Osakana Sohonke Tsukijima

The periodic flames trailing up to the kitchen hood, casting orange-ember hues across the dining space, is a shock factor no one expects from an izakaya. Welcome to Osakana Sohonke Tsukijima, an authentic Japanese bar and seafood haven where market-fresh selections are taken seriously, and straw-grilling is a signature method for preparing the catch. The kitchen sources over 30 kinds of fish daily from ports all over the country — including Japanese flounder from Yonekawa Fisheries — transforming them into a vibrant seafood medley. Expect more than the usual sashimi. The lineup rotates depending on the season, but past primes include tiger prawns deep-fried in a light tempura batter, delivering a crisp crunch alongside mountain vegetables. Alfonsino and snow crab are simmered in dashi broth as shabu-shabu, while crab miso is grilled right in the shell, adding a rich, savory flavor. Of course, diners won’t want to miss the chef's signature straw-grilled bonito and bluefin tuna, which are grilled to order. Straws fuel the flames to impart a dramatic char on the fish, and the added charcoal improves the flavor. Sometimes, whole fish is skewered and cooked robatayaki-style directly over white-hot charcoal. The maritime menu is complemented by an impressive selection of local sake from regional breweries, featuring labels that even casual drinkers will appreciate, such as Dassai, Dewazakura and Mutsu Hassen. Any hesitation about the perfect pairing fades when you leave it to the in-house sake sommelier, who considers the type of fish you're enjoying — whether blue-backed or silver-skinned — and swiftly selects the ideal pairing. Dim lighting, curtained private rooms and a quintessentially Japanese atmosphere make the evening here the perfect spot for a lively hangout with friends. English menu available.