Tsuzumi

Tucked along a quiet backstreet in Minami-Otsuka, Tempura Tsudumi (天ぷら つづみ) serves set meals where each piece of tempura is delivered straight from the oil directly onto your counter tray. Available day and night, the unpretentious menu spans fish tempura sets, mixed mushroom sets featuring maitake and shimeji, and rice bowls such as vegetable tendon and mixed kakiage tendon. Pairing piping-hot tempura with rice, miso soup, and pickles, this straightforward spread makes for an honest, thoroughly satisfying everyday meal.

Come evening, the shop offers dishes tailored for a leisurely drink, including a tempura set of five pieces accompanied by an appetizer and beer, dashi-simmered oden, and sashimi platters. Run by a family, the restaurant has a down-to-earth, homely feel that makes dining alone comfortable and relaxed. Payment is strictly cash only, so make sure to bring Japanese yen when stopping by.