Tsumugi

When an evening calls for picking through a series of savory bites alongside drinks, a dependable lineup of small plates makes all the difference. Located in Takinogawa, within easy walking distance of JR Itabashi Station, the izakaya Tsumugi (紡絆) delivers just that, offering an unpretentious spread that spans seasonal fresh seafood, affordable grilled items, and satisfying rice and noodle dishes.

A natural place to begin is with the fish and seasonal delicacies. Fresh seafood options feature sashimi and whiting tempura, alongside Pacific oysters that can be ordered with ponzu, grilled, or fried. Cod milt, available foil-baked or as tempura, lets diners adapt the preparation to whatever drink is in hand. Salty, deeply flavored bar snacks such as firefly squid okizuke (soy-cured whole squid), spicy cod entrail changja, and seared spicy pollock roe ensure there is always something savory to graze on between sips of beer.

Moving on to hot meats and grilled fare, chicken takes center stage. Sautéed or grilled chicken cuts come with a choice of black pepper, garlic-butter, or salted spring onion sauces, while stamina-style chicken skewers can be ordered in batches of 1. The menu also features miso-marinated pork shoulder loin, bone-in frankfurters, and capelin laden with roe, allowing guests to piece together a meal at their own pace alongside skewers and seasoned appetizer miso paste.

To wind down the meal, a bowl of light chicken yuzu ramen provides a citrusy finish. Those in search of heartier fare can turn instead to garlic fried rice, classic oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice), or cheese-topped keema curry.

Seating includes both bar stools and tables, with practical touches such as under-seat storage bins that make the space easy to navigate whether visiting solo or with friends. With operating hours running until 5:00 Monday through Saturday and until 2:00 on Sundays, it works equally well for a relaxed late dinner or an easy second stop.