Nerima Restaurants

This little gem hidden behind a 7-Eleven store and across from a pachinko parlour at Nerima station is full of character, beer, nihonshu and ... not surprisingly, daikon (Japanese white radish). A fully stocked bar and open kitchen greets you first and foremost and you can choose counter-dining, grab a cushion-covered crate opposite the bar or opt for one of the more private tatami rooms towards the back. This place has no pretences, the staff are charming and friendly, the drink cheap and the food mouth-watering...if a little slow at peak times. Food is modern Japanese and the menu is in a creative kanji/katakana script so if you're not confident with reading, grab a friend who can! Ladies, a trip to the toilet is an experience!

Favorite Dish: The mix sashimi platter with saba (mackerel): this gorgeous array of raw mackerel, kingfish and squid is always fresh and of a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The highlight comes right at the start when the waiter blasts the skin of the mackerel with a flame and a lucky customer quickly squeezes lemon afterwards. The combination of crisp skin, creamy flesh and a slight tang keeps me coming back for more!

Ishiyaki kare raisu/Ishiyaji tako raisu: curry rice or taco rice in a hot stone bowl mixed at the table. Always a treat with beer!

Soramame: If in season, these delectable broadbeans are healthy and accompany nihonshu perfectly.

Tebasaki: Grilled chicken wings like only the Daikonya boys can do!

All the beers and sake and nihonshu are highly reccommended!