01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Sizing up the blackboard and display case to piece together the day’s meal is one of the quintessential pleasures of visiting an izakaya. At 芥子の坊 in Nakamagome, Ota Ward, seafood anchors the menu, including sea bass fish-head (kabuto) dishes served salt-grilled or simmered, black sea bream fish-head dishes, and sake-steamed ishinagi fish-head dishes, alongside deep-fried himekodai (small sea bream) tempura and crisp fried mehikari (greeneye). The meat selection is just as reassuring for hearty appetites, featuring the day's horse sashimi, lean meat yukhoe, seared Miyazaki free-range chicken tataki, grilled fresh lamb steak, and seared wagyu sirloin tataki.
Seasonal Flavors and Classic Drinking Fare
Rotating seasonal specials bring down-to-earth vegetable dishes to the table, including tempura of tara-no-me (angelica tree shoots) and butterbur buds, fried new potatoes with miso butter, and grilled spring onions and spring cabbage steeped in seasoned broth. For comforting staples, diners can turn to oden offered in assortments from three to eight pieces, or a dashi rolled omelet customizable with toppings such as natto, cheese, or spicy cod roe. An array of smaller bites—from snow crab with crab tomalley to premium grilled skate wing and salted sea squirt—fits right in from the first drink to an unhurried evening session.
Regional Sakes and Fruit Liquors to Expand Pairings
The beverage lineup is carefully chosen to complement the food. Selected regional sakes include Kokuryu "Icchorai" Ginjo, Haneya Junmai Ginjo Namagenshu, Tedorigawa, and Shichihonyari, accompanied by distinctive fruit liquors like Meyer lemon liquor made with lemons from Yawatahama in Ehime Prefecture, apple liquor, and peach liquor. Draft beer is served with Asahi Premium Jukusen, rounded out by shochu, wine, and whisky to suit any mood.
From Solo Drinks to Group Gatherings
The relaxed interior offers both counter seats and tatami zashiki areas, making it convenient whether dropping by alone for dinner or gathering with friends and family. Evening hours run until 22:00 from Tuesday to Thursday and on Sunday, extending to midnight on Friday and Saturday, with reservations accepted. The dining area is entirely smoke-free and provides free Wi-Fi, while credit card and various mobile QR code payments offer practical everyday convenience.
