Tanoji

The meal at Tanoji begins with a thoughtful welcome in the form of 3 small otoshi appetizer dishes. Combinations might include simmered beef with burdock root, garland chrysanthemum and daikon tossed with baby sardines, or fresh nori seaweed in vinegar. Each small plate arrives generously portioned and gently seasoned, easing diners right into their first drink.

From there, attention shifts to the fresh catch on the sashimi assortment. The board showcases regional seafood such as raw octopus, bigfin reef squid, striped jack, fresh swordfish, flounder, and Pacific bluefin tuna from Oma, allowing guests to contrast the textures and sweetness of each cut. Crisp, fragrant "Mom's fried chicken," airy deep-fried horse mackerel, and juicy gyoza round out the savory offerings, striking a balance between cozy home cooking and lively izakaya energy.

The sake selection spans seasonal unpasteurized autumn brews (hiyaoroshi) and regional labels from across Japan. Guests can reach for celebrated bottles like Hiroki, Hirotogawa, Tedorigawa, and Kaze no Mori, or leave the choice to the host for an unexpected pour. The evening winds down with comforting staples such as Hiroshimana-wrapped rice, onigiri, or a small hot pot of udon, providing a gentle finish to the night.