Meguro City, Tokyo, Japan｜Haneya

It's a great local izakaya in the Aobadai neighborhood, right off of the Meguro River. While their regular menu seems quite solid, I highly recommend looking through their seasonal/regional menu (separate). Most of the items there are 1000Y or less and the quality and uniqueness of the dishes are fantastic. One perennial that's likely there is their kakiage (fritter) made with uni (sea urchin), scallions and watercress. It's light and crispy and the uni adds a lovely savoriness. And if they have the yakionigiri (grilled rice ball) with chazuke (dashi broth served in a tiny tea kettle) and horse mackerel, 100% try that one. It's a wonderful mix of crispy rice bits, the saltiness of the mackerel, and umami of the dashi. They don't have an English menu but Google Translate + your camera phone will work just fine for non-Japanese speakers. Warning: while many places are non-smoking, they do allow smoking in here. That's my one knock on the atmosphere; otherwise, it's very cozy.

Came for lunch and their portion is great! Smoked pickle side dishes, choice of white or 16 grain rice, miso and your main dish. The smoke fish salad is delicious and also if you want to try different dishes they do have mixed (fried chicken, tsukune and pork ginger) Probably makes a great izakaya at night!

Modern Izakaya without a (super) crazy price tag. Great quality food and nihonshu recommendations that are on point. Seasonal specials in a picture menu for those of you who didn't bring your Japanese skills.