Ozeki

Lifting the lid from the pot releases a cloud of aromatic steam that immediately sharpens the appetite. At Ozeki, the beloved chanko nabe—a nourishing hot pot dish originally crafted for sumo wrestlers—can be tailored with a choice of broths: a clean yet richly flavored salt base, fragrant ground sesame soy sauce, full-bodied miso, or spicy kimchi. Piled high with fresh chicken, house-made chicken meatballs, and an abundance of vegetables, the ingredients gently steep into the broth, lending it deeper sweetness and savor as it simmers. Once the meats and greens have been enjoyed, diners can add Chinese noodles or udon to soak up every drop of the infused soup, ending the meal on an immensely satisfying note.

Structured courses named after sumo ranks make ordering straightforward for parties of various sizes. The Komusubi course for 2, the Sekiwake course for 3, and the Ozeki course for 4 each round out the central hot pot with seared bonito tataki and crisp, handmade cream croquettes. Another must-try item that brings lively energy to the table is the signature ozeki-age: scallions tightly wrapped in succulent pork belly and fried until golden and crisp. An extensive selection of izakaya fare—from delicate lean horse sashimi and rich horse meat yukhoe to lightly seared chicken white liver—keeps guests well fed while the hot pot comes to a gentle simmer.

The beverage lineup pairs naturally with the hearty spread. Freshly poured draft beer, fruit-packed fresh chuhai with affordable top-offs, and sake sourced from across Japan enhance the meal. Open exclusively for dinner, the restaurant accommodates groups with ease, making an advance reservation the smoothest approach for a relaxed evening around the pot.