We were thrilled to learn that our favorite Kyoto dining bar has a more conveniently located branch in Tokyo. The kitchen here offers a modern take on traditional Japanese casual cuisine, served alongside an impressive sake list.

You can start off with daily sashimi specials and sake-friendly snacks like bonito carpaccio, grilled ray fin, and marinated shrimp and eggplant in a tomato gelee. Main dishes range from grilled swordfish with black pepper and roast pork to seasonal tempura assortments. Note that the daily menu is in handwritten Japanese, but you can generally count on the day's sashimi, assorted starters and tempura.

Budget around Y5,000-6,000 for ample food and drink at dinnertime.