01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Break through the lightly crisped skin with your chopsticks, and moist, rich fish flakes tenderly away. Tucked into a back alley of Minami-Aoyama, Lala draws neighborhood regulars for unpretentious grilled fish sets and straightforward homestyle cooking. The signature salted mackerel set arrives on a comforting tray with freshly steamed white rice, warm miso soup, grated daikon, and light house pickles, delivering an easy, everyday satisfaction.
Grilled seafood anchors the roster, from thick-cut, lightly salted salmon to oversized half-dried toro mackerel cooked whole, alongside butterflied horse mackerel. Meat eaters have plenty of choice as well, including Japanese-style grated daikon hamburger steak, ginger pork, and crisp fried chicken karaage. Midday diners can also add a modest glass of draft beer to brighten their afternoon.
The compact counter-led room is run entirely by its female proprietor, lending the space a personal, welcoming feel. Teishoku sets are served straight through from lunch into the evening, making the counter a dependable port of call for a wholesome solo dinner. At night, it works just as well to sip regional sake or a highball over small obanzai dishes, then finish with a rice set or a freshly grilled fish of your choice.
