Hiro's Yakko-san

This unpretentious Japanese restaurant has chowhounds abuzz and is adored by the city’s chefs, who hang out here until the small hours. The food is authentic and exotic, though not exactly for the squeamish. The blackboard menu includes the likes of fried chicken livers, black pork belly, crispy-fried gizzard and beef-tongue steak. That said, there are some Japanese staples, including superb sashimi (tuna, salmon, hamachi), but even the tempura is unusual (it’s made with chrysanthemums). By contrast, the prices are down to earth. No reservations are taken, so get here early.