Tokyo is filled with many nomihōdai, all-you-can drink spots. Restaurants offer different set menus with a selection of beverages and a time limit. These are fun gathering spots when getting together with friends. Recently we had a reunion and the nomihōdai restaurants are fun. The staff at the restaurant bring out the different courses while refilling your drink order. These spots tend to be very boisterous. Some have private rooms if you prefer that.
Warayakiya, near Shinjuku station, specializes in seared katsuo, skipjack tuna, seared over straw. Wara means straw and yaki means to grill. Warayaki-ya is a store that grills food over straw. The firing of the katsuo is done behind a glass window. The firing is very dramatic and the smell of burning straw wafts throughout the restaurant.
The katsuo is cut extra thick and served with salt instead of the usual soy sauce. Wasabi, ginger, garlic, daikon sprouts, or thinly sliced onions are garnishes that spice up the dish.
We did a seven course dinner with beverages for two hours. The usual price is 5,000 JPY but there was a promotion so that the meal was 4,000 JPY. Beverages included beer, shochu, sake, and cocktails. Some of the other dishes included grilled shrimp and tempura sweet potatoes.
Warayakiya has branches in Roppongi, Akasaka, Ginza, and Shinagawa to name a few locations. For the money it was better than many nomihōdai spots. We enjoyed it and I would go back again. It’s a popular restaurant, so be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Warayakiya Shinjuku Sanchome
Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku 3-15-11, Ad Hoc Shinjuku Bldg. 8F
Food Sake Tokyo 