In Kyoto, near Kyoto Station, there are not many appealing dining options, similar to Shin-Yokohama Station, but I had been curious about this restaurant that I had seen on Tabelog. On my first visit, it was located on a street lined with small izakayas, similar to Umeda's Shin-Shokudogai or Nagoya's Ekimae Yokocho. The restaurant has only a counter, and the seating area is so narrow that people can't pass behind the seats. The cuisine is mainly Western, but they also offer Chinese dishes and more, like an izakaya. The name of the restaurant is Jijibaba, but the owner is a middle-aged man, which made me wonder why this name was chosen. The appetizers included cheese potato salad, baguette with spicy thick tofu, and spicy thick tofu. Then, I ordered Jamón Serrano, mapo tofu, and sake-stealing pizza. The appetizers were well-made and delicious. The Jamón Serrano was also delicious. The mapo tofu had a strong meaty flavor with spiciness from what seemed to be homemade chili oil, served piping hot in an iron pot. The sake-stealing pizza was crispy, so I wrote "pizza" instead of "pizzza." The rich cheese paired well with the intense saltiness of the sake-stealing. Overall, the food lived up to my expectations and was delicious. They offer a variety of dishes from Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines, including filling options like pizza and pasta, making it a great place to have a full meal or for pre or post-drinks. It's a casual and highly recommended spot near Kyoto Station where you can easily drop in.

About a 6-minute walk north from JR Kyoto Station lies a nostalgic dining area that feels like a trip back to the Showa era. There is no parking available. It's so deep that I always used to pass by without entering, but today I decided to take the plunge. First, I was surprised by the unisex restroom. The men's restroom had a half-circle pipe at the bottom with just walls, a design reminiscent of the early Showa period. When was the last time I saw a restroom like this? Then, I headed to the restaurant I had my eye on. No reservations allowed. As soon as I opened the sliding door, I found myself at the counter. In other words, you have to open the door with a clear aim from the outside, or you won't be able to sit where you want in this small restaurant. I visited around 6:30 pm, and it was about 70% full. Quite a popular spot. Right in front of where I sat, there was half a pig with its feet still attached, which surprised me. A hot towel was brought out, and I ordered the following: - Homemade cheese tofu and eggplant appetizer for 500 yen (excluding tax) - Summer limited watermelon sake soda for 650 yen (excluding tax) - Iberico pork platter for 1300 yen (excluding tax) - Mapo tofu for 700 yen (excluding tax) Starting with the homemade cheese tofu, the cheese flavor was rich and quite delicious. I opted for a light drink since I had plans for a second location. As expected, it was sweet and hardly tasted like alcohol. The watermelon flavor was almost non-existent, more like juice. Eager to try the pork in front of me, I ordered the Iberico pork platter. The pork was cut open in front of me with a knife and served. It was incredibly delicious, well-aged and full of flavor. And even more delicious was the mapo tofu. It was exquisite! Much tastier than the mapo tofu at a regular Chinese restaurant. I would come back just for this. The prices are not cheap overall, but the taste is satisfying. Some people left after having the appetizer and a drink, so it could be a quick stop or a leisurely one. However, there were many regulars, so it might feel a bit uneasy dining alone. The food is great. I'd like to visit again with one or two more people.

Experience the Showa era of Kyoto at the Rido dining district located behind Yodobashi Camera on the north side of Kyoto Station. In this area, despite the elegant atmosphere of Kyoto, there is a deep and hidden world waiting to be explored. The narrow alleyways are packed with small drinking establishments, and it's fun to peek through the glass doors while walking by. There's no need to worry about being turned away, as the open and welcoming atmosphere invites everyone to join in. Tonight, I raise a toast with a new acquaintance, a tipsy older lady. It's always a fun time where anyone can enjoy wine together. The name "Rido" comes from a famous cabaret on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, unfortunately, it seems to have closed last year. The variety of drinks available ranges from wine to sake, catering to all tastes. While it used to be a wine bar, it seems like there's been a change in ownership. The atmosphere of the "Showa neon district" in Rido dining area is truly unique and special. It's a reminder that Kyoto's history isn't just limited to the Heian period or the end of the Edo period, but also includes the modern era of the Showa period. Alongside the traditional machiya townhouses, it stands as a proud legacy of Kyoto's culture. The nostalgic and sentimental feeling of the old-fashioned "sakaya" shops in the shopping street adds to the charm of the experience. Thank you for the delicious meal at "Sakaya Jijibaba."

Jijibaba Izakaya 2023/4/12 Kyoto KUMA Survey (Daily Use) (80☆Excellent:/60◎Good/50◯Pass/40△Average) (Taste: 60%: Store Management 20%: Cost Performance 20%) ■ Overall Rating 57/100 points (Taste: 60 points) A dining bar where you can enjoy the deep side of Kyoto! ■ Overview Located near Kyoto Station, Rido dining district is known as one of the representatives of deep Kyoto's dining areas, so many people may hesitate to visit. The restaurant is small but has a cozy atmosphere, and the conversation with Master Shingo is pleasant. Regular customers and first-time visitors engage in conversation with each other, creating a nice atmosphere. The reason for its popularity may lie in these priceless aspects. The menu offers a mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, all of which are quite delicious. Those who love Kyoto should continue to visit this place. Thank you for the meal. ■ Ordered Dishes/Price/Taste/Cost Performance ◯¥4620/◯/△------------Always critical detailed evaluation----------- ■ Number of People 4 people ◯・2 people ◯・1 person ◯ Banquetー・Businessー・Dateー ■ Atmosphere/Service of the Restaurant 60/100 points 12 points (4 points pass, 5 points pass) Basic points 4 points ◇ Store 4/10 points Near the station + small - ◇ Service 4/10 points ◇ Comfort 10/10 points The conversation with the master and regular customers is priceless. ■ Detailed Evaluation of Food 60/100 points 36 points Taste overall: A good place to drink alcohol. The taste of the food is above average, with a mix of ordinary and delicious dishes. Quantity/Presentation Evaluation: Slightly more than a single serving, maybe enough for 1.5 people. If you come with two people, you can enjoy a variety of dishes. Individual: Saba Rillettes (Delicious) - The combination of saba and cheese is exquisite. Harusame Zenmai Horenso Gomaae (Average) Motsu Nabe (Average) ¥500 Prosciutto (Excellent) Half ¥700 - The sweetness and umami are amazing. This level of ham is hard to find. Ebi Katsu (Delicious) ¥550 - A masterpiece where the filling of the shrimp cutlet is spread on a slice of bread. Mapo Tofu (Excellent) ¥700 - Sweet and spicy with a rich meat miso flavor. Bottled Beer ¥700 Highball ¥550 Tax ¥4125 → Otoshi (appetizer) ¥500? ■ Cost Performance Evaluation 45/100 points 9 points It is very difficult to compare prices as it is a dining bar, but it may seem expensive compared to izakaya standards, while it is average compared to bar standards. To be fair, based on the average retail price of ¥626 for bottled beer, it is considered slightly expensive, earning 35 points. As a place to drink alcohol, it offers a deep experience and enjoyable conversations with the master, adding 10 points to the overall experience.

Located near Kyoto Station, this restaurant is one of the best deep spots in Kyoto for food and drinks. It is the most popular izakaya in the area. I visited for the second time because I loved it so much. The table charge is ¥500. I ordered avocado with chili oil for ¥500, Iberico pork platter for ¥1,300, grilled chicken cartilage with black pepper for ¥600, mapo tofu for ¥700, and shrimp bread for ¥550. Everything I tried was delicious, but my favorites were the avocado with chili oil and the mapo tofu. The homemade chili oil is incredibly tasty, almost as good as the magical sauce on the charred mackerel. All the other dishes were also excellent as accompaniments to drinks. I definitely want to go back when I visit the area again.

March 9, 2023, Kyoto. First time at the Ridokan Shokudo Street "Jijibaba". It's a deep and small alley with lots of shops. One of the shops we visited was here. We ordered the Mapo Tofu, which was said to be very delicious. - Mapo Tofu: Looks very spicy, but surprisingly not spicy at all. Rather, it has a sweet taste that is addicting. - Avocado with chili oil: Homemade chili oil adds a spicy kick that complements the creamy avocado perfectly. - Chicken soft bone with black pepper. - Iberico pork platter with prosciutto. - Shrimp bread. The prosciutto goes well with the drinks, making the conversation flow smoothly. #Sakana-ya Jijibaba #Jijibaba #Ridokan Shokudo Street #Kyoto #Kyoto gourmet #Kyoto sightseeing

Grandmother's house is nearby, yet it was my first time visiting the lively dining district. Before the war, it was one of the bustling streets in Kyoto, lined with modern architecture that evokes the past. Over the years, it went through a period with many individual shops like Buddhist altar shops and sugar shops, but now it is dominated by dining establishments funded by outside capital due to the aging population. Despite being a barren area within the city, this corner is a must-visit for drinkers. Starting off at a nearby bistro for the first round, we made a reservation for the second spot. We ordered the highly recommended avocado with chili oil and the chewy cartilage with black pepper, perfect for pairing with drinks. The menu is unpretentious yet offers high-quality flavors. The space is a bit cramped with the back and glass door almost touching, and the door is hard to open, but it adds to the charm. This is a place I would like to visit occasionally.

Visited this place around 9 pm at the Rid Food Street. It's a counter-only restaurant and luckily there were two seats available, so we got in right away. Since I was already full, I just had two drinks and some appetizers before leaving. I can't give a rating since I didn't have a full meal. The restroom at Rid Food Street is shared, with two private stalls for women and an open view male restroom (more like just a trough) right in front of them, which was quite surprising and funny!

I went to the deep spot in Kyoto, the Rido dining district near Kyoto Station (˘ω˘) ❤️ It seems like the three major deep spots in Kyoto are the Origami Kaikan in Nishikujo, and the Sotomichi Kaikan in Shijo Tomikoji, all combined. It's like stepping back in time to a retro place with beautiful shops on the street. When you search for Rido dining district, the first one that comes up is "Jijibaba." I tried the mapo tofu, which was recommended by a regular customer next to me, and it was delicious with a spicy kick from the chili oil. The people at the restaurant and the customers were all warm and friendly, it was a fun experience. I want to go back again ✨

Located right near Kyoto Station, this restaurant is one of the most famous spots in Kyoto's deep dining area. The interior, with only counter seating, is quite spacious compared to other shops. In conclusion, it was amazing. The dishes we ordered were all incredibly delicious! Especially the mapo tofu and avocado with homemade chili oil were outstanding. If you're near Kyoto Station, you must try this place. Not only is the food delicious, but the owner is also very kind. Highly recommended! Just be aware that the shared toilets in the dining area are quite old, so be cautious when going with female friends.

From the bustling streets of Kyoto Station to a narrow alley, this place feels like a relic from the early Showa period with its communal toilet and a few stylish shops. The prosciutto is incredibly delicious with a fragrant taste that pairs well with white wine. The blue cheese and taro potato salad has a hint of spice that adds depth to the flavor. The friendly owner creates a lively atmosphere inside the shop. It was a fun and delicious experience.

Kyoto Station Ridokushoku Street "Sakana-ya Jijibaba". On this day, it was a drinking day around Kyoto Station. It's a 6-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Near Yodobashi Camera, there is a row house called "Ridokushoku Street". It has a nostalgic atmosphere that is irresistible to drinkers. The sound of an old man singing leaks out from the karaoke izakaya near the entrance, conveying a sense of fun. There are about 10 shops in the food and drink street, and this time the goal was "Sakana-ya Jijibaba". It is a branch of "Jijibaba Kibatei" in Karasuma. The interior of the shop, which has only a counter, has a wall right behind you as soon as you sit on the chair!! Be careful as it may be difficult to enter with large luggage. The retro atmosphere is further enhanced by the wallpaper pattern and lighting. First, cheers with the homemade lemon sour for 600 yen and the generous Kava for 650 yen. The appetizer is saba rillettes and fried tofu. A mix of Japanese and Western. That's the Jijibaba-ism. Motsu stew for 500 yen. A sweet and gentle broth with plenty of vegetables. And the slightly unique motsu (offal) is a good accent and delicious. It tastes even better with shichimi (seven-spice seasoning) sprinkled on top, so feel free to add it to your liking. As the drinks flowed, I added a vice sour for 500 yen. It's refreshing and somehow feels healthy. Mapo tofu for 700 yen. I had this at the Karasuma branch as well, and it's really recommended. The homemade chili oil is spicy but also has richness and sweetness. It's addictive and you can't stop eating with a spoon. I tend to have stomach problems the next day if I eat something too spicy, but I can't help but eat this delicious dish. This day was a light bar hopping experience. I will definitely go again.

Protruding. Homemade cheese tofu, thick fried tofu, and sautéed greens. The homemade cheese tofu is perfect as a side dish. It melts if left for a long time. Mapo tofu made with homemade chili oil. It has a nice kick from the Sichuan pepper. Uni omelette. The taste of the sea urchin is strong. Potato salad with taro and blue cheese. Spread it on bread and enjoy. Shrimp bread. A bread that can be enjoyed as a side dish. All dishes are made to pair well with alcohol. It's a shame that there are no dessert options on the menu.

The size of the shop was as I had heard, with a Showa-era sliding door that opened to reveal chairs and a counter. Adults who knew how to behave in a bar gathered to enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks with respect. The firefly squid marinated in vinegar and blue cheese potato salad were delicious. The selection of drinks lined up at the counter, along with each dish, was well-prepared. The staff were also polite and pleasant.

[Access] A narrow alley next to Kyoto Station, beside Higashi Honganji Temple, a unique space in this area only. [Ambiance, cleanliness] A small shop with only a counter. The side facing the alley is all glass, so you can see everything from outside, and as soon as you enter, you are at the counter seat. The back side is so narrow that people cannot pass through. [Food received] Avocado with chili oil, homemade rice bran pickles, chicken and ginkgo nut with black pepper, mapo tofu. [Service from the staff] They provide polite service. [Cost] Reasonable prices even for elaborate meals. [Other] Very delicious, and the master is kind. However, it seems like a fun place for regular customers. I think it would be an enjoyable place if you could become friends with the staff. The taste is unquestionable. The dish with homemade chili oil is delicious! Who would have thought mapo tofu would go so well with alcohol!! Thank you for the meal.

Located close to Kyoto Station, the Lido dining area is filled with shops along the alley. The restrooms are shared and have a nostalgic Showa era style. We called ahead and visited after enjoying yakitori at Ningen. When we arrived, only 2 seats were left, with the counter seats occupied by regular customers. We tried the Spanish Jamon Iberico and Iberico pork platter, which was a unique experience in this cozy atmosphere. We paired it with Super Gring and wine. The blue cheese potato salad, mackerel rillettes, and chicken liver were served as appetizers, complementing the drinks well. The homemade mapo tofu was delicious, although the number of customers had decreased by then. The owner was managing everything alone and had to turn away some customers. The regulars nearby were friendly and recommended other great eateries in Kyoto. We also tried the Flaming Orange, a unique drink made with shochu from Kagoshima and soda. The orange aroma was delightful, and we also tried one with lychee flavor. We ended the meal with a rich miso soup and homemade lemon sour. Overall, we had a great time enjoying delicious food and drinks. Thank you for the wonderful meal!