Hina

One diner who ordered the Hina Deluxe at the counter described it as a satisfying pancake and praised the well-seasoned dashi in the side order of udon. The menu version is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with squid tempura and green onion, served with either soba or udon. Make this the centrepiece of your meal, choosing the noodles to suit your taste.

Another diner ordered the Hina Special, with shrimp and squid, and enjoyed it with a spatula at the large teppan grill. The menu lists shrimp, squid and double egg among its toppings, making it a good option for those who want a generous mix of ingredients. There is also a simple meat-and-egg pancake with soba or udon. First-timers might start with the classic, while those with a particular appetite can opt for a special.

For a Hiroshima-style dish before or after your okonomiyaki, try the ko-mochi konnyaku: sashimi konjac containing shishamo roe, a local speciality, served with ponzu. One visitor said the konjac’s distinctive smell was not noticeable and enjoyed its unusual texture. The teppan menu also offers plenty of small plates beyond okonomiyaki, including Tomacchi, tomato with melted cheese, and tonpei-yaki, which pairs a soft-cooked egg with crisp pork.

Hiroshima sake is also on the menu, with some varieties available by the go. In Machiya, Arakawa City, Hina makes a good choice for an evening that pairs a meal with drinks and small plates.