If you’ve been to Tokyo and Osaka, you’ve probably walked by one of Isomaru Suisan’s outlets. A chain with numerous stores in both cities, Isomaru Suisan sports a downtown beach theme, complete with colourful wave motifs, large hanging lanterns, and giant flags.

The inside is no different, transporting diners to a lively fishing port with boxes of seafood, paper lanterns, retro posters, and a wooden interior much like a fisherman’s boat.

Naturally, the star of the show here is seafood. Take your pick from a wide range of crabs, scallops, and sashimi. Indulge in hamayaki, a style that means “to cook at the beach”. This is reminiscent of the old days, when fishermen would grill their fresh catches on the beach.

Every order of seafood comes with Otoshi, an appetiser that’s usually served in most izakayas. A small grill will be brought to your table, which you can use to grill the Otoshi. It comprises fish (on the left side of the grill), mochi, and a slice of tofu. You’ll unfortunately be unable to opt out of this, and it’s covered in the table charge.

One must-try dish is the Kani Miso. It might look unappetising at first sight; but the grey substance is actually a blend of crab organs and roe. Grill it, and you’ll have this smooth, buttery, sweet, and slightly charred mixture that’s really quite addictive.

Do note that smoking is permitted inside the restaurant; this hence might not be the best place to visit if you have little kids in tow. Otherwise, Isomaru Suisan is open till the wee hours of the night — for example, the Shinjuku branch is open until 5am —, making for a great supper pitstop with a lively ambience.

You can also dig into various chirashi bowls. The prices here are very reasonable; a tuna and salmon negitoro bowl, for example, only costs JPY590 (~SGD6). There’s even an “overflowing seafood on rice bowl” that’s going for JPY1,030. 

You’ll also find a large variety of small dishes, mains, and sashimi. Look at that platter laden with fresh and thick slices of sashimi (JPY988-1,560; ~SGD10-16)!

Don’t miss out on this decadent sushi, aptly named “luxurious and overflowing bite-sized sushi”, for JPY799 (~SGD8).

Wash it all down with a glass of beer, and soak in the atmosphere. Kanpai!