"Yokocho Izayaya is a whimsical world where anime and Japanese ad posters paper the walls around diners who sit on red plastic milk crates with cushions beneath colorful paper lanterns. This lively haven serves Japanese everyday comfort street food with umami-rich flavors in dishes like tonkotsu ramen, yakisoba noodles, okonomiyaki — a savory, mayo-drizzled pancake — and yakitori skewers grilled over charcoal. Arrive early to enjoy the youthful vibe, as it’s popular most evenings and there are no reservations. Still, there are games to entertain those who wait." - Barb Gonzalez