01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Settling in with a cold beer or highball before a sizzling skillet of pan-fried dumplings is one of the quintessential pleasures of an izakaya. At Yamazakura in Sugamo, guests favor enjoying the signature cast-iron gyoza dipped in a refreshing garlic-ponzu sauce. The punch of garlic drifting up with the heat of the freshly cooked dumplings sharpens the appetite and sets a relaxed pace for the first drink of the evening.
Alongside the dumplings, the oden selection is thoroughly developed, featuring ingredients simmered deep in flavorful broth. Classic options such as daikon radish, egg, and ganmodoki tofu fritters share the menu with inventive twists like oden gyoza, oyster oden, and melted mozzarella oden. Guests can also order dashiwari, blending hot sake with the savory oden broth to savor each warm, umami-rich sip across multiple rounds.
The rest of the menu ranges effortlessly from quick starters like chilled tofu and cucumber with pickled plum to warm small plates such as buttered scallops, cast-iron chive omelet, and Yamagata-style stewed taro. Whether stopping by solo at the counter for an easy drink or sharing an assortment of plates with companions, the izakaya accommodates the night with welcoming charm.
