Takishita

For the kind of casual, local, neighborhood joint Takishita is – I really like this place. And I particularly like that the everyday person can come here, although occasionally there can be a wait if you come during the standard lunch hour (12 – 1 pm).
However, I don’t mind the sometimes wait (15 – 20 mins) for this place because this spot has quickly become my go-​to grilled fish place in Tokyo whenever I don’t want to think too hard about what I want to eat or when I am beginning to feel guilty over all the. Just good, fresh and a reasonable priced fish place to add to your regular rotation.
For the food, all of the fishes are good and popular (from mackerel, salmon and other seasonal fishes like «sanma») but the only fish I really come here for is the «kuromutsu» (japanese blue fish). A hearty white meat fish that is not as oily as cod or Chilean sea bass but is still with a buttery texture. It is not common to get out of japan and even in Japan is, not always available as one of the staple fish offerings in restaurants. So if you haven’t had it before, try it :)
Also included in your meal will be three small side dishes including pickles, miso soup, a bowl of rice and japanese tea. On the counter there will be bonito flakes which you can add to your rice at the end of the meal and daikon oroshi (grated daikon) for your fish.
What’s equally as good as the fish is the reasonable price tag of 1290 jpy (for lunch). Not all fishes cost the same but all are around this range except for the lunch set which includes sashimi.
Apart from the food and value — this spot is relatively convenient on a side street near azabu juban station and has a respectable yet casual setting (approx ~9 counter seats, 4 small tables and 10 seat sunken kotatsu.) Service is on the more casual side — for example, they sometimes ask you while waiting in line to check out their daily menu listed on the wall and to let them know which fish you want before getting seated. They also won’t rush you through your meal, but it can tend to be a little more busy during the lunch rush. However like most places in Japan, you’ll be hard pressed to find a spot with rude, mean, bad service for the most part and here is no exception from the norm.

I have mixed reviews of this place.
First time: mouth watering, tear forming, art work worthy, giant piece of grilled salmon. The ideal amount of crispy-​almost-​burnt exterior… Mmm. I would’ve given it 5 stars then.
However, since the epic first time I’ve been back a few times… but it’s never been as good as the first time. As the review below me commented, its an extremely small and cramped restaurant. You’re elbow to elbow at the counter and if you sit at the table they make you sit across from strangers (Kinda awkward talking to your business lunch companion thats riiiiight next to you while avoiding eye contact with the stranger right across from you)
Price/​Taste/​Quantity:
The lunch set usually runs around 1,500 yen, which is a bit pricey for a normal lunch, and includes one big piece of grilled fish, 3 small side dishes, rice, miso soup. They also have their homemade «furikake» (dry Japanese condiment meant to be sprinkled on top of rice) which is nice and salty. I’d say the quantity and quality make up for the price, but you’re not going to be heading there for the atmosphere or service.
Tip:
It becomes extremely crowded during the lunch hour. I recommend going a bit earlier to beat the lunch crowd!