While there's no shortage of good izakayas in the Marunouchi-Otemachi area, it's always nice to find someplace that combines great food, a stylish but comfortable setting, and reasonable prices. Torafuku delivers on all counts, and offers a decent sake list as well.

When we visited there was a long-running Akita event underway, so we got to try a lot of sake and regional delicacies from that area in addition to the regular menu. The regular sake list features around a dozen premium craft brews from established producers like Denshu, Hiroki and Kubota, with three-part tasting flights available if you're in the mood to explore.

Charcoal-grilled pork, chicken and fish were all well prepared, with a tempting variety of bacon-wrapped vegetable skewers like asparagus and tomato. Our sashimi platter and tamago-yaki were first-rate, and small dishes like miso-marinated tofu (surprisingly sweet) and macaroni salad (quite delectable) complemented the sake nicely.

Non-sake drinks options include a reasonable shochu list and unusual items like non-alcoholic umeshu. There are separate smoking and non-smoking dining areas and a cosy counter that would be good for solo diners. Budget around Y4000-5000 for ample food and drink, or around Y1000 at lunchtime.