Izakaya Emi

Sipping a cold beer alongside chilled sliced tomatoes sets an easy rhythm before reaching for a warm dish from the kitchen. Located in a quiet residential corner of Inokashira in Mitaka, 居酒屋 笑 (Izakaya 笑) has the intimate feel of a modest koryōriya, where diners can enjoy drinks at an unhurried pace alongside unpretentious small plates.

The menu features comforting dishes such as eggplant and pork braised in black vinegar and freshly fried spring rolls—fare that works equally well as drinking snacks or as the center of a meal. Ranging from careful otōshi appetizers to homestyle staples, dishes are reasonably priced and paired with a thoughtful selection of good sake.

With its relaxed and tranquil interior, the tavern offers a comfortable environment to drop by alone and linger over a drink. Alongside dine-in seating, the shop accommodates takeout orders and table reservations, making it a dependable, casual destination for day-to-day dining.