The Food File has a new favorite restaurant — with the emphasis firmly on "new." Cujorl has been open barely a month now, and already we've been back three times.

What's so great about it? Well, certainly not the location on the Daikanyama edge of Shibuya. It's less than 10 minutes from the JR station, but the brisk uphill trudge (and then down a bit the other side) lacks appeal on a gray winter evening. It's worth it, though.

Cujorl (pronounced with a "Y," something like "Coo, y'all") manages to hit the sweet spot on many levels: The look is stylish in a simple, unfussy way; the welcome is formal but warm; the scale is small but not cramped, with adequate space between tables and comfortable counter seating for those dining solo. But it's the food that has us well and truly hooked.