Tsuki

In Ebara, Shinagawa City, the izakaya つき is the kind of place to drop into after work for a drink and a few unfussy small plates. Its relaxed atmosphere, with counter and table seating, makes it comfortable to spend time there alone, and the dishes are affordably priced.

Familiar snacks include kinchaku natto, with its simple, approachable flavour; saba cultural-dried fish, grilled until fragrant; and chicken skin with ponzu. For meat dishes, there is a two-kind chicken tataki platter or horse-meat yukhoe. The fried options include izakaya staples such as fried cartilage and fried chicken.

Alongside the regular menu, daily specials written on a board on the wall are another part of the appeal. The changing selection includes dishes with a slight twist, such as spicy boiled gyoza, asparagus, bacon and cheese skewers, and salt yakisoba—a chance to try a different combination with each visit.

Drinks range from draft and bottled beer to baisu sour, citric-acid sour, highballs and wine. It suits both a casual evening of a few drinks and small dishes, and a more substantial meal in place of dinner.