This tiny Japanese pub has only been open for two months, but it already attracts a steady stream of customers who come for the extensive drinks list and grilled skewers. It’s a yakitori-style joint, but with a more refined atmosphere than you’d typically expect out of this genre. The chicken breast skewer (¥12) is grilled to a juicy finish and topped with a sour plum sauce, while the chicken meatball (tsukimi tsukune) skewer (¥17) comes with raw egg for dipping, and is a delicious blend of sweet and savory. We also recommend the pig tongue (¥12), which has an interesting texture that manages to fall just short of “rubbery.” But we’d skip the vegetable skewers, as they just aren’t up to the same quality as the meat ones. The refreshing daikon salad (¥28) more than makes up for that, however, with its crunchy, thick pieces of daikon sprinkled with distinctively flavored shiso. Not only are the usual Japanese drinks like shochu and sake here, but there’s also an huge wine list, too. And although there isn’t an English menu yet (it’s on the way, we’re told), the staff are so laid-back and friendly, that a little pointing and gesturing wouldn’t be off the mark here.

Our rating: 3.5/5 stars

DETAILS

What: Vin Vi

Where: 8 Maizidian Jie, 麦子店街8号

Tel: 134-6657-8804

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