タケマシュラン
"Nijo Aritsune" is located just a few minutes' walk from Kyoto City Hall Station. The concept of the restaurant is "an izakaya for adults," with a well-designed exterior, interior, and the demeanor of the chefs giving the impression of a high-class traditional Japanese restaurant. The interior has a counter with 7-8 seats, two tables for two people, and private rooms. It's best to visit with 2-3 people, as the atmosphere is not suitable for larger groups. However, some people seem to casually call for reservations, asking if it's okay to come in with two people in just 30 minutes.
The restaurant surprisingly offers a wide selection of wines, with most bottles priced around 10,000 yen. I mainly focused on Japanese sake, priced around 800 yen per glass. They also serve beer, highballs, and shochu. The appetizer, a grilled eggplant with fig and red shishito pepper, served with black sesame paste, was a delightful start. It had a French cuisine-like flavor despite its Japanese appearance.
After the appetizer, you can order a variety of dishes a la carte. The prices are not listed, which can be a bit intimidating, and some of the menu descriptions are too fancy to understand easily. I started with a sashimi assortment, including Thai red snapper, swordtip squid, tuna, and conger eel. The Thai red snapper was particularly delicious, with a delicate sweetness and a satisfying texture.
The horse mackerel was prepared as a minced fish dish, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. I also tried the grilled collar part of the Thai red snapper, cooked over charcoal, giving it a juicy and flavorful taste. The crab cream croquette was a delightful dish, and I indulged in two servings as I was dining alone that day.
Next, I ordered a grilled local chicken, which had a firm texture and a rich flavor. The chicken meatball skewers were smooth and flavorful, complemented by a sauce made with egg yolk. For dessert, I had a beef cutlet sandwich, which was a perfect balance of meat umami, sweet sauce, and soft bread.
After enjoying the meal and some drinks, the bill came to around 15,000 yen. Considering the quality and quantity of the food, a similar dining experience in Tokyo, such as at "Azabu Rokkaku," would likely cost twice as much. The cuisine at Nijo Aritsune is authentic and reminiscent of a traditional Japanese restaurant, yet the friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it feel like a cozy neighborhood eatery, similar to "Nonkiya Mune" nearby. Kyoto has many such excellent restaurants with this style."