Albero Alto

Part of the pleasure at Albero Alto in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is putting your mood or flavour preferences into words and letting an unexpected pour arrive at the counter. The selection of wines by the glass spans sparkling, white, orange, rosé, and red, giving you room to browse and listen to recommendations from the owner at an unhurried pace.

The food leans toward straightforward dishes that keep conversation going over a drink. Options include fragrant yagen nankotsu (chicken keel cartilage) designed to pair with wine, vegetable caponata, and an assorted platter of prosciutto, salami, and cheese. The platter can be adjusted to feature only cured meats or only cheese, while the house-dried apple slices served as an otoshi (table appetizer) bring a gentle sweetness that flatters a glass. For something more substantial, there is an open-faced shrimp and broccoli sandwich or a warm penne gratin.

The interior combines counter seating with curtain-divided sofa seating, creating a calm atmosphere that accommodates solo visits just as easily as small groups. Weekdays run from 19:00 to 1:00 the following morning, making it convenient as an after-dinner second stop, while weekend hours begin at 15:00 for daytime drinking. Payment can be made by credit card or PayPay, making it a handy drop-in destination whenever the mood strikes.