Takamura

Head up to the second floor of the building by 高島平駅 on the Toei Mita Line, and you’ll find the familiar, unpretentious atmosphere of a neighbourhood izakaya. There’s room around the tables, making it a comfortable place for a solo drink or a meal with a group.

The menu ranges from small snacks to go with drinks to stir-fries, fried dishes and rice-based meals. A popular choice is motsu nikomi: offal simmered until tender with daikon that has soaked up the flavour of the broth. There’s also sashimi, including chunks of tuna, tuna from along the backbone and mizutako octopus, alongside grilled fish such as salt-grilled mackerel and striped atka mackerel. A glass of something to drink with the fish makes for an easygoing evening. Crisp, savoury chicken-wing gyoza and refreshing lightly pickled celery make good snacks with chilled sake or Hoppy.

At lunchtime, the mood shifts from the livelier evenings, and set meals are available. Options include meals centred on tuna and an affordable set meal featuring motsu nikomi, both substantial choices for lunch. For an evening meal after work, when you want to eat a little and enjoy a drink without fuss, it’s a handy place to settle in.