koutagawa
I will visit "NIKU HA TEPPAN Ikoh," which opened at the end of last month and has now started serving lunch. The restaurant is located on the first floor of an apartment building facing Takamiya Street, midway between Nishitetsu Hirao Station and Takamiya Station. The entrance is not very wide, so you might miss it if you're not careful. The interior features exposed concrete walls and wooden tables and floors, creating a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. There are 6 tables with 12 seats, as well as a spacious counter with 8 seats, making it easy for even a solo female diner to feel comfortable. The chef, with a gentle demeanor, was friendly and engaging with customers seated at the counter. For lunch, they offer a "lunch set" where you can choose a steak from loin, rib loin, or fillet. I opted for the loin, which is Japanese beef. The appetizer trio included marinated cauliflower and mackerel, cabbage and caper tomato stew, and turnip pickles, showcasing simple yet exquisite dishes that emphasize the quality of ingredients. The steak, though a modest 100g portion, was tender and flavorful, especially when paired with homemade salt koji, wasabi soy sauce, and rock salt. The garlic rice, available for an additional 100 yen, turned out to be a garlic soy sauce fried rice, which was deliciously savory. The dessert, a toasted bread with butter and powdered sugar, was a delightful surprise. The female staff members were friendly, and the restaurant exuded a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Overall, it was a charming and hospitable dining experience.