Kisyo

A short walk from Showa-dori, Kisyo sits among the streets of Taito. This Japanese restaurant pairs seasonal flavours with attentive hospitality for a relaxed evening over food and drinks. The interior feels refined yet comfortable, with counter seats where you can watch the chef at work and a raised tatami area where you can settle in and take your time.

The menu includes appealing drinking snacks such as crisp kinpira-style green peppers, fragrant salt-roasted ginkgo nuts and seared firefly squid. More elaborate kappo dishes range from dobimushi, a seasonal steamed dish, and anglerfish hot pot to rice cooked with matsutake mushrooms. There are also dishes with a Western touch, including pumpkin and seafood gratin and chilled pasta. Ordering a few plates at a time—from fried corn to sashimi and other seasonal offerings—is part of the pleasure of dining here.

The drinks list is equally varied, with carefully selected sake, draft beer, wine and shochu poured into striking cut-glass cups. Attentive service includes suggestions for what to drink with your meal. Finish with a fragrant grilled rice ball or ochazuke, rice served with tea or broth, and the evening ends on a satisfying note.

Kisyo opens only on weekday evenings, and seats can fill up, so booking ahead is recommended.