Sumibiyaki Ikki

Behind its noren curtain near the residential streets of Takashimadaira, Sumibiyaki Ikki is an unpretentious charcoal-grill izakaya where you can settle in over skewers and drinks. The easiest starting point is the chef's choice platter of 6 skewers, alongside house-made tsukune meatballs seasoned with your choice of miso, salt, or tare sauce. The skewer list covers classic yakitori staples such as chicken tenderloin, liver, and skin, complemented by vegetable wraps like bacon-wrapped tomato, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and meat-stuffed shiitake mushrooms, letting you build a meal at your own pace.

Between rounds of skewers, classic drinking snacks keep glasses moving. Offerings include dashi-rolled omelette, fried octopus, and deep-fried chicken thigh karaage. The drinks list complements the food with beer, wine, and a broad range of shochu, spanning sweet potato, barley, rice, brown sugar, and Okinawan awamori.

For the finale, the kitchen draws on a chicken broth simmered from bones for over 5 hours. This rich stock forms the base for chicken dashi udon, chicken dashi somen, and comforting chicken rice porridge (tori zosui). Heartier rice dishes are also available, including charcoal-grilled chicken thigh bowls and salmon roe bowls, ensuring a satisfying finish.

The dining room provides counter and table seating, accommodating solo evening drinks as well as group meals, with table reservations accepted. Open from 17:00 to 23:00, it is an easy neighborhood stop for an everyday dinner or a casual get-together with friends.