Hitowaku

Step down the stairs into the basement of a Tsukiji building and you will find Hitowaku, an izakaya with the unpretentious warmth of a neighborhood canteen. The daytime draw is tender beef motsu (offal) simmered in a rich miso-based sauce, served over rice. Topped with chopped scallions, the dish lets the sweet, savory cooking broth soak thoroughly into the rice, accompanied by miso soup with every set or bowl.

Lunchtime portions can be customized in detail, from regular rice servings to extra rice, extra offal, or the "Super" bowl that increases both. Diners seeking a lighter lunch can opt for the mini motsu set complete with a salad, making it easy to match the meal to your hunger. Aside from offal, the midday lineup includes substantial choices such as a Canadian sockeye salmon set meal and short rib kalbi rice bowl sets.

Come evening, Hitowaku shifts into an izakaya mood, pouring beer and sake alongside an assortment of small plates. The signature simmered motsu remains a centerpiece, flanked by pig stomach sashimi served with sesame oil and salt or garlic ponzu, bakudan bowls mixing minced fatty tuna and fermented soybeans (natto), and plump fried horse mackerel. With both counter and table seating, the modest room welcomes solo diners for a quick meal just as easily as evening get-togethers.