Tokyo Eats, Uoshin Nogizaka

I always know that it’s going to be a great night at Uoshin Nogizaka. With a yatai (food cart) atmosphere, the casual izakaya seems out of place in an otherwise upscale neighborhood, only a few steps from Tokyo Midtown.

There’s nothing fancy about this place and that’s part of the appeal. It’s hard to have a stuffy evening when you are sitting on beer crates. Note – I took this photo a few minutes after the place opened, it’s always packed.

Being part of the Uoshin seafood izakaya group means really fresh and delicious seafood. The sashimi moriawase (assortment) is always excellent.

The Nokke Zushi is the highlight here – kappamaki (cucumber sushi roll) smothered with chu-toro (medium fatty tuna), ikura (salmon roe), uni (sea urchin), and kani (crab). The combination of the meltingly soft tuna, salty pops of roe, creamy urchin, and sweet crab is unbeatable.

The presentation is irresistible too. I’ve never seen anyone eat one of these without first snapping a photo. Just look at this beautiful dish!

The surprise on the menu is the cabbage salad, topped with an addictively crunchy fried potato and wafu (Japanese style) dressing.

The tako (octopus) tempura is tender and with a crisp flavorful coating.

If you haven’t tried ginnan (ginkgo nuts), you are in for a treat. They are a perfect accompaniment to a beer, whiskey high ball, or pretty much any drink.

The bean sprouts are deliciously spicy.

Skip the menu when it comes to ordering fish. At Uoshin it’s best to view the catch of the day at the counter.

Select your fish and the preparation method.

I usually choose to have the fish salt grilled. The fish here is always delicious.  After all, Uoshin directly translates as “true fish.”

Details

Uoshin has several locations, but I think Uoshin Nogizaka has the best atmosphere. It is very popular so it’s best to make a reservation – phone 03-3405-0411.

The restaurant is a 2 minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line, or 8 minutes from Roppongi Station on the Hibiya or Oedo Subway Lines.