Nanbankan

Even in a neighborhood famous for its Japanese restaurants, Nanbankan stands out. Their dining room feels like a portal straight to Tokyo—everyone is sipping sake, kabuki art hangs from the walls, and at the center are two giant yakitori grills enveloped in smoke. The traditional yakitoriya serves almost anything on a skewer, from pork loin delicately wrapped in shiso leaves to salty quail eggs, plus other options like sunomono and grilled onigiri. But the real action is on the chalkboard, where you’ll find a rotating list of specials like live scallops, black cod, and Wagyu beef so wonderful and tender, you’d think it were a budding romance in a rom com. Try to snag a seat at the bar.