Sakurai

Much of the pleasure of an izakaya lies in pausing over a drink while deciding what to order from the paper menu slips on the wall. Located on a side street in Nakadai, Itabashi, Sakurai offers an appealing spread of seasonal fare, anchored by fresh catches like raw firefly squid and translucent spear squid sashimi. The kitchen prepares dishes that work equally well as drinks accompaniments or central plates, from refreshing udo mountain asparagus with vinegared miso and dashi-simmered spring bamboo shoots to fragrant salt-grilled thornhead fish.

Unpretentious staples such as marinated fried horse mackerel and french fries are also on hand, letting patrons settle in with a beer or other drinks at their own pace. Fitted with table seating and tatami-mat areas, the quiet dining room carries an easygoing calm that suits both casual solo meals and small-group dinners.

The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. and operates late into the evening, with reservations accepted. With carefully prepared warm dishes and quality fish on offer, it provides a relaxed neighborhood destination for an evening drink once night falls.