4 Best Restaurants in Mitaka and Musashino, Tokyo

Here’s proof that an intimate sushi experience doesn’t have to be overly formal. Nor does it have to be expensive. Grab a seat at the counter of this laidback joint in the lively Harmonica Yokocho and enjoy an affordable sushi set prepared in front of you. There are pictures on the menu to help with ordering, but the eight-piece omakase set and 12-piece set of the day are both good options. If you only wanted a super quick bite while bar hopping, there's a three-piece set too. You could pair it with sake or something from the small wine list.

Drop by this hipster hangout for hand-dripped coffee made with house-roasted beans, or lattes with artistic patterns in the foam. If you are really into your coffee, try the taster set to compare three different beans. And don't worry, Light Up doesn't mean this is a smoker's cafe. It's smoke free.

A good option for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite in Inokashira Park, Pepa cooks up Thai staples such as green curry, pad Thai noodles, and tom yum kung soup, but also has Vietnamese spring rolls, Vietnamese coffee, and bottled beer from around South East Asia on the menu.

Yakitori and other char-grilled skewers of meat and vegetables are the name of the game at this smart izakaya that gets consistently excellent reviews from locals. To wash that down are highballs, draft lager, and a good selection of local sakes. And if you want the easy ordering option, consider one of the courses, which include multiple skewers plus a few side dishes such as tofu.