小菊 at Go Harajuku

A basement Jingumae izakaya focusing on fish and sake, with a small counter and a quietly devoted regular crowd.

小菊 (Kogiku) is a long-running izakaya in the basement of Villa Gloria on Jingumae's stylish backstreets, within walking distance of Meiji-Jingumae, Harajuku and Kitasando stations. The kitchen is built around fish, with fresh sashimi such as scallop and pufferfish shirako, alongside slow-simmered dishes like braised alfonsino, and the menu earns consistent praise for the quality of its seasonal seafood. A broad sake selection is kept on hand to match, making it a draw for drinkers who want options beyond the usual. The room is small, with around 18 seats split between a counter and a couple of tables, cash-only and closed on weekends, with evening service on weekdays. It suits solo diners at the counter, couples seeking a quiet drink, and small groups who appreciate an old-fashioned, no-frills izakaya where the focus stays on the food and the sake rather than the decor. For a quietly assured, fish-and-sake izakaya experience off the Harajuku main drag, Kogiku is a hidden, dependable favourite.