Wakashiro

Wakashiro’s lunchtime Shokado bento seems a little different from the prepared meal its name might suggest. One diner recalled receiving warm dishes after ordering; another enjoyed crisp tempura fried in front of them and carefully prepared obanzai, or Japanese home-style side dishes. The bento’s appeal lies in sampling a variety of seasonal food, and its contents change from day to day. It is a handy choice for lunch when you would like a little of several different dishes.

The Shokado bento costs 1,540 yen, or 1,980 yen with sashimi in place of grilled fish. For a bowl centred on fish, the tekkadon comes with a small side dish and miso soup for 1,650 yen. It is topped with an egg yolk; the menu says you can ask to have it left off if you dislike it or have an allergy. Diners who have tried the tekkadon have praised the size of the fish, the sauce and the accompanying side dish.

For a seasonal special, consider the conger eel cutlet rice bowl, available from 6 to 11. It comes with a light house-made sauce and sansho pepper, plus a small side dish and miso soup. One diner who ordered it singled out the crisp coating and tender, fluffy fish. Wakashiro offers different menus for lunch and dinner, with bento and rice bowls among the lunchtime choices. Dinner reservations are possible, and the restaurant recommends booking for an evening visit.