Hitachi

In the residential Igusa quarter of Suginami Ward, Hitachi offers an unpretentious setting for carefully prepared drinking snacks and a relaxed glass or two. Once settled in, good starting choices include the sashimi platter featuring fresh catches and the deep-fried tofu (atsuage), which shows off the distinctive flavor of being made in-house. Warm, thoughtful dishes like nikujaga (stewed beef and potatoes) prepared fresh to order define the kitchen's patient approach.

The menu also features plenty of izakaya staples to graze on throughout an evening, from yakitori basted in a sweet-savory tare sauce to fragrant deep-fried squid tentacles (geso karaage) and buttered potatoes (jaga-butter). A cold draft beer or tart lemon sour cuts through richer bites effortlessly, while a carafe of hot sake pairs comfortably with dashi-forward plates.

Seating includes a counter as well as raised tatami-mat zashiki tables, making the space equally welcoming for a quiet solo drink or an easygoing gathering over shared plates. The shop closes on Wednesdays and operates from 17:00 to 23:00 on other days. Cash is the only accepted payment method.