Totora

If you're strolling alongside the Nakameguro section of Meguro River and looking for an impromptu place to dine, you'll most likely find that the few riverside seats on offer have already been snapped up. But venture just off the main pathway and you'll find Totora, a yakitori restaurant that's a bustle of colour and light, and boasts a pretty, intimate terrace space that's ideal for couples or a small group of friends. You'll have it all to yourselves and the street is quiet enough that you won't have too many passersby staring as they walk by.

The menu is all in Japanese but the manager speaks just enough English to let you know they have chicken, pork or beef, with an option of soy sauce or original salt flavouring. We asked him to bring out a few of his recommended grilled chicken skewers and we weren't disappointed: they were succulent and grilled to crunchy perfection. We were also served salad, edamame beans, and brinjal topped with tomato and melted cheese. As they say, the unplanned nights are often the best.