Daimatsu

Daimatsu, an izakaya tucked into Kanda's Kajichō neighbourhood, gives diners the chance to sip a drink and snack on sardine dishes while watching fish swim in the dining room tank. Opening the menu reveals an extensive lineup built around sardines, with raw, deep-fried, grilled, and simmered preparations all crafted to bring out the appeal of the blue-backed fish.

Raw, Fried, and Grilled: Sardines in Every Guise

Taking a seat, a fine first choice is the rich, fatty sardine sashimi. Namerō, minced with aromatics and seasonings, makes an exceptional match for sake that keeps chopsticks moving. The deep-fried selection is just as broad, spanning tender tatsuta-age, sardine fillets wrapped in fragrant shiso and tart ume plum, and crunchy bone crackers that make addictive drinking snacks. Minced fish cakes also feature prominently—grilled on skewers over the flame or served chilled with refreshing ponzu—offering contrasting textures and flavours from dish to dish.

From Quick Lunch Sets to a Lively Evening Counter

At lunchtime, fast-moving set meals draw office workers looking for sardine sashimi sets or marinated fish rice bowls. Guests order and pay at the entrance before sitting down, an upfront payment system designed to keep midday dining smooth and efficient. By night, the atmosphere shifts as conversation swells around small plates and poured drinks. The dining room accommodates group gatherings comfortably, while solo diners can settle at the counter for an unhurried meal.

Whenever the craving strikes for the rich, wholesome flavours of blue-backed fish, this unpretentious neighbourhood izakaya proves a dependable stop.