Zlatan

Rather than the usual yakitori or yakiton, the main draw at Zlatan is vibrant vegetables. The house specialty—fried-and-grilled vegetable skewers—features produce such as golden Kinbi carrots, purple daikon, and tender toronasu green eggplants, sourced primarily from Kamakura. Each vegetable is briefly fried in oil without batter and then grilled until aromatic. Cooking them this way seals in moisture while coaxing out natural sweetness and rich savory notes. Diners can enjoy them simply with salt or dip them into house-made sauces like carrot miso mayonnaise or anchovy mayonnaise. Though entirely vegetable-focused, an assortment makes for a hearty spread that groups can comfortably share.

Alongside the skewers, the monthly rotating lineup of creative small dishes deserves equal attention. The selection playfully combines Japanese and Western elements, from Neapolitan-style seasoned dried daikon to potato salad studded with smoked cheese and fukujinzuke pickles. Guests can order them in samplers of 3 or 5 varieties, an adaptable arrangement that works just as nicely for solo visitors working through a drink as it does for friends sharing bites across the table.

Beyond seasonal produce, the kitchen prepares substantial meat and seafood dishes, including Saikyo miso-marinated Daisen chicken, slowly simmered house-made kakuni pork belly, and sashimi sourced from Toyosu Market. To conclude a meal, the menu offers kakuni fried rice made with chameshi cooked in kelp dashi, as well as fragrant grilled chameshi rice balls. The drink list supports the food with standard beers and sours, complemented by a thoughtful array of sake, shochu, and tea-infused highballs.

The dining room features both counter seats and tables, making it welcoming for a solitary stop or a relaxed dinner with friends. The kitchen is also attentive to vegetarian and vegan preferences, offering approachable flexibility when dietary needs come up. For early or late arrivals, the casual introductory set—featuring 2 drinks alongside mini small plates and skewers—provides an easy way into the menu.