Rokkaku

If you want to get involved with Japan’s thriving gastropub culture, without the noise and chaos of a chain izakaya, then this is the place for you. Rokkaku is a high-end izakaya in Azabujuban which maintains a mature and refined atmosphere, and a 2022 Michelin star to show for it. The chef has experience in Kyoto kaiseki restaurants, and brings elements of that austere dining culture to his high-end gastropub. In a high-end twist on the typical snacks served upon being seated at normal izakayas (covered by the price of the seating charge), you’ll get a soup, small dish, and hassun: a seasonal platter of small bites which traditionally kicks off a kaiseki meal. Expect common izakaya dishes with uncommonly high-quality ingredients and preparation. Croquettes, sukiyaki, deep-fried mushroom and seafood balls, and fried oysters are some of the best. They even take requests, assuming all of the ingredients are on hand! It wouldn’t be an izakaya without sake, so there’s obviously a great selection of premium bottles for you to work your way through to your heart’s content.