Malsot

Diners have described the Normandy-style cider-braised Japanese pork belly as tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork. The menu lists it with Parmesan cream risotto, and one diner recalls that the risotto beneath the pork was rich, too. If you are in the mood for a meat-centred dinner, this dish makes a good starting point for choosing a wine.

Malsot is an Azabu-Juban bistro that works for both wine-bar drinks and a full meal. To start, there is foie gras terrine or mackerel rillettes. One visitor found the foie gras terrine rich and particularly good with baguette, while the mackerel rillettes were creamy yet light, and easy to enjoy with a drink. The pâté de campagne is listed in portions of 2 or 4 slices, making it an appealing option if you would rather order a few small plates and take your time over wine.

Pasta is another choice for a more substantial meal. One diner remembered the penne arrabbiata with house-made bacon and aubergine for its smoky, salty bacon, rich tomato sauce and aubergine that had soaked up the sauce. Seafood and squid-ink spaghetti is also on the menu; a diner who ordered it enjoyed the rich squid ink with the seafood.

There is a wide selection of wines, and some diners have asked for help choosing according to their preferences. For dessert, options include crema catalana, a Spanish-style crème brûlée, and cassis sorbet. The bistro also suits solo diners, and dinner reservations are available. It is closed on Sundays, stays open until 1 the following day on weekdays and until 0 the following day on Saturdays.