Sanpei

Scanning a wall lined with handwritten menu slips while deciding on the evening's dinner has a nostalgic charm of its own. Sanpei, located in the Eitai neighborhood of Koto Ward, is an unpretentious drinking and dining spot whose wide-ranging selection caters equally well to a quick drink or a full, hearty meal.

The daily chalkboard specials showcase a tempting mix of seafood, like roughly diced maguro butsu tuna and maguro yamakake with grated yam, alongside grilled fish such as salt-broiled sea bream and sandfish. Meat options range from Wagyu sukiyaki to diced steak. Diners often order skewers of tender chicken, negima with leek, or pork belly to go with cold beer, chuhai, or a shot of retro Denki Bran herbal liqueur.

For a more filling dinner, the kitchen turns out dependable set meals including simmered beef offal, ginger pork, and crispy chicken karaage. Pairing one of these sets with simple small plates such as potato salad, fried wontons, or stir-fried vegetables allows you to assemble an evening spread tailored precisely to your mood.

The down-to-earth setting makes solo diners feel right at home, making it an easy place to wander in during the evening to unwind. Please bear in mind that the shop accepts cash payments only, so carry sufficient yen bills or coins when visiting.