On November 3, 2022 (Thursday), I visited this restaurant for the first time during a motorcycle tour. The stylish cobblestone streets were lined with shops, and I was a bit worried when I saw that the entrance menu only listed three courses, which seemed quite expensive. However, I braced myself and entered. The restaurant, which seemed to be a renovated private house, had a very fashionable interior. Thankfully, they also had regular lunch menu items, which put me at ease. My friend ordered omurice with beef tendon skewers and a non-alcoholic beer (since we were on bikes!). I opted for the fried chicken nanban set with doteretsu and a non-alcoholic beer. I had no idea what doteretsu was, so I ordered it as a joke, but it turned out to be a unique and delicious dish that surprised me. It had a rich broth, tender ingredients, and a delightful accent in the mouthfeel. I won't spoil the surprise by revealing what it is, so I recommend trying it when you visit. The beef tendon skewers were delicious on their own, but they also came with two types of sauce. Although not listed on the menu, they were probably made from high-quality wagyu beef. The fried chicken nanban had a perfect balance of flavors, with tender chicken and a nice crispy texture. It would make a great side dish with rice or a tasty appetizer with drinks. This restaurant truly deserves its reputation as the number one in the area. With a wide selection of drinks, it's a place I would love to visit again, especially for a night out!

I had a reasonably priced and delicious mini course meal at a place that was really hard to find because it was located on a very narrow and confusing street.

"Tansu Bento" is a restaurant located in a small dining district in Ayabe City, which is renovated from a tea house dating back to the Taisho era. The retro interior creates a calm atmosphere, and each dish prepared there reflects the meticulous work of the chef. - Tansu Bento (1300 yen) - Fresh fish bite-sized sushi: Delicious. - Karaage Nanban: Juicy karaage with a perfect match of sweet and savory sauce. - Fry: Fried with fine bread crumbs and a sesame seed sauce. I want to replicate that sauce! - Marinated fish: I want to know the seasoning of this sauce as well. Impressed by the quality of dishes in terms of appearance and taste, exceeding the price. Will definitely come back! I actually revisited twice after this. Will go again!!

From Fukuchiyama, take Prefectural Route 8 towards Ayabe. At the Ayabe Station South Exit intersection, turn right towards the south. At the first traffic light, make a left turn and you will see a liquor store with an orange signboard. Turn right there. Take a left at the end of the road and continue until you reach the second house on the right. The restaurant is located there. There is parking available for one car at the corner parking lot. The location of the restaurant is quite hard to find. If you go around 12:15 pm, it may be full, but we were lucky to get a table after two groups left. The menu caught my eye with the Demi-glace sauce hamburger lunch set, but unfortunately, it was sold out. So, I ordered the Kaki Kurazutansu bento, which is the restaurant's specialty. I requested extra rice, but instead, I received mini sushi rolls. The bento came in a cute wooden box resembling a traditional chest. It included Karaage Nanban, two pieces of simmered pork, and chicken breast tataki. The chicken breast tataki was delicious, and the simmered pork was tender. The Karaage Nanban was also tasty. Soon, the mini sushi rolls arrived, with vinegared rice and a generous portion of fish toppings, including tuna, yellowtail (I think), sea bream, and octopus. The sushi rice was gentle in flavor, and the fish was fresh and delicious. The restaurant also provided excellent service with thoughtful gestures. The evening menu seemed to focus on izakaya-style dishes, so smoking was allowed. However, the smoke was not bothersome at our table. Overall, the food was delicious, and the service was great. I would love to come back to try the hamburger someday. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

I heard that there is a popular Japanese creative cuisine restaurant in Ayabe City and decided to visit. The restaurant is located at the end of a narrow alley where various dining establishments line the street in Tsukimi-machi. It has a stylish atmosphere with a renovated old folk house. At the entrance, there is a small lantern with Ebisu beer. Upon entering, you take off your shoes and are guided to a room with a sunken hearth of about six tatami mats. Despite it being Golden Week, there was still a stove in the corner of the room, perhaps for colder days. On the menu for the day, the tofu salad was delicious. I have always believed that tofu from this region, with its deep mountains and clear water, is the most delicious in Japan. The two self-proclaimed "foodie dads" in their 50s who accompanied me also agreed that it was an outstanding dish. The sashimi platter included tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and subtly, horse sashimi was also served. A playful touch or a service? Either way, it was delicious. Additionally, there was teriyaki chicken. The skin was crispy and flavorful, providing a satisfying bite. The cost performance is excellent, and if you were to enjoy the same dishes and drinks in a similar setting in Osaka or Kyoto, you would likely be charged double the price. If you are heading to the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, this restaurant is a must-visit!

I wanted to visit this restaurant once, but I passed by without noticing it at first (lol). The inside of the restaurant is very retro, with sunken kotatsu tables and a hot water bottle at your feet (#^.^#) It feels so warm and cozy. I ordered the Tansu Bento and Karaage Nanban set meal (extra large... enough for two girls (°_°)). The karaage was tender and juicy, and the Tansu Bento included salmon fritters, salmon carpaccio, tempura, temari sushi, and miso soup. It was quite a generous portion and delicious (*´︶`*) The atmosphere of the restaurant was relaxing and I had a great time!