Tonta

When you want an effortless place to drop in for an evening drink, Tonta delivers with an extensive lineup of small plates. The kitchen covers quick starters like seasoned boiled egg (Tonta no Nitamago) and tamari-pickled cheese alongside exceptionally fresh seafood, including bluefin tuna sashimi and finely chopped namerou tartare, letting you tailor the meal to whatever you feel like having that night.

The grilled and fried selections are equally generous. Skewers such as pork belly and minced chicken tsukune sit comfortably alongside nostalgic pub fare, from piping-hot fried chicken (Tonta no Karaage) to crisp, unpretentious ham cutlets. When the weather calls for comfort, you can order a single-portion shio chanko hot pot. For the finish, rich staples like the indulgent "Haitoku TKG" raw egg over rice and hearty fish-bone soup (arajiru) round things out.

The drinks list complements the food with draft beer and bottled Sapporo Red Star, backed by a well-chosen sake roster featuring Tedorigawa Daiginjo from Ishikawa and Datsu Junmai Karakuchi Hiire from Kyoto, plus a three-pour tasting flight. Tea-based highballs, including green tea and jasmine tea mixes, provide lighter companions. The laid-back room accommodates everything from a quick solo nightcap to a full, lingering dinner.