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.
居酒屋に入ると、まずお通しが出てきた。
When we entered the izakaya, an appetizer was served right away.
このお通しは少し高いけど、手
This starter is a bit pricey, but it's elaborately prepared.