Arata follows the same format as its sister restaurants (in Nakameguro, Kichijoji, Ginza and other locations), with an extensive menu, active kitchen and energetic staff. The ¥500 tapas dishes include a “highly recommended” potato salad, sardines with grated radish, steamed clams, fish pancakes, tofu items and lots more. Try some of the wraps, also priced at ¥500, especially the shrimp and bluefin tuna rolls. The kushiaki fare is even cheaper: for ¥180-¥350, you can sample several varieties of yakitori, pork with miso sauce, green chili, bacon & green asparagus, and grilled mozzarella. If you’re not too full, sample the wide variety of robata (charcoal grill) cuisine, including premium wagyu beef, abalone, cod, mackerel, pork, shiitake, corn, potatoes, and white asparagus (¥600-¥4,000). Noodle lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy everything from Nagasaki-style chanpon (¥1,350) to chilled “Arata reimen” (¥1,150). Naturally, the night wouldn’t be complete without dessert, and the white peach compote and crèmet d’Anjou, both ¥650, are particularly inviting. Arata seats a hefty 142 people, and also has private rooms.