Tochiazuma

For people who visit at lunchtime, the satisfying size of the fish in the hokke set meal stands out. Some diners praise how it is grilled; others enjoy the accompaniments, such as spicy cod roe and dried whitebait. One visitor found the portion generous enough to fill them up on hokke alone. For a change of fish, there is a set meal of mackerel simmered in miso, while a croquette makes another option to add to the meal. One diner even bought hokke to take home, suggesting that the fish at the heart of the set meal can also be brought back for the family.

In the evening, the restaurant also takes on the feel of an izakaya, with small plates to enjoy alongside drinks. One diner who came for dinner said they enjoyed a large serving of grilled hokke and home-style cooking, and left full after pairing the food with drinks.

There are several sake options, including Asabiraki, a dry junmai sake that brings out the flavour of the rice, and Sawanoi, described as having a clean aroma and a crisp finish. The beer selection is just as varied: an IPA noted for its bitterness and citrus aroma, a Weizen with sweet notes reminiscent of banana and vanilla, and a dark Porter, among others. Whether you want a substantial hokke-centred lunch or an evening of small dishes with sake or beer, Tochiazuma in Nishiarai offers different ways to put a meal together.