Nigerian Chef Celebrates Japan’s Exquisite Tomatoes

Originally from Nigeria, Amobi Attanetius, owner and chef of TOMATO×TOMATO DE LUCE, has been in the restaurant business for over 25 years.

‘Italian cuisine isn’t commonly found in Nigeria. However, upon my arrival in Japan, I had the opportunity to sample various pasta dishes, and I was captivated both by their exquisite flavor and by the simplicity of their preparation.’

Firstly, he worked as a chef in Italian restaurants in Tokyo, and continued to do so for 13 years. During this time, he also spent three months in Rome, Italy, honing his culinary skills.

Through these experiences, in 2012, he launched TOMATO×TOMATO DE LUCE.

Everywhere you look in Attanetius’s restaurant, there is one constant, very distinct theme—tomatoes. Decorative tomatoes hang above the bar, and tomatoes are in every dish on the menu.

Attanetius’s tomatoes are from all over Japan. He favors Japanese varieties because they have a softer skin compared to those from abroad and are very juicy, making them excellent to cook sauces with. He also explains that due to Japan’s four distinct seasons, he meticulously selects the exquisite produce, ensuring optimal condition and freshness, from various regions across the country, in accordance with each season.

The restaurant has many repeat customers, but Attanetius’s creamy “TOMATO DE LUCE CARBONARA” in particular is so well loved that the repeat order rate exceeds 90%. Despite their richness, the added tomatoes impart a delightful hint of acidity that lends a refreshing quality to the dish. The interplay of flavors from the black pepper along with the bacon, contributes to an overall exquisite culinary experience.

More information can be found on TOMATO×TOMATO DE LUCE’s official website.