Kimatoto

Thick-cut and surprisingly light, the fried horse mackerel here arrives with a crust that cradles rather than overwhelms the natural flavor of the fish. It is delicious unadorned, or paired with the house tartar sauce, which stays pleasantly balanced rather than heavy. Located in Komagome, Kimatoto is an izakaya built around fresh seafood at reasonable prices, regularly featuring fish reeled in by the angler-owner himself.

Beyond the deep-fried specialties, the menu is stocked with fish dishes like finely chopped namerou tartare, lightly seared tataki, and an assortment of sashimi. The horse mackerel namerou can be prepared with an assertive accent of garlic, making it an ideal savory bite to nibble between sips. The selections shift with the catch, from flounder, squid, and cured mackerel sashimi to simmered fish dishes, with Okinawa soba on hand as a satisfying finish.

The compact dining space centers on a counter, offering a calm, unpretentious atmosphere where patrons can comfortably settle in with a glass of beer or sake. Dinner service begins at 18:00 and accepts reservations, making it a good idea to book ahead when planning a visit for fresh seafood.