Koike

At Koike in Higashi-Ikebukuro, sushi is joined by takoyaki and yakitori. Diners who have tried the all-you-can-eat and drink plan say it is ordered à la carte, and that they could order sushi as often as they liked within the allotted time. One group reported that sushi, fried chicken, takoyaki and French fries arrived first, followed by additional orders of geta-mori sushi, yakitori and sashimi. They particularly remembered the fried chicken as piping hot and on the small side, and the takoyaki for its soft, almost molten centre.

For a sushi-focused meal, choose from sashimi platters, nigiri and thin rolls, including negitoro (tuna and spring onion) and cucumber. But with skewers, teppan-grilled dishes and takoyaki also on the menu, it is easy to order beyond sushi when tastes differ around the table. Horumon chige hot pot comes in portions for 1–2 or 3–4 people; diners have reported being able to adjust the spice level. If you are unsure, starting with a milder level is one option.

Drinks include draft beer, highballs and lemon sours, and the restaurant also offers an all-you-can-drink plan as well as the combined food-and-drink option. Several diners describe the atmosphere as lively. It is better suited to dinner or a gathering with friends sharing a spread than to a quiet conversation.