AYAログ
A cozy izakaya with a traditional Japanese house style located right in the middle between Kagurazaka Station and Iidabashi Station. The stylish exterior has a nostalgic charm! I was recommended by my colleagues and decided to visit. The entrance is not along the street, so I was a bit confused at first, but I found the entrance by walking along the cobblestones at the corner of the building. When you open the sliding door, you'll find a spacious and open interior. It's much more spacious inside than you would imagine from the exterior! There are both first and second floors, making it suitable for large groups. As you enter, you'll see counter seats right in front of you. The kitchen is located behind the counter, giving it a lively atmosphere. We had a reservation for multiple people on that day, so we sat at a table, but I definitely want to sit at the counter seats next time!
- Salad appetizer: A salad of surprisingly high quality for an appetizer. The crispy texture and original dressing were delicious.
- Sashimi platter with 4 types: Wait, it's supposed to be 4 types...? There are 6 pieces on the plate, but they were all fresh, thick, and chewy. The staff's recommended items were really delicious.
- Shrimp chili mayo: Four large shrimp placed on the plate with mashed potatoes underneath. A dish full of things I like, it made me happy. The shrimp were large and chewy, and the batter was crispy! There was no disappointment of having small shrimp under the batter, which is often the case.
- Fig pate: A pate made by combining figs and butter, served with crackers. A handy dish when you crave something sweet. Women would love it.
- Tomato sesame salad: Completely different from what I imagined! One whole tomato covered with original sesame dressing. It had a strong and delicious sesame flavor.
- Edo-style stew: A stew with a rich flavor that goes well with alcohol. It is made by simmering beef tendon, beef tripe, and honeycomb tripe in red wine and Hatcho miso. There seemed to be a whole onion in it! It had a generous portion, and it was incredibly delicious when eaten with the garlic toast that came with it.
- Cheese tofu baguette: Another dish that women would love. Cheese tofu mixed with a syrup that is closer to maple than honey, served with a baguette. It felt like a dessert! Everything was delicious, and the cost performance was great! It was packed even though it was a weekday, showing that it's a popular spot. Reservations are a must! As I mentioned at the beginning, the interior is very spacious, so it seems suitable for large drinking parties as well. Highly recommended! I will visit again.