Kushihachi

Kushikatsu choices range from familiar pork fillet and prawns to spring rolls filled with avocado and mozzarella, and Camembert cheese. Ordering by the skewer makes it easy to mix favourites with something less familiar. The Camembert comes with house-made tartar sauce. Visitors have commented that the coating was light and not too oily, making it tempting to try a few different varieties.

There is yakitori as well as kushikatsu. Chicken and spring onion, along with house-made tsukune chicken meatballs, are grilled with tare sauce; chicken gizzards and neck meat can be ordered with either salt or tare. Some diners report enjoying the grilled skewers alongside the kushikatsu. For a small plate, try the menu-listed signature addictive cucumber or raw cabbage with mildly spicy miso. They offer an easy vegetable bite between skewers, and drinks include beer, wine and cocktails.

The Hakubaicho main branch in Kitano Hakubaicho has a folk-craft-style interior, with counter seating around the kitchen and booth seating. Groups and solo diners can choose skewers and small plates to suit their table. It can get busy, so consider booking for dinner. Payment is cash only.