ハラミ串
[Overall Impression] Located right in the middle between Tenjin Minami Station (Fukuoka) and Gion Kawabata Station, this izakaya in Nishi Nakasu specializes in seafood and shochu. The title mentioning "difficult choices" comes from the fact that the sesame mackerel we had at first was outstanding, while the simmered dish was a bit lacking. The extra-large horse mackerel fry made with striped jack was delicious with its tartar sauce and salad, but the fry itself was a bit overcooked. This restaurant seems to have a significant variance in the quality of dishes, so opinions may vary depending on what you order. For this first visit, we balanced the positives and negatives, resulting in a rating of 3.5 stars.
We came here seeking seafood after enjoying delicious grilled chicken at Jidoriya. The restaurant is located in a quiet corner of Nishi Nakasu with a distinctive metallic blue sign near the street. Inside, there are about 6 counter seats and 15 tables. The atmosphere is cozy with dim lighting, folk-style decor, and the soothing sound of koto music playing. The staff consists of the master at the counter, a couple of chefs in the kitchen, and a female server. The sight of numerous shochu bottles lined up on the counter is quite impressive.
The menu mainly features seafood dishes, but there is also a selection of chicken and beef dishes. When in Fukuoka, you must try the sesame mackerel, as well as the local specialty gamenin (with softshell turtle) and the horse mackerel fry. For drinks, we chose Hachiman (500 yen) from the array of shochu bottles, later switching to Sakurai.
- Sesame Mackerel: The mackerel is generously coated in miso sauce with plenty of chopped seaweed, green onions, and sesame. The freshness and firm texture of the mackerel are highlighted, complemented by the rich sesame miso sauce with a hint of bitterness. This dish is quite flavorful and satisfying.
- Special Striped Jack Fry: The thick and large fry made with striped jack is crispy on the outside, but slightly dry inside due to being cooked too long. The accompanying salad and rich tartar sauce are unexpectedly delicious.
Unfortunately, the softshell turtle simmered dish turned out to be overly salty, lacking the expected flavor of the turtle and collagen. The service was slow, and the female server seemed flustered, resulting in some dishes being canceled due to the long wait. The ice cream and persimmon served as a complimentary dessert were a nice touch, although the sesame ice cream had a slightly powdery texture and subtle flavor.
In conclusion, while the initial sesame mackerel was exceptional, subsequent dishes were a bit hit or miss. The restaurant's portion sizes are generous, so missing out on a good dish can be disappointing. With a total bill of 6760 yen, we concluded our meal. Thank you for the meal.