Nijūmaru

A short walk from Hanzomon or Kojimachi Station, in an office district, a staircase leads down beneath a building to にじゅうまる, a lively izakaya. The floor has Asian-style decorative touches, with both table seating and tatami rooms. It works for a relaxed gathering with friends, but is also a handy place to drop in alone for a drink.

Open the menu and the breadth of seafood stands out first. There is an assortment of fresh sashimi, crisp-battered fried octopus, and fish dishes such as salt-grilled tuna collar, cooked slowly until fragrant, and overnight-dried fish—plenty to draw in seafood lovers. Other well-loved izakaya staples include broccoli sautéed with garlic, a dish regulars regard as a house specialty, tender stewed beef tendon and fragrant grilled skewers—all made for a drink alongside.

The drinks list ranges from sake from across Japan, including Denshu, Kikuhime and Hakkaisan, available by the half-serving, to draft beer, sours and wine. There is plenty of choice to go with the food. For a more filling finish, the menu also offers Fisherman's Seafood Rice, topped generously with ingredients, freshly made rice balls and smooth udon.

At weekday lunchtime, nearby office workers gather for substantial set meals such as grilled fish or stewed beef tendon, served with small side dishes and sashimi. Courses with all-you-can-drink options are available too, making this an easygoing spot for a meal or gathering at any time of day.