Sushi Iseji

Down a lane beside Nakano Sun Mall, near the station’s north exit, Sushi Iseji is an easy-going spot for fish and drinks. The menu includes nigiri, from tuna and egg sushi at 1 pieces for 100 yen, served on rice seasoned with red vinegar. There’s a good range of toppings, including vinegared mackerel, yellowtail, greater amberjack and bluefin tuna, so you can pick a few favourites and enjoy them with a drink.

A popular starter before the sushi is the petite squid-ink risotto croquette. Its crisp coating gives way to dark risotto with a little bite to the rice; cheese adds richness, while ketchup brings a tangy note. The croquettes go particularly well with a fizzy highball. Spicy rolls filled with chopped wasabi stems and the fresh, lightly pickled cabbage and cucumber offer a refreshing counterpoint and help keep the drinks flowing at a comfortable pace.

Alongside draft beer and Hoppy sets, the drinks list features sushi-bar originals such as Sushi-ya no Gari Chu and Sushi-ya no Matcha Hai. Counter seating is on the 1 floor, with tables on the 2 floor, making it a handy place to drop in for a drink early in the evening.