Moon

Tucked down a quiet side street in Asakusabashi, Moon is an izakaya with an understated presence that offers distinct menus for lunch and dinner. Midday crowds are drawn to its approachable lunch selection of set meals and rice bowls. A frequent choice is the swordfish teriyaki, featuring tender fish coated in a rich sweet-and-savory glaze that pairs naturally with steamed white rice. Trays come rounded out with miso soup, a small vegetable dish, and pickles, followed by an aromatic cup of coffee to finish the meal.

When deciding on just one main proves difficult, the restaurant offers a half-and-half bowl option that combines two different dishes on a single tray. Anchored by tender simmered roast pork over rice, the selection allows guests to pair it with pasta, a Japanese-style morning-chicken bowl, or a loin pork cutlet bowl, satisfying appetites with variety as well as generous portions.

In the evening, the selection on the tables broadens considerably. Alongside classic izakaya dishes like grilled Tochio deep-fried tofu, braised pork belly, and chicken tsukune meatballs with cartiledge, the menu stands out for its Western-style cooking. Small plates such as liver mousse, foie gras terrine, and seared house-cured bacon turn the dining room into a casual wine-bar setting.

Drinks cover a broad range, from staple draft beer and regional sake to an eclectic roster of plum liqueurs. Options include Kotei, an extra-dry brandy-based umeshu, and Oshuku, an unfiltered bottle textured with plum pulp, giving guests plenty of ways to match their drink to the weight of their food. It works equally well for lively groups sharing dishes or solo visits quietly sipping a drink at the counter.