お通とおし

noun

appetizer; starter; hors d'oeuvre

A small dish served automatically at the beginning of a meal in Japanese restaurants, often before ordering; it is not optional and appears on the bill as a table charge.

• 居い酒ざか屋やに入はいると、まずお通とおしが出でてきた。

  When we entered the izakaya, an appetizer was served right away.

• このお通とおしは少すこし高たかいけど、手てが込こんでいる。

  This starter is a bit pricey, but it's elaborately prepared.