TAKA

Tucked into basement level 1 near Higashi-Jujo Station, TAKA is an unpretentious dining spot pairing binchotan-grilled skewers with playful izakaya fare. A good place to start is with the classic chicken cuts, including liver and heart, which frequently earn second orders from regulars. Alongside yakitori staples like negima, tender thigh meat, and house-made tsukune, the kitchen offers specialty vegetable wraps—such as asparagus or garlic sprouts wrapped in sliced pork—and grilled cheese skewers that add variety to an opening round.

The side menu moves easily beyond skewered chicken. A signature simmering of tender beef offal offers rich depth and enough heft to anchor a drink. Cold starters include prosciutto and avocado spring rolls and fatty salmon carpaccio, while the fried section features deep-fried octopus and spiced chips, letting diners mix Japanese comfort classics with Western-influenced bites.

For a heartier finish, rice and noodle plates step in smoothly: fragrant house kimchi fried rice, grilled chicken over rice, or a light chicken bone broth ramen. Sweet endings like Pooh's special house dessert and yuzu sorbet keep the atmosphere relaxed right to the end.

Counter seats accommodate solo visitors looking for a low-key drink, while tables comfortably host casual dinners with friends or family. With business running into the late-night hours, TAKA also provides a dependable refuge for anyone seeking properly grilled skewers well after dinner rush.