01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Settling into a seat at Sanshomio in Itabashi Ward's Shimura neighborhood, the natural first move is to inspect the day's handwritten menu. The four-item snack assortment lets guests choose a personalized collection of small plates from the daily offerings, making the selection process part of the evening's pleasure. From crisp fried ham cutlets and Japanese fried chicken to fresh fish namerou tartare and blanched spinach tossed in sesame, the kitchen weaves deep-fried favorites and delicate cold dishes into a well-proportioned, satisfying spread.
Seasonal catches and patiently simmered comforts
Beyond the combo platter, fish specials and warming simmered dishes fill out the chalkboard. Hiramasa kingfish and horse mackerel sashimi appear with rich sesame sauce or bright citrus ponzu, while rich monkfish liver and creamy cod milt provide robust pairings for sake. Slowly braised beef offal is occasionally served with crusty bread to sop up the flavorful reduction, and gently stewed toothfish collar with soy-sweet glaze or rare-seared beef offer deeply comforting diversions for both fish and meat lovers.
Regional sake and unhurried counter evenings
Along with draught beer, the drink menu shines with regional sake sourced largely from the Tohoku area, alongside rare finds seldom seen elsewhere. Ordering a tasting flight of 3 varieties is an enjoyable way to discover pairings across the changing menu, including distinctive rarities such as kukumizake. The dining space centers around a clean, tidy counter, perfectly suited for solo drop-ins or quiet, side-by-side drinks with a companion. Grazing on a spread of meticulous small plates while sipping carefully selected sake offers an authentic, leisurely taste of Tokyo's neighborhood tavern culture.
