
By the time our plates were cleared, dessert was out of the question. Those with room can choose from tiramisu, cheesecake and espresso affogato, among other options.
Afterward, Queen’s Square provides an easy place to walk off the meal, with shops and cafes throughout the sprawling complex.
Minatomirai Station is directly below, making Garlic Jo’s an easy stop during a day or evening in Yokohama’s waterfront district.
Garlic Jo’s inside Queen’s Square Yokohama, steps from Minatomirai Station, makes no attempt to hide its obsession. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes)
Garlic Jo’s
Location: 2-3-4, Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 220-0012
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Prices: Expect to pay 1,000 yen per person for lunch and 2,000 yen for dinner.
Dress: Casual
Directions: Just an escalator ride up from Minatomirai Station.
Information: Online: gka1002.gorp.jp
