01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Tucked into Oshiage, Isemoto (ISEMOTO) is an izakaya whose menu comfortably bridges casual Japanese drinking staples and Western-style simmered dishes. For a first round, guests can pour classic Tokyo shitamachi highballs, order a Hoppy set or a tart plum-flavored Baisu sour, or stick to draft beer and bottled Heartland depending on the mood.
The small plates that arrive first at the table feature reliable regulars like edamame, chilled tofu, and kimchi with natto, alongside thoughtful bar bites such as chanja paired with cream cheese or sliced avocado sashimi. Deep-fried options are just as varied: diners can pick between standard chicken karaage and leaner breast-meat karaage, alongside nostalgic thick-cut ham cutlets, fried horse mackerel, and seaweed-battered chikuwa fish cakes.
Among the standout recommendations are the chili con carne and the simmered hamburg steak, each served with slices of baguette. Extra bread can be ordered to mop up every drop of rich sauce, making them great choices for a heartier appetite. With water gyoza, sweet-savory katsuni, and winter-only oden also on hand, the kitchen adapts effortlessly to solo visits, casual duos, or group sharing across the seasons.
