Kuriya

Browsing the handwritten daily specials chalked on the blackboard is part of the pleasure at Kuriya, an easygoing izakaya in Kawaguchi. The half-size sashimi assortment brings together modest portions of tuna, bonito, octopus, and other fresh cuts, making it a comfortable order even for solo guests. Attention to heat shows across both grilled and fried items, from salt-grilled coho salmon with fragrant, crisp skin and tender meat to neatly cut fillets of fried horse mackerel.

Among the seafood dishes, the namero minced-fish preparations stand out. Ginger-accented horse mackerel namero and mixed-seafood variations make natural accompaniments to a drink, but they are also enjoyed as lunchtime set meals or as a bowl of namero chazuke finished with hot broth. The kitchen extends well beyond raw fish, turning out butter-baked Pacific cod and mushrooms in foil, potato salad, and Chinese-style stir-fries that suit anyone looking to graze across several small plates.

Drinks and the Daily Lunch

The drinks list complements the food with draft beer, rich brown-sugar shochu, hot water shochu serves, and junmai ginjo sake. At lunchtime, a daily set meal brings together homemade side dishes, rice, and miso soup for a satisfying, unpretentious midday meal. With its relaxed, slightly nostalgic atmosphere, Kuriya works equally well for a quiet drink alone or an unhurried conversation with friends.