Banzai Wayu

Set in Tokyo's Hatsudai neighborhood, Banzai Wayu is a Japanese dining spot focused on fresh seafood and well-crafted drinking snacks. Ducking through the low doorway into a calm dining room set to quiet jazz, guests immediately feel the atmosphere of a discreet neighborhood hideaway.

The seasonal menu features prime ocean catches such as milt with ponzu, seared blackthroat seaperch sashimi, koubako crab, and raw oysters. Alongside sashimi that highlights raw quality, the kitchen prepares enticing warm creations, including whelk and octopus sautéed ajillo-style, soup dumplings stuffed with milt and monkfish liver, and abalone steak tossed in rich liver sauce. For diners who want an evening centered on drinks with a measured progression of dishes, the 6-dish Light Omakase Course fits the bill nicely.

The beverage list is equally well-considered, ranging from sake labels like Kudoki Jozu and Fukuju to highballs poured with Hakushu, Yamazaki, or Ichiro's Malt, as well as Tokyo Craft on tap. Seated at the counter, guests can chat with the chef while leisurely enjoying attentive cooking and drinks.