Takobea

The smoked potato salad includes crunchy takuan, or pickled daikon, adding a contrasting bite to the smoky flavour. It makes an appealing small plate to start with. The assorted smoked platter includes 4 varieties; one diner also recalled the mayonnaise served with it. Takobea’s menu ranges from sashimi and smoked snacks to creative dishes. Options include a four-piece sashimi platter of the day and Iberico pork shoulder steak, described on the menu for its sweet, rich fat.

Other diners have mentioned prawns, chijimi, Japanese rolled omelette and yakisoba with salt and spring onion. One review also found the restaurant comfortable for a solo drink, as well as for sharing a few dishes with others. Some dishes may change every 1 weeks to 10 days, bringing something different to the menu; one diner highlighted Awaji Island onion steak as a special on their visit.

To finish, there’s a 200g salted rice ball or tarako kimchi udon served with green shiso. The menu offers dishes to go with drinks as well as more substantial ways to end a meal. Wine and beer are available, and reservations are accepted. In Higashi-Kōenji, Takobea offers the flexibility to choose between smoked small plates and dishes that change from day to day.