This popular chain is known for its late hours (3:30 am or later) and inexpensive yakitori, tempura, noodles, sushi and other fare, but the Nishi Azabu branch is notable for its convivial atmosphere as well. It occupies a remake of a traditional Japanese warehouse with an open kitchen in the middle of its large, lively dining hall. There are branches in Ginza, Shibuya and Odaiba, all with a rustic interior but lacking Nishi Azabu's dramatic architecture. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 1-13-11 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku (Roppongi station on the Hibiya Line, a 12-minute walk past Roppongi Hills), Tokyo. Phone 5771-0170. http://www.gonpachi.jp/en/casual/home/index.
