Naka Kame

At lunchtime, part of the appeal of a set meal at Naka Kame is choosing a small side dish after settling on a main. Diners report that there are days when they can choose two, and that taking a moment to decide among the dishes lined up at the counter is part of the meal. The listed set meals come with rice, a small side dish, miso soup and pickles, with grilled, simmered and fried fish among the main-course options.

For a fish dish, the menu lists salt-grilled mackerel for 900 yen, simmered mackerel for 950 yen and simmered sea bream for 1,050 yen. One diner recalled that the simmered flounder was thoroughly infused with flavour; another described the day’s simmered sardines as tender right down to the bones. You could choose a regular set meal when you’re in the mood for simmered fish, or try the daily fish if it catches your eye.

For fried dishes, the listed price for both fried sardines and a mixed fried sardine platter is 940 yen; the mixed fried shrimp platter is 1,050 yen. A diner who ordered the fried sardine set meal wrote that the coating was crisp and the fish piping hot, and that they went back for more rice. Another recalled the winter fried oysters for their plump texture and just-right cooking. If a seasonal dish is available, it may be worth considering alongside the regular options. A small side dish can round out a fried-food set meal, too.