Japanese Yokocho dining traditionally referred to a style of dining located in the alleys between two main streets where the black markets once traded. These same alleyways now exist in modern Japan as little ambient mazes, packed with Izakaya and food stalls serving gastronomic delights with a relaxed, homely vibe.
Located in an alleyway of sorts in Ponsonby Central lies Tokyo Club - our very own Izakaya dining bar. With a focus on fresh local and Japanese specialty ingredients, Tokyo Club is a well-oiled eatery offering affordable and oh-so scrumptious shared plates to the fancy folk of Auckland.
I can personally vouch for the Teriyaki Lamb Ball Skewers ($9) – so tender and juicy you may just weep at the first taste - and the Honey Pork and Ginger Green Salad ($15), a cultured twist on the roast pork dinners your mother never made you.
It must also be noted that these clever folk also brew their own sake – ‘Sarasa’, named after the boss, of course. Their extensive drinks list also offers quality wine varieties for the sophisticate, Japanese whiskey for the experimental and some seriously inventive cocktails for those who have a way with the ladies.
If you’re a working class peep and ain’t got no time for the good life after five, then swing by Tokyo Club’s takeout sushi bar for a sweet taste of culture any day of the week. Whichever way you roll, take some time to explore this delicious little alleyway next time you’re sauntering the Ponsonby streets – no black market dealers, just authentic, lip-smacking Japanese fare, guaranteed.