Shoji

Tucked down a residential alley in Minami-Shinagawa, the noren curtain of Shoji marks an izakaya that quickly fills with local office workers once the midday rush begins. The dining area features both counter and table seating, creating a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere where even solo guests can drop by comfortably for lunch.

One pleasing detail of the lunch sets is the chance to choose your own small side dish to accompany the main plate. Guests can pick from raw egg, natto, or chilled tofu (hiyayakko), rounding out a substantial tray with rice, miso soup, and traditional garnishes. The mains lean toward appetite-satisfying dishes at wallet-friendly prices, ranging from liver and garlic chives with a gentle peppery kick to mildly seasoned ginger pork, as well as fried chicken cooked fresh to order. For seafood, fried staples like horse mackerel (aji fry) and deep-fried mackerel tatsuta-age are dependable choices.

When evening service begins, the space shifts to poured beers and savoury small dishes. The tuna sashimi has a strong reputation of its own, remaining a regular fixture among patrons stopping in for a quick drink after work. Payment is accepted in cash only, so having bills ready beforehand makes settling the bill seamless.