Chiyoya

Tender anago served in two styles—one seasoned simply with salt and the other brushed with sweet tare sauce—or torotaku rolls pairing fatty tuna with the lively crunch of pickled daikon: at Chiyoya in Kichijoji-Honcho, carefully crafted sushi and side dishes are served without pretension.

For an evening spent nursing a drink at the counter, starting with an assorted platter of fresh sashimi, lightly cured kombujime flatfish, or aromatic shirayaki grilled sea eel sets an easy, comfortable pace. Guests can pick from fresh sea urchin, salmon roe, or crunchy ark shell before easing into nigiri at their own tempo. Alongside staple pours of beer and sake, the selection includes quality red wine, offering an unexpected and welcome pairing option.

Run by the chef and his wife, the dining room has an intimate warmth where solo guests feel right at home. The restaurant operates in the evening from 18:00 to 23:00, and booking ahead for dinner is advisable when planning a relaxed meal around seasonal fish.