01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Step past the noren curtain toward the fragrant steam rising from the griddle, and you are greeted by an unpretentious counter and tables. The centerpiece of Tamatako in Sumida's Narihira neighborhood is freshly made takoyaki, eaten piping hot. Alongside the classic sauce-coated variety, options include negi-mayo piled with scallions and Japanese mayonnaise, as well as a fragrant, crispy rendition. Because orders come in small batches such as 3 or 4 pieces, you can easily sample different toppings side by side while savoring the molten, tender interior of each ball.
Beyond takoyaki, the menu is filled with affordable drinking snacks. Skewers such as negima (chicken and scallion), thigh, and grilled pork tongue are on offer, accompanied by straightforward izakaya fare like grilled satsuma-age fish cakes, gyoza, and simmered stews. Diners can also pair their drinks with grilled fish, including mackerel or hokke (atka mackerel), or round things off with yakisoba noodles depending on their mood.
To drink, draft beer and Kakubin highballs sit alongside classic izakaya choices such as ryokucha-hai, oolong-hai, and Hoppy sets. Bottles and mixers from brands like Hakkaisan, Iichiko, and Kinmiya are also kept on hand, suiting anyone looking to settle in for an unhurried evening.
Open from early evening until late into the night, the shop welcomes everyone from solo patrons stopping by after work to groups sharing conversation, offering a relaxed environment with friendly hospitality.
