Taraima

At Taraima, a Japanese restaurant in north Koenji, the meal can begin with a choice. Diners have reported being able to select their appetiser from several options, and the chance to pick two small plates seems to have made a particular impression.

For a fish-focused meal, options include sashimi, grilled fish and simmered fish. Some diners have enjoyed sashimi with white rice and sake as a set-style meal; others mention fish set meals served with a small side dish. The menu also lists grilled salted mackerel, mackerel grilled with plum and shiso, miso-simmered mackerel and assorted sashimi. One diner specifically praised the sashimi portion, reporting that their serving contained 9 to 10 pieces. That was one visit, but it offers a useful sense of what to expect if you are looking to make fish the centrepiece of a meal with a drink.

Fried dishes can round things out: fried scallops and fried oysters are available by the piece, while the large prawn katsu is offered by the skewer. Visitors have commented on the crisp coating of the scallop and prawn, as well as the tangy tartare sauce.

The sake list includes bottles from across Japan, with options such as Kirinzan Extra Dry and Kikuhime, a yamahai junmai. You might choose a pour to go with sashimi, or follow the example of one diner who ordered sake alongside the fish despite not usually drinking it.

Some diners eating alone say they were able to order half portions, which may suit an evening of trying a few dishes. Taraima also serves lunch on Wednesdays and Fridays; diners have mentioned teriyaki meat dishes and fish set meals.