Japoni

Found in Nakatsu, Japoni is a standing bar for foodies. Plates here arrive from across Japanese, French, Asian and South American cuisines but with a husband and wife behind the bar both trained in Italian restaurants, the menu never really stays still.

On any given evening you might find Russian-style pelmeni, Nepali choila and Turkish pide, or lamb chops and frites straight from a French bistro. To drink there’s fermented tea leaf sours, natural wines on weekly rotations, as well as your usual standing bar staples. 

The tasteful setting is also a draw. Its high ceilings but low lighting and warm, coppery hues make it feel cozy, and effortlessly tucks you away in a rapture of good food and drinks – especially if you’re lucky enough to bag the table in the churchlike alcove at the back.

It’s best to check ahead on their Instagram to make sure they’re open, but the bar is a perfect starter for an evening – or a destination meal.