Tokiwa

At 高砂 ときわ, the katsu-ni—pork cutlet simmered with egg—is brought to the table bubbling and steaming in an iron pot or in broth, drawing many diners to the restaurant’s signature dish. The coating retains some crispness as it soaks up sweet-savoury dashi, while soft egg and juicy pork come together in a dish that pairs especially well with a bowl of white rice. With miso soup and seasonal small dishes alongside, it makes for the kind of warming, satisfying meal associated with a neighbourhood diner.

From sashimi to Western-style dishes

A generous range of dishes beyond meat is one of the restaurant’s main draws. The menu, displayed on handwritten slips and menu boards, spans Japanese, Western and Chinese-style dishes. There are fresh-fish options such as a three-piece sashimi assortment with tuna and white fish, and chunks of bluefin tuna, as well as smooth-textured Inaniwa udon, thoroughly stir-fried fried rice and omurice served with miso soup. There are also combinations to explore, including a set meal pairing stir-fried vegetables with a menchi-katsu croquette, and an omurice set accompanied by a cream croquette.

At home over lunch or evening drinks

高砂 ときわ suits a substantial lunch, but is also used as an izakaya in the evening, with small dishes alongside draft beer, various sours and local sake such as Hakkaisan and Koshino Kagetora. Small plates that pair well with drinks include boiled pork and aubergine with grated daikon and ponzu, rolled omelette and red sea bream marinated in sake lees. The selection also makes it easy to drop in alone. The lively dining room has table seating, and accepts payments including PayPay and Rakuten Pay. Choose the dishes and drinks that appeal, and take time to enjoy the unpretentious flavours of this downtown neighbourhood diner.