01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Plumes of smoke rise from the charcoal grill as savory aromas fill the air, stoking the appetite from the moment the meat hits the grate. Sumiyaki Janjan, located in Kitasuna in Koto Ward, is a relaxed yakiniku restaurant dedicated to the rich, juicy depth of charcoal-grilled cuts.
The meat menu covers plenty of ground, from flavorful Wagyu cuts, karubi short ribs, and harami skirt steak to scallion-laden salted beef tongue and fatty pork neck (tontoro). Groups and families looking for a straightforward, generous spread can opt for the "Toku-Jan" assortment platter. Freshly steamed rice rounds out the meal satisfyingly, while festive occasions can be marked with a bespoke meat "cake" prepared upon advance consultation.
The kitchen's side dishes are just as enticing between rounds of grilling. Homemade chijimi savory pancakes arrive crisp on the outside and chewy within, offered with additions like cheese or garlic that make them a natural partner for drinks. Seasonal winter offerings like beef tendon stewed with daikon radish and the hefty, topping-rich "Bikkuri Bibimbap" ensure a thoroughly satisfying dinner.
The drinks list ranges from draft beer and highballs to shochu, makgeolli, and sake, lending the space the easygoing feel of an izakaya where guests can linger over a glass. With tatami seating and a setting well suited to diners with children, the dining room tends to fill up during peak dinner hours, so booking ahead is well worth doing.
