Sowado

Behind an anonymous facade in Tokyo hides one of those izakayas you keep talking about long afterwards. Sowado is a small place with great care, and an evening here truly left its mark. Tokyo is full of places that look like nothing from the street but open up into something else entirely once you step inside, and Sowado is exactly that kind of place. The space is discreet, almost a hole in the wall, but behind the door awaits a warm and beautifully furnished izakaya. We came here with high hopes but without really knowing what we'd get, and were treated to one of those evenings you carry with you. Sowado is an izakaya in the best sense of the word, a place where the food, the drink selection and the atmosphere weave together into something relaxed yet thoughtful. The stripped-back and anonymous exterior makes the contrast all the nicer once you're inside, and the whole place breathes that someone truly cares about every detail. The kitchen works with a calm precision, and the cooking rolls along almost like a self-playing piano, everything handled with a sense of ease that only exists where people know their craft. The food was on a really high level throughout. We had, among other things, grilled eel, bonito sashimi and wagyu, and every dish showed just how much care goes into the ingredients and the preparation. The flavours were clean, well balanced and clear, exactly what a good izakaya should deliver. With the food we were also served good wines, which lifted the whole experience even further and paired beautifully with the various dishes. This is a place that is both good value and has wine in focus in a way that feels thoughtful rather than pretentious. It was the service that really made the evening. The staff were on top of everything and constantly did that little extra you remember. Jun, who looked after us all evening, was absolutely fantastic and contributed greatly to making the visit feel so personal and well cared for. The atmosphere in the small, beautifully furnished space is warm and relaxed, perfect for a date night or a quiet evening with good food and good drinks. Sowado is a real local gem in Tokyo that combines an excellent izakaya, good wines and service of the absolute highest class. The discreet space, the thoughtful food and Jun's care make this a place I'll happily return to and warmly recommend. Absolutely worth a detour if you're in Tokyo.