Zesuian

At Zesuian, the pleasure lies in choosing small dishes to accompany drinks, with fish sashimi at the centre of the menu. One diner singled out filefish sashimi served with its liver, mackerel sashimi and vinegared squid tentacles. Pairing sashimi with a vinegared dish makes for an appealing way to enjoy the flavour of the fish over drinks.

Another diner recommended the fried horse mackerel wrapped in shiso leaves. There are fried options as well as sashimi, offering another way to enjoy fish. The menu also lists grilled blackthroat seaperch and golden eye snapper, along with tempura of Japanese halfbeak, koshiabura shoots and firefly squid. For a more substantial finish, choose kamameshi—rice cooked in an earthenware pot—with blackthroat seaperch, oysters or octopus. The menu notes that it takes a little time to prepare, so it may be worth asking about it early.

This izakaya in Shugakuin serves fish dishes and can suit a solo meal. One diner reported that the seating is mainly at the counter and described enjoying fish and sake alone. Dinner reservations are recommended, so consider booking if you have a set date in mind.