Daizen

As dusk settles and red lanterns flicker to life, patrons begin gathering at Daizen in Nerima's Oizumigakuencho, drawn in by the aroma of grilling skewers. Behind its unpretentious tavern exterior lies an easygoing atmosphere where anyone can comfortably drop by for a casual drink.

A natural place to begin is the yakitori, offered at approachable prices. Ordering an assortment or leaving the selection to the kitchen yields classics like chicken thigh, liver, skirt, and gizzard straight from the grill, each showcasing its distinct texture and savory depth seasoned simply with salt or tare sauce. The drink list is well stocked to match, ranging from Hoppy sets available in white or black to chilled or heated sake served in glasses, highballs, and traditional shitamachi-style Denki Bran.

A well-rounded selection of small side dishes between rounds of skewers provides another reason to settle in. Freshly fried french fries, aromatic garlic wrapped in chicken skin, and egg with tomato skewers make for satisfying drinking fare that enlivens the table. For something more filling, hearty rice staples such as garlic fried rice or onigiri offer a grounded conclusion to the meal.

Evening hours run from 18:00 to 23:00, with doors closed on Thursdays. Whether unwinding over a quiet solo drink or sharing skewers with familiar company, the welcoming space offers an effortless setting for a relaxed evening.