Yakitori Taisho

Descend to a dark, smoky den for bite-sized morsels of meat or vegetables grilled and skewered yakitori-style. Order by the skewer (four tiny chicken livers to a skewer, or three fat shiitake mushrooms), by the combination platter, or both—the food is so cheap that there’s no need to be cautious, even on a student’s budget. Bento boxes come with skewers (delicious vegetarian options are also available), the usual small salad and, bizarrely, a side of spaghetti. The portions are plentiful; the gyoza are bulging and even the sodas are giant-sized. The tightly packed tables are usually full, so be prepared to join the other wait-listers outside until your name is called.