{"id":70577,"date":"2025-11-04T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savvytokyo.com\/?p=70577"},"modified":"2025-10-31T20:00:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T11:00:11","slug":"friendly-fusion-izakaya-tokyos-bal-scene-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savvytokyo.com\/friendly-fusion-izakaya-tokyos-bal-scene-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"What&#8217;s A Bal? Friendly Fusion Izakaya Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A couple of weeks ago, I accompanied a fellow writer to conduct a menu test at a recently opened eatery. She looked at the menu and knit her eyebrows together. \u201c<em>What am I supposed to call this? A bistro? It\u2019s not\u2014it\u2019s too Japanese\u2026 There are burgers, but also, ajillo. And matcha lattes of all things?<\/em>\u201d Welcome, my friend, to a <em>bal<\/em> izakaya!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<nav class=\"wp-block-gplus-anchor-table\"><ol><li class=\"wp-block-gplus-anchor-table__level-2\"><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"#what-is-a-bal\">What Is A \u201cBal\u201d?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-gplus-anchor-table__level-2\"><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"#getting-girls-to-the-bar\">Getting Girls To The Bar<\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-gplus-anchor-table__level-2\"><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"#the-bal-menu\">The Bal Menu<\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-gplus-anchor-table__level-2\"><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"#recommended-bal-inzakaya-spots-in-tokyo\">Recommended Bal Inzakaya Spots in Tokyo<\/a><ol><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-framed-heading\" id='what-is-a-bal'>What Is A \u201cBal\u201d?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_618673017.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_618673017-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Friendly Fusion Izakaya: Tokyo\u2019s Bal Scene\" class=\"wp-image-70598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_618673017-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_618673017-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_618673017-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_618673017-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_618673017.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Perfect for the weekend\u2014or after work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bal<\/em> is a recent term popularized by the owners of certain izakaya-cum-bistros. Not \u201cbar\u201d, nor the Spanish \u201c<em>baru<\/em>\u201d, but bal. This romaji-fied katakana word perfectly illustrates how these only-in-Japan \u201cbars\u201d differ from Western iterations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>J-Net 21, a service that guides would-be business owners, defines a \u201cdining bar\u201d as<em> <\/em>an eatery offering a wide range of alcoholic beverage options in addition to food. The subtypes outlined are \u201cWestern European izakaya\u201d, \u201cwine bar\u201d and \u201cshot bar\u201d. Not that many readers would equate \u201cshot bar\u201d with a place for eating charcuterie, though!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_401733675.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_401733675-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Friendly Fusion Izakaya: Tokyo\u2019s Bal Scene\" class=\"wp-image-70587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_401733675-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_401733675-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_401733675-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_401733675-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_401733675.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Turnip and bacon aglio-olio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you search \u201cdining bar\u201d and \u201cTokyo,\u201d you might be surprised at the scarcity of usable listings. In fact, much like the contents of the preview menu, results from my own search lacked rhyme or reason. If you try in katakana, however, a clear pattern emerges: trendy eateries with an East-meets-West menu and an emphasis on drinks and atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another Japanese-only source, the celebration and gifting website Mechoo, explains the differences between French bistro and Spanish \u201c<em>baru<\/em>,\u201d noting that in Japan, bal (baru) has come to mean \u201cSpanish-inspired Western Izakaya,\u201d even though bal typically leans towards Italian or French influences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The writers at Mechoo seem right on point, as their coverage came out in 2021 and was most recently updated in July 2023, with the uptick in bal openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As it stands, it seems that the bal hasn\u2019t quite entered the expat space yet\u2026.time to change that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-framed-heading\" id='getting-girls-to-the-bar'><strong>Getting Girls To The Bar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_436585106.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_436585106-1024x684.jpeg\" alt=\"Friendly Fusion Izakaya: Tokyo\u2019s Bal Scene\" class=\"wp-image-70590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_436585106-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_436585106-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_436585106-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_436585106-380x254.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_436585106.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><small class=\"imgcopyright\">\u00a9 Photo by iStock: tky15_lenz<\/small><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who wince at the thought of pit stains on otherwise immaculately crisp white shirts, a risk of sloshed cheap beer and free-flowing cigarette smoke in izakaya, a bal isn\u2019t that. Nor is it a place to risk typical bar-like bothering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, most<em> <\/em>bals smack of posh, plushness and premium. Bals provide if-you-know-you-know intimacy that makes them perfect for dates or drinks with friends. The atmosphere is inviting but upscale enough to make guests feel like they\u2019re having an evening out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_123008983.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_123008983-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Friendly Fusion Izakaya: Tokyo\u2019s Bal Scene\" class=\"wp-image-70581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_123008983-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_123008983-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_123008983-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_123008983-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_123008983.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Raisin bread and sardine ajillo might sound strange, but it\u2019s a classic bal-style invention.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mature flavors and fashionable interiors make bals especially inviting to the working women of Tokyo. They come to rub the salonpas of camaraderie into stiff shoulders and relax into voluptuous, enveloping flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If izakaya promise salarymen a second wind after a long day, bals allow trendy guests to dip their toes into gourmet with all the familiar comfort of a warm bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-framed-heading\" id='the-bal-menu'><strong>The Bal Menu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_544160757.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_544160757-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Friendly Fusion Izakaya: Tokyo\u2019s Bal Scene\" class=\"wp-image-70596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_544160757-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_544160757-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_544160757-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_544160757-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_544160757.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Potato salad dressed up with ikura (cod roe).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Expect bagna cauda, carpaccio with Japanese flair and plenty of cheeses. One tell-tale sign of a bal is the fruit-burrata plate, sometimes accompanied by prosciutto. All bal<em> <\/em>seem to have potato salad, but each eatery employs some special flair or signature prep method. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bals make a point of serving bread or cracker-paired appetizers too, unlike izakaya, and typically have Western-style pickles instead of <em>oshinko<\/em> or <em>zuke <\/em>(Japanese pickles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_288450149.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_288450149-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Friendly Fusion Izakaya: Tokyo\u2019s Bal Scene\" class=\"wp-image-70584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_288450149-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_288450149-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_288450149-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_288450149-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_288450149.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cBagna Cauda\u201d a Spanish-inspired vegetable fondue-esque appetizer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For mains and meats, smoked or rare is a given. Duck breast and rare steaks or roast are often served pre-sliced and dressed for sharing. Diners can expect some, if not multiple, forms of confit, terrine or pat\u00e9 on the menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There<em> is<\/em> going to be pasta\u2014spaghetti of some sort with shimmery oil sauce, ragu or a \u201csignature\u201d carbonara; something rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_530202290.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_530202290-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Friendly Fusion Izakaya: Tokyo\u2019s Bal Scene\" class=\"wp-image-70594\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_530202290-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_530202290-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_530202290-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_530202290-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/AdobeStock_530202290.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The ever-present powder of parm and pepper pasta (say that three times fast!)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Round pasta like gnocchi, orecchiette and ravioli are all viable contenders, consistent with the \u201croundness\u201d that classifies a bal\u2019s signature menu. Pizza, focaccia, risotto and the like will satisfy the rest of the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bals make generous use of dustings of grated parmesan, thinly sliced mushrooms and truffles, creamy, fluffy egg dishes, generous pours of olive oil and bursts of grated black pepper. The plating leans gourmet, but the flavors are all comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-framed-heading\" id='recommended-bal-izakaya-spots-in-tokyo'>Recommended Bal Izakaya Spots in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of my favorite spots for you to try!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\" id='fours-meguro'><a href=\"https:\/\/foursmeguro.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Fours<\/strong><\/a><strong> (Meguro)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/foursmeguro.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/foursmeguro.jpeg\" alt=\"Fours (Meguro)\" class=\"wp-image-70618\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/foursmeguro.jpeg 700w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/foursmeguro-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/foursmeguro-380x254.jpeg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><small class=\"imgcopyright\">\u00a9 Photo by Fours<\/small><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Fours, self-described as \u201cgenreless cuisine to enjoy with people you love\u201d is one of the most representative bal locations and a genre pioneer. It\u2019s got the full bal<em> <\/em>experience: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A warmly inviting atmosphere, dressy potatoes, creative gorgonzola cheesecake for dessert and a signature salad featuring liver confit. It achieves the perfect bal-esque East-West balance with <em>takikomi gohan <\/em>(one-pot rice dish)<em> and <\/em>grown-up <em>wasabeef <\/em>(Japanese-style roast beef)<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Address: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Fours\/@35.6344271,139.7110419,17z\/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x60188b18e125c5bd:0x84c81e6f811ba83a!4m6!3m5!1s0x60188bd79c03552d:0x8d6019b04c484c4c!8m2!3d35.6344271!4d139.7136222!16s%2Fg%2F11gwgr0k2h?entry=ttu063+Tokyo,+Meguro+City,+Meguro,+1-ch%C5%8Dme%E2%88%924%E2%88%9211+%EF%BC%AE%EF%BC%B4%E3%83%93%E3%83%AB\/@35.6344304,139.7110413,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x60188b18e51fc327:0x2ab560c49de33721!8m2!3d35.6344304!4d139.7136162!16s%2Fg%2F12hkhtbf8?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1-4-11, Meguro, Meguro City, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closest Station: <\/strong>Meguro Station<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expect to Pay:<\/strong> Dinner: \u00a58,000\u2013\u00a59,999<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opening Hours:<\/strong> Tue-Sun 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Closed on Mondays and 1-2 Tuesdays\/month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/foursmeguro.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/foursmeguro.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\" id='flamingo-ebisu'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/flamingo.ebisu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Flamingo<\/strong><\/a><strong> (Ebisu)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/flamingo.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"589\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/flamingo.jpeg\" alt=\"Flamingo (Ebisu)\" class=\"wp-image-70619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/flamingo.jpeg 589w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/flamingo-300x201.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/flamingo-380x254.jpeg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 589px) 100vw, 589px\" \/><\/a><small class=\"imgcopyright\">\u00a9 Photo by Flamingo<\/small><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Flamingo, \u201cfun Italian and wine,\u201d is located in foreigner-favorite Ebisu. It\u2019s a place to explore well-known fusions like <em>shirako<\/em> (fish milt) pasta and inventive takes such as <em>negitoro<\/em> (minced raw tuna with green onion) cannoli. This little stand is snug and cozy, with bright windows partially obscured by the patio plant life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emitting a clubhouse vibe, Flamingo is ideal for savoring a couple of glasses of organic, small-batch wine alongside sharing plates, or opt for the course menu for a comprehensive gastronomic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Address: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Flamingo\/@35.6460257,139.7051411,17z\/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x60188b250a9b0967:0x7b98d1ae4b37241c!4m6!3m5!1s0x60188b0df2a1d315:0x4dd7dc47bd50206e!8m2!3d35.6460257!4d139.7077214!16s%2Fg%2F11r6d75jxt?entry=ttubuya+City,+Ebisuminami,+1-ch%C5%8Dme%E2%88%922%E2%88%928+%E9%9B%A8%E5%AE%AE%E3%83%93%E3%83%AB\/@35.6459582,139.7052409,17z\/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x60188b40e80b3b75:0x2d5793abf112f498!8m2!3d35.6459582!4d139.7078212!16s%2Fg%2F11g6yqvxyp?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1-2-8 Ebisuminami, Shibuya City, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closest Station: <\/strong>Ebisu Station<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expect to Spend:<\/strong> Dinner: \u00a56,000\u2013\u00a57,999<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opening Hours:<\/strong> Tue-Sat 3 p.m.-11 p.m. (Last Order at 10:30 p.m.), Sun 1 p.m.-9 p.m. (Last Order at 8:30 p.m.) Closed Mondays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/flamingo.ebisu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/flamingo.ebisu\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\" id='grilled-meat-bal-taiju-ikebukuro'><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meatbal.com\/shop\/ikebukuro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Grilled Meat Bal Taiju<\/strong><\/a><strong> (Ikebukuro)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/meatbal.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/meatbal.jpeg\" alt=\"Grilled Meat Bal Taiju (Ikebukuro)\" class=\"wp-image-70622\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/meatbal.jpeg 700w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/meatbal-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/meatbal-380x254.jpeg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><small class=\"imgcopyright\">\u00a9 Photo by Grilled Meat Bal Taiju<\/small><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Taiju lives up to its moniker with signature potato salad, stunning cuts of roasted and grilled wagyu, plump gnocchi and tuna katsu. This place is an especially good choice for a date night, with course menus starting at just \u00a52,800 and a strong Western influence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/hanare.taijuen.co.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Taiju Allegato Hanare<\/a>, the sister store to its Nishi-Shinjuku location, is positioned as an upscale izakaya. Hanare\u2019s menu is even more successful in expressing the signature bal<em> <\/em>style: note <a href=\"https:\/\/hanare.taijuen.co.jp\/#menu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the appetizer menu<\/a>, featuring both fried shishito peppers and a fig-burrata plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Address:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Taiju\/@35.7125194,139.6793555,14z\/data=!3m1!5s0x60188d5bf9839203:0x686389a6299a86c5!4m10!1m2!2m1!1sniku+bal+taiju!3m6!1s0x60188d5bf9810001:0x8b268b728f52aa20!8m2!3d35.7303499!4d139.7061187!15sCg5uaWt1IGJhbCB0YWlqdSIDiAEBWhAiDm5pa3UgYmFsIHRhaWp1kgESaXRhbGlhbl9yZXN0YXVyYW504AEA!16s%2Fg%2F11bw6813fs?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3-22-5 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closest Station: <\/strong>Ikebukuro Station<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expect to Spend:<\/strong> Dinner: \u00a56,000\u2013\u00a57,999<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hours:<\/strong> Mon-Fri: 5 p.m. -11:30 p.m., Sat\/Sun\/Holiday: 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meatbal.com\/shop\/ikebukuro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.meatbal.com\/shop\/ikebukuro\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\" id='chochin-omotesando'><a href=\"https:\/\/chochin-omotesando.com\/food-menu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Chochin<\/strong><\/a><strong> (Omotesando)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/table_003.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"452\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/table_003.jpeg\" alt=\"Chochin (Omotesando)\" class=\"wp-image-70633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/table_003.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/table_003-300x226.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/table_003-380x286.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/cdn.savvytokyo.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/10\/table_003-100x75.jpeg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><small class=\"imgcopyright\">\u00a9 Photo by Chochin<\/small><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the other members of this list, Chochin offers an East <em>and<\/em> West menu rather than a selection of fusion foods. It\u2019s the place to go if you have one quiche eater and one <em>karaage <\/em>(Japanese fried chicken) craver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chochin\u2019s comparatively narrow offerings put the focus on enjoying its upscale space as a watering hole. However, the mix-and-match menu is still 100% bal quality, and the course option is ideal for a <em>nomikai<\/em> (drinking party).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Address:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Cafe+%26+Izakaya+Chochin+Omotesando\/@35.6684896,139.7039342,17z\/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x60188ca387c54539:0xd126f2f25ecaf2a6!4m6!3m5!1s0x60188ca387dc7dcb:0xd83ab635206c9076!8m2!3d35.6684896!4d139.7065145!16s%2Fg%2F1hc33dy8s?entry=ttu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4-29-9 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closest Station: <\/strong>Meiji Jingumae Station<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expect to Spend:<\/strong> Dinner: \u00a53,000\u2013\u00a53,999<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opening Hours:<\/strong> Mon-Thu 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sun, Holidays: 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/chochin-omotesando.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/chochin-omotesando.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Newly armed with a definition and what to look for, let us know if you have any bal izakaya to recommend!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pent-up demand has inspired Tokyo restauranteurs to embrace a new genre bringing cozy to dinner and drinks: The izakaya-bistro bal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":223,"featured_media":70627,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_subtitle":"Naming Tokyo\u2019s Hottest Dining Trend","footnotes":""},"categories":[42,41,252,248,269,1286],"tags":[3859,3862],"promotion":[],"class_list":["post-70577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food","category-lifestyle","category-new-in-tokyo","category-out-about","category-restaurant-review","category-trending","tag-bal","tag-bal-izakaya"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What&#039;s A Bal? 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