Polvo
Just a 7-minute walk from Kinshicho Station. Although the distance is not that far, the area is a bit tricky to navigate, located slightly away from the bustling downtown area right in front of the station. The restaurant has 10 tables and a counter that can seat about 6 people. Overall, it's cozy and comfortable. The orange lighting gives off a traditional Japanese izakaya vibe. I had made a reservation this time, and when I was seated, there was a plate with grilled chicken skewers that had a handwritten message saying "Thank you for your reservation, ○○" along with a hand-drawn Pokemon character. It was heartwarming. When I ordered a drink, the staff all shouted together energetically. It's a lively place. Looking through the menu booklet, there were plenty of dishes to choose from. After some contemplation, I ordered the following items: - Today's sashimi (¥50): I was intrigued by the 50 yen sashimi offer. It was tuna for the day. Three square slices of sashimi in a small dish. For 50 yen, it was a satisfying portion. - Chicken tataki (¥680): It's different from chicken sashimi, but it's raw chicken meat. Easy to eat, light, with just the right amount of oiliness. The sauce had a nice Japanese flavor. - Skewers (¥50-300): There were various options like yakitori, vegetable skewers, etc., starting from 50 yen. They also had grilled items and deep-fried skewers. It was a bit of a hassle to think about ordering each piece individually, so I ended up ordering a mixed yakitori platter. - Frog (¥400): Surprisingly, there was a "frog" listed discreetly on the skewer menu. I ordered it out of curiosity. A whole frog leg was grilled and served. It tasted like a regular frog (?). There were also other items like pickled plums, fried chicken, rolled omelet, etc. The menu was really extensive, and since everything was reasonably priced, I ordered a variety of dishes and ended up feeling full. The place was crowded, and although not very spacious, it could feel a bit cramped and noisy, but for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, it would be perfect.