Kushiage restaurants are one of the attractions of the very down-to-earth bar zone around Shinsekai's Tsutenkaku Tower, and there are a lot to choose from. But while other shops are content to serve beer and cheap cocktails with your deep-fried skewers, Iruri stands out from the competition thanks to its well-curated sake list. There are around half a dozen craft sake from small local breweries, all chosen to match the food, and all very reasonably priced.

The kushiage itself is beautifully prepared, with a crunchy coating that's not at all greasy. In addition to the standard meat, seafood and vegetable items you'll find unusual ingredients like apples, garlic bulbs, ginger and mochi.

Charcoal-grilled robatayaki-style dishes are another specialty here, and the grilled duck and heirloom-breed akaniwatori chicken combo was outstanding. There are also budget-friendly rice-based dishes like seafood donburi (Y650). Open-bar plans start at a very reasonable Y1000 per hour, as long as you order two non-kushiage food items to go with your drinks.

At lunchtime (11am-2pm) you can choose from fancy bento-style meals combining deep-fried skewers, sashimi and side dishes, priced from Y1000. Budget around Y2000-3000 for ample food and drink at dinnertime.