Nomikui Naniwa

At Nomikui Naniwa in Oyama-Kanaicho, Itabashi Ward, an order of the handcrafted obanzai platter sets the tone with a colorful spread of seasonal vegetables. Carefully prepared small portions—such as marinated carrot with tuna, potato salad, and dashi-simmered greens—arrive side by side to kick off your drinks. The renowned house-braised beef tendon and crisp fried chicken wings are equally essential orders, delivering the honest, comforting flavors of classic neighborhood pub fare.

Playful riffs on traditional izakaya snacks are another defining highlight. Items like the unshaped snack takoyaki, raw meat-stuffed bell peppers served without cooking, and tender chive-and-liver yukho pique curiosity from the menu alone. With rotating sashimi platters, seasonal fried items, and fragrant nori-wrapped sea bream chikuwa tempura, every visit invites you to put together a different combination of bites.

The drink selection spans the house original Naniwa Chuhai, highballs, sake, and refreshing iced-tea-infused shochu pours. For the finish, diners can choose dashi-rich curry rice or noodles, before a soothing bowl of warm clam soup served with the bill brings the meal to a gentle close.

The interior centers on a counter that naturally fosters easy conversation with the friendly proprietor, supplemented by table seating in the back for guests who prefer to settle in. It functions just as smoothly for a solitary drink as it does for catching up with friends over good food, serving as a welcoming evening retreat in Oyama.