Kushi-ya

You're walking down Low Pavement towards the city centre when you spot Kushi-ya tucked in among the independent shops—nothing fancy about the frontage, but that's exactly the point. Inside, it's got that relaxed Japanese izakaya vibe: counter seating where you can watch the grill action, minimal fuss, maximum flavour. The menu reads like a love letter to yakitori, with skewers rotating through chicken, seafood, and vegetables charred just right. Order a few sticks, grab a cold Asahi, and settle in. It's the kind of place where locals actually eat, not somewhere trying to impress anyone.