Hyperlocal Tokyo

We visited with a group of four a while back. The entrance is very inviting. We were seated at a table, and the staff was attentive to our timing. We ordered several recommended drinks and shared a variety of dishes from the à la carte menu. Everything was served with great care and attention to detail. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience. It's easy to see why reservations are hard to come by.

Located just a 3-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station, "Sakai Shokai" is an izakaya (Japanese pub) established in 2018. With a cozy, hidden-away atmosphere, this excellent establishment offers a variety of delicious dishes featuring seasonal ingredients, perfect for enjoying with drinks. I made a reservation for a weekend visit. While they offer courses, we opted for a la carte this time, choosing dishes we wanted and savoring the food and drinks. We ordered: * Asparagus simmered in soy sauce * Assortment of sashimi * Grilled mentaiko (cod roe) * Deep-fried eel and Kamo eggplant * Edamame with sansho pepper and soy sauce * Hairtail with salt and lemon * Kamo eggplant * Corn rice in a clay pot The seasonal asparagus, eggplant, hairtail, and other dishes were all exquisite! They thoughtfully divided the ordered dishes among us, demonstrating exceptional hospitality. The sashimi was also incredibly delicious, and they provided soy sauce, salt, and roasted sake lees for different flavor profiles. This was a recipe for disaster – I couldn't stop myself from drinking sake! For our final dish, we ordered corn rice. Despite being quite full, it somehow found its way into our stomachs! My companions were amazed by its deliciousness. While the prices are slightly higher than those of typical izakayas, the comfortable atmosphere and high-quality food make it feel like a bargain, especially considering its location near Shibuya Station. This is one of my favorite places. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Shibuya for drinks!

Every dish was so tempting, I wanted to try them all! While the portions were on the smaller side, it allowed me to order a variety of dishes. It's a stylish, hidden gem of a restaurant for adults. Everything was delicious, and I definitely plan to visit again!

Hidden Izakaya with No Signboard \\\\\ ▶︎ 🗓 November 2022 ☑ Unzen Ham Cutlet ☑ Grilled Eel Sandwich ☑ Black Pork and Ginkgo Dumplings ☑ Fig Mascarpone ☑ Sweetfish and Lotus Root Spring Rolls ☑ Appetizer Tofu ☑ Autumn Salmon and Ikura Soy Sauce Marinade ☑ Ice Cream (Salt Vanilla, Matcha) ☑ Shinsei Pink Unicorn 2016 ☑ Cloud Riesling (Australia) ≣≣≣≣≣✿≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣≣ I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Sakai and finally visited Sakai Shokai, a place I'd been wanting to try. While they primarily offer a la carte, they have a wide variety of dishes, from home-style cooking to meat and fish, so if you ask them to create a course for you, they'll happily accommodate. Their signature dish is the "Unzen Ham Cutlet." Some of you might have seen it at their sister store, Sowado. I ordered a variety of dishes, but the "Fig Mascarpone" was so delicious I had to order another. It pairs well with both sake and their homemade salt cookies! The regulars at the table next to me even took some mascarpone home. They also have a good relationship with Shinsei Sake Brewery, so they offer rare Shinsei series, which is another reason I love this place. With only 12 counter seats and 8 table seats, it's not a very large space, so it tends to fill up quickly on weekends. I believe they open reservations a month in advance, so if you want to go, I recommend making a reservation early!

A pinnacle of Japanese cuisine izakayas in Shibuya. I always feel their dedication to both food and sake is extraordinary. The carefully crafted Japanese dishes offer a variety of seasonal options, ensuring a new discovery with every visit. The cuisine is generally omakase (chef's choice). Seasonal dishes are served leisurely over approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. *The inclusion of a final earthenware rice pot can significantly impact the duration. While beverages are freely selectable, wine or sake pairings are highly recommended. One of their signature dishes, the ham cutlet, will redefine your understanding of what a ham cutlet can be.