けいんのすけ
Hello, I'm Keinsuke. Today, I would like to introduce a izakaya restaurant called "Hamayaki Boy and Kushikatsu Girl" located in Omiya. When looking for a place to have dinner in the Kyoto area during Golden Week, it can be difficult to find a good restaurant in the crowded Kawaramachi and Karasuma areas, especially for last-minute or walk-in reservations. In such cases, I often prefer to travel to the Nishijin and Omiya areas to find a place to dine. In this area, even during Kyoto's peak seasons (spring and autumn), it is relatively easy to find restaurants and surprisingly, there are some places where you can walk in without a reservation, making it a recommended area to explore.
The restaurant I visited this time is a stylish izakaya located right next to Hankyu Omiya Station. The atmosphere was appealing to young people, and it seemed popular among couples and groups of women. Restaurants that cater to young people often have mediocre food, but this place was quite delicious. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you can enjoy Hamayaki in the Kyoto area, and the fresh seafood is grilled right in front of you by the staff, allowing you to enjoy it in its best state. Whether it's grilled meat or seafood, having the staff cook it for you is definitely better than doing it yourself, both for the taste and the convenience.
<FOOD>
- Hamayaki Set (2980 yen): I recommend starting with this set if you are a first-timer! It includes 2 white clams, 2 scallops, 2 red shrimps, and 1 grilled squid, all grilled by the female staff with great care. I love shellfish, so this was a delight, especially the huge scallops!
- Live Abalone (1680 yen): I was surprised to see a lively abalone being served. It's not something you would expect to find at an izakaya in the middle of Omiya. The abalone becomes even more lively when grilled, and the crunchy texture is irresistible.
- Assorted Kushikatsu (1280 yen for 10 pieces): After indulging in seafood, I also tried the kushikatsu, which the restaurant is known for. I dipped them generously in the sauce provided.
- Bar Potato Salad (480 yen): A must-order potato salad with a half-boiled egg.
- Firefly Squid with Vinegar Miso (580 yen): A seasonal delight of firefly squid with vinegar miso dressing!
- Sashimi Assortment (1000 yen): A selection of water octopus, sea bream, and amberjack sashimi. Fresh and a must-try.
<Summary>
Hamayaki restaurants can be a bit pricey, but this place offers a style that young people can enjoy at a relatively reasonable price. In addition to Hamayaki, they also offer kushikatsu and various other dishes, making it a versatile restaurant for different occasions. If you're curious, be sure to check it out. Thank you for the delicious meal.
<Point>
Customer Base: □Solo male ■Male group □Solo female ■Female group ■Students ■Families ■Elderly ■Couples ■Office workers
Age: ■10-20s ■30-50s ■60s and above
Remarks: □Private room □Scenic view □Power outlets □WiFi □Wait in line □Reservations recommended ■Near the station □Instagrammable □Quiet ■Long stay possible □Fun □Hidden gem
*Please note that the information is based on my visit, so please be aware of that.