Bocchiri

A draft beer served in a frosted glass brings instant refreshment the moment you take your seat. Kami-Igusa's Bocchiri steps beyond standard tavern fare with a broad, playful spread of inventive dishes.

A sensible place to start is the fish selection, such as the chef's choice 3-piece sashimi assortment, sea bass served with lemon salt, or fragrant seared whale. The grilled fish offerings are equally thorough, featuring rich, fatty grilled mackerel and slow-roasted sea bream collar.

Alongside classic Japanese bites, the kitchen turns out Western-influenced plates such as Japanese babylon snail and green onion ajillo served with baguette, rich liver paste, and a comforting shrimp and macaroni gratin. Meat dishes tailored for drinking include kakuni katsu—a breaded, deep-fried take on the house-favourite braised pork belly—and peppery pork rolls inspired by rustic sanzokuyaki mountain grilling.

The drinks list is just as varied, pouring junmai sake like Kouzuru, crisp cold pours such as Saburomaru, and matured shochu like Hyouroku, which is best enjoyed cut with hot water. Sweeter options also feature, including an adult milk tea laced with black tea liqueur and a tart crimson glory vine liqueur.

For a finishing bite, the menu offers garlic fried rice, dashi ochazuke, and rich shrimp miso ramen. Bocchiri opens from 13:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, making it just as handy for an early afternoon drink as it is for an evening gathering.