Ichiya

From the opening appetiser set down at the table, the attentive craftsmanship at Uzumasa's Ichiya displays the refined preparation of a specialist dining restaurant in an izakaya setting. The menu covers everything from familiar staples to fresh sea fare, including colourful sashimi assortments, grilled nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), and savoury dashi-rolled omelettes. Depending on the season, dishes such as rock oysters or striped jack tataki also make an appearance, pairing easily with selections of beer, wine, or spirits.

Beyond seafood, the warm cooked dishes have earned a following of their own, including fragrant grilled lotus-root tsukune chicken meatballs and dashi-soaked fried eggplant. When it comes to finishing the meal, options such as toasted grilled rice balls and crisp, refreshing karami soba topped with spicy grated daikon make it easy to end the evening on a satisfying note.

Shoes come off at the entrance before guests settle into sunken horigotatsu seating or counter spaces where you can stretch your legs and linger in comfort. Because each dish is prepared with care, booking ahead during busy hours and placing your main food order early on helps ensure a smooth, relaxed dining experience.