Shachou Traditional Japanese Izakaya

Shachou Traditional Japanese Izakaya is a small, evening-only izakaya on the roadside in Urbiztondo, San Juan, a few doors from Umi on the stretch just north of the main surf strip (Plus Code M86G+C6J). The room seats around 20, mostly at the counter, and the facade and interior are styled after a neighbourhood izakaya in Japan, with a few outdoor tables when it's full.

Sushi, sashimi and chicken yakitori are what regulars come for, and the salmon poke bowl and kaisendon, served on warm rice with furikake, are the main plates. Tako su octopus salad, karaage, ebi tempura, a sukiyaki don and an okonomiyaki big enough for three fill out the table, with beef or tempura udon for a rainy night. Pair it with a large bottle of sake to share or a cold beer. Cooked dishes like gyudon and katsu curry are less consistent than the raw fish, and salmon can sell out on busy nights.

Shachou opens 5PM to 11PM and is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Plan on ₱500 to ₱1,000 a head. It's pet-friendly, with parking nearby. Arrive close to 5PM to get a counter seat before the after-sunset crowd, and order a few small plates at a time, izakaya style, since the kitchen slows when the room fills.