Tanto

Slide open the door and take a seat at the counter, where an array of freshly prepared platters fills the view. Tucked along a residential lane near To-ji temple, Tanto is a welcoming izakaya run by a husband-and-wife team. Rather than simply relying on a written menu, guests can look over the dishes arranged across the counter and order whatever catches their eye just by pointing.

Tender Simmered Flounder and Savory Small Plates to Pair with Drinks

Among the varied repertoire, one dish that many diners request is the simmered flounder, deeply steeped in its cooking broth. The tender white flesh flakes easily from the bone, balanced by a savory-sweet glaze that pairs as naturally with a bowl of rice as it does with a drink. The kitchen also turns out substantial meat dishes, including richly seasoned stewed beef tendon, spicy bamboo shoots with beef tendon, braised pig's trotters, and spare ribs. A colorful assortment of smaller plates—such as konjac noodles tossed with spicy pollack roe, cured squid, and vinegared nanbanzuke—makes it easy to graze across several courses over a glass of beer or wine.

The intimate dining room centers on counter seats alongside a few tables, cultivating an unpretentious, restful atmosphere. Tanto is open Tuesday through Saturday from 17:00 to 22:00, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Payment is cash only, and reservations are accepted. It is a satisfying stop for an evening drink accompanied by meticulous homestyle cooking and approachable hospitality.