The chef borrows the good points of both kappo and izakaya places. Typical appetisers, soup dishes, shiizakana (kaiseki drinking snacks) and vegetables are offered along with whatever guests choose from the menu. Choices range widely from Japanese fare such as potato salad with smoked daikon pickles and stir-fried noodles with squid to Chinese items like crispy pork and gyoza dumplings. The name Nominokoji, ‘drinker’s alley’, is a play on Tominokoji, the pub that is this eatery’s parent. Cuisine with a playful spirit, accompanied by delicious spirits.