Macchan

Tucked away in a residential area just off the main avenue, Sushi Izakaya Matchan is a relaxed Roppongi tavern where a modest entrance gives way to a surprisingly spacious dining area. While the sign promises sushi, the space is filled with the lively energy of an unpretentious pub, where groups readily gather around tables to share drinks.

The natural starting point is the selection of sushi and fresh seafood featured in the restaurant's name. Easy picks like the three-variety sashimi platter or the handsomely presented getamori platter make fitting openers alongside an initial round of drinks. For sushi rolls, the kitchen turns out pungent wasabi rolls with a sharp kick, customizable combinations of negitoro, mentaiko, and natto thin rolls, as well as crunchy torotaku rolls made with fatty tuna and pickled daikon radish. Small plates like herb-seasoned house namero and horse sashimi provide flavorful accompaniments while you take your time selecting drinks.

The appeal extends well past raw fish, with an extensive lineup spanning grilled skewers to Chinese-style tavern plates. Hot dishes arrive at a brisk pace, from fragrant grilled motu skewers and unagi cooked with egg on a sizzling iron plate, to plump fried shrimp coated in creamy mayonnaise sauce. Heartier cravings can be satisfied with egg fried rice or sauce yakisoba, while groups can order horuchige nabe to share an offal hot pot simmered in spicy broth.

The drinks menu covers casual standards like draft beer, highballs, lemon sours, and tea highballs, supported by day-of-the-week promotions and a two-hour all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan. Operating late into the night, it functions as a dependable stop for an informal drink after work, larger group gatherings, or a relaxed second stop in Roppongi.