Yuasa

Step just off the bustling main street, and lanterns flickering down a quiet alley guide you straight toward the rising steam of a gently simmering oden pot. Yuasa in Mita is an izakaya anchored by two core pleasures: oden simmered in delicate Kansai-style dashi broth, and skewers grilled crisp and aromatic over hot binchotan charcoal.

Broth-Soaked Oden Meets the Aroma of Charcoal Skewers

Once settled at your seat, the warmth of the signature oden pot immediately sets the tone. Prepared year-round, the oden is steeped in a pale, golden Kansai dashi that sinks deep into daikon radish, potatoes, house-made hanpen fish cakes, and tender beef sinew without ever feeling heavy. For an easy beginning, diners often opt for the 5-piece chef's selection platter or an oden hot pot shared right at the table. That gentle oceanic savor finds an ideal counterpart in the assertive charcoal skewers. Signatures such as the special tsukune chicken meatballs, shiitake stuffed with tsukune, chicken thigh with leek, and crisp chicken wings come off the grill with a smoky char, framing the soft flavors of the broth with rich, concentrated savor.

From Seasonal Sashimi to Izakaya Comforts and Regional Sake

Between rounds of oden and yakitori, the kitchen reveals an impressive range of à la carte plates. Daily market arrivals shape the 3-piece seasonal sashimi assortment, balanced by traditional Japanese staples such as agedashi tofu and Saikyo miso-marinated black cod. Heartier comforts also share the table, including bubbling shrimp macaroni gratin and chicken nanban with tartare sauce, ensuring every diner finds an appealing rhythm. To accompany the food, the drink list highlights celebrated regional sakes like Kokuryu, Senchu Hassaku, and Kakurei, alongside refreshing sudachi citrus sours and house-steeped coffee shochu.

From Casual Gatherings to a Calming Finish

A lively first floor features tables and counter seating with a bar-like ease, while the second floor accommodates private gatherings with tranquil partitioned spaces, suiting everything from an after-work bite to full banquets. To wrap up the evening, fragrant grilled rice balls, comforting chicken zosui rice porridge scented with dashi, or a steaming bowl of chicken udon leave guests quietly satisfied. Wrapped in the lingering perfume of charcoal and warm broth, Yuasa offers a dependable, unpretentious retreat in the heart of Mita.