Mitan

Down a set of stairs in an alley near Geumho Neighborhood Park sits this small izakaya. Two brothers who cook together run the place, and with its wooden counter and warm lighting, the mood feels good the moment you sit down.

The assorted sashimi platter is genuinely impressive — over ten kinds of seafood, from yellowtail and salmon to tuna and conch, packed onto a dark plate, each cut noticeably fresh. The uni squid ink pasta is the house signature: a whole sea urchin sits on top of the jet-black noodles with cheese scattered over it, so the salty and savory flavors hit together in one bite. The grilled fish of the day comes with crispy skin, and a squeeze of lemon with a dab of wasabi makes it go perfectly with a drink. The kaisen futomaki was also a treat for the eyes, packed edge to edge with sashimi and avocado. Seats are limited, so reserving ahead is worth it.