Little Island (YS Building 1F)

At Little Island in Nagai, the weekly-changing poke bowl is a natural place to start. Seasonal fish is paired with vegetables, with past combinations including firefly squid dressed in white miso and sesame, konoshiro amberjack marinated in kelp vinegar, and seared bonito tossed with condiments. The contents change each week, so part of the appeal is finding out what is paired together on the day. One diner has shared that they enjoyed the firefly squid poke bowl at lunch.

Another mainstay is keihan, a local dish from the Amami Islands. Rice is topped with chicken breast, shredded egg omelette and condiments, then served with chicken-bone broth to pour over. Here, you can choose from 4 variations: a classic version with shiitake mushrooms and spring onions; a hearty option with garlic-spiked, house-made condiment miso; a lighter version with umeboshi pickled plum; and an ‘ethnic’ style inspired by pho, with coriander and yuzu pepper. The classic is a good place to begin, while the different condiments offer a way to choose according to your mood. One customer who ordered keihan singled out the delicious broth.

The seasonal seafood and vegetable curry is made with spices but kept mild. You can add heat, and the plate comes with salad and 3 types of accompaniments. It offers a spiced alternative to the poke bowl and keihan. The restaurant also notes that food dishes come with soup and island tofu, and that vegan options for the keihan can be discussed.

For something sweet, there is brown sugar coconut tiramisu. Its brown sugar cream is scented with Benisangō brown sugar shochu, while the layers include coffee-dipped cookie and coconut. For a lighter treat, try a rice-flour pancake. Choose the simple butter-and-honey version or one with fruit sauce; either pairs well with coffee.

Drinks include options made with house-fermented syrups, as well as syrups featuring seasonal fruit and herbs. One diner enjoyed a hassaku citrus and strawberry tea with a poke bowl. Coffee is sourced from yard coffee & craft chocolate in Tennoji, and decaffeinated coffee is also available. The drinks list includes brown sugar shochu, craft gin and natural wine, giving you options to accompany a meal or enjoy with something sweet.

On Sundays, the restaurant opens in the morning and offers a breakfast plate. Choose rice or a rice-flour pancake as the main, served with salad dressed with house-made dressing, 2 seasonal vegetable dishes, bacon and a fried egg. There is terrace seating, and dogs are welcome outdoors. Baby chairs are available for families with children.