Hinode

Open the door at Hinode, tucked into a corner of Nishi-Asakusa, and you’ll find a calm, U-shaped counter with a comfortably familiar feel. This is an izakaya where solo diners can drop in, take a seat and enjoy a drink at their own pace.

Oden is a natural place to start: each piece is richly infused with broth. Alongside classics such as daikon radish, egg and chikuwa-bu, a chewy wheat-based cake, the selection includes tomato and tofu. The five-piece assortment makes an easy choice. Fish dishes and well-chosen small plates round out the menu, from mackerel grilled until its skin is fragrant to a daily sashimi assortment and squid with natto, made for nibbling. There are also familiar Western-style izakaya staples, including a small macaroni gratin and ham and egg, making for a simple but satisfying selection.

There’s plenty to choose from at the bar, too: noteworthy draft craft beer and bottled Sapporo Black Label, as well as a nourishing dashi broth drink made with Kenbishi sake, lemon sour and matcha shochu. The list also includes regional sake from across Japan and authentic shochu, so you can take your time over a drink that suits your taste.