Ikuhei Location: Nishiin, Kyoto Time: Dinner Purpose: Holiday Number of people: 2-4 Type: Fine dining #Ikuhei #Ikuhei Izakaya #Fine dining #Kaiseki cuisine #Delicious food tour #Delicious food #Delicious restaurant #Tabelog #Delicious meal #foodstagram #instafood #food #tokyo #tokyogourmet #erniesfoodtour

I have been casually visiting this place since it's close by. In the past, there used to be fresh fish displayed in polystyrene foam at the entrance, related to the market's fish section. The fresh fish here is delicious (as well as everything else). They also serve sushi, and I always look forward to the grilled fish collar of the day. On this visit, I was disappointed that my favorite eggplant dish was made with long eggplants (since I have nowhere to eat it). Parking is available right in front of the store. They are usually accommodating with special orders as long as you provide the ingredients. I always end up feeling full, but sometimes I feel tempted to take home a cold dessert at the end.

I discovered this shop on my way back from visiting a patient at Kyoto City Hospital. It had two entrances and an interesting sign, so I was curious and decided to enter. The interior of the shop was quite ordinary, with several raised tatami seating areas, table seating, and a slightly uncomfortable counter seat. Although it was a typical izakaya, I was hoping for a good selection of alcohol, but it turned out to be very standard. However, it was a relaxed place where you could take your time. I heard that the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market was nearby, so there were plenty of fresh seasonal seafood and vegetables. When I ordered seasonal dishes that focused on the quality of ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised by the incredibly reasonable prices. We enjoyed dishes such as grilled ayu, grilled clams, edamame, rolled omelette, chawanmushi, water eggplant salad, beef tataki, eel in Yanagawa style, shishito peppers, sweet shrimp, rock oysters, and crab meat, all of which were delicious.

The restaurant is located a little east from the intersection of Nishioji Gojo, and then north on the first street. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by the cheerful voice of the landlady, which instantly lifted my mood. The fish dishes were delicious, including fresh oysters with ponzu sauce, raw mackerel, scallops, and firefly squid with vinegar miso. However, I found the prices a bit high considering the overall factors like location. Unfortunately, there were no options for my favorite fish that day. Other side dishes were affordable and tasty. They even served dessert as a complimentary treat. I visited on a weekday (Wednesday) and the restaurant was quite busy, so I imagine it must be packed on weekends. In conclusion, everything was delicious, but I would only recommend this place for locals or those passing by, not worth traveling far for. Next time...

Located one street east from Nishioji Gojo and a bit north, this restaurant was found through a search for "somewhere within cycling distance from home" on a food blog. Visited on an early Wednesday evening, with only one other group of customers visible. The restaurant is surprisingly spacious, with a counter surrounding the cooking area. Of course, there are also table seats available. As soon as I sat at the counter, more customers started to arrive one after another. A lively mother greeted us with a big smile and a loud "welcome!" We ordered teppanyaki, dobinmushi, assorted kushikatsu, oden, onigiri, miso soup, bottled beer, sweet potato shochu, and sake (one cup) for 8900 yen. The mother also recommended the kakifurai, but we didn't feel like ordering more. Every time we placed an order, her energetic voice echoed through the restaurant. She was truly lively and cheerful! Her energy was contagious, making us smile along with her. My husband was delighted to have dobinmushi during this season. The teppanyaki came in a satisfying portion on a large plate. The oden was well-flavored. It seems like a fish-focused izakaya?! The restaurant seems versatile and convenient. In this cold weather, warm sake sounds appealing. We definitely want to visit this restaurant again. It was our first time there, but we were able to relax and enjoy. Highly recommended!!

This restaurant is located a little north of the east-west street one block east of Nishioji Gojo. Inside the restaurant, there is a counter and table seating on the left side, and a tatami seating area on the right side for parties. The display case in front of the counter is filled with fresh fish, and besides the regular menu, there are daily recommendations written on a blackboard. The staff is very accommodating when it comes to how you want your food prepared (for example, with vinegar, ponzu sauce, slightly cooked, etc.), and they will even suggest the best way to eat it. The drink menu is not extremely extensive, but they have a good selection and are willing to make drinks that are not on the menu if you ask. At the end of the meal, they serve dessert (usually seasonal fruit), ensuring you leave satisfied. They also bring the bill while you are still eating, so there is no need to wait. And most importantly, the energetic "obaachan" (grandma) who greets you with a loud "welcome" when you enter, responds with a cheerful "yes" when you order, and bids you farewell with a lively "take care!" It may be surprising at first, but it makes you feel welcomed and comfortable, making it a favorite spot for many people.

Located on the west side of the municipal hospital, it was a bit far from my house so I couldn't go for a while, but I finally made it. It seems to be run by a fishmonger from the market, and I had heard that you can always eat fresh fish there, so I was looking forward to it. The shop lived up to my expectations, with a variety of fresh fish, and I especially enjoyed the Mie prefecture-produced mackerel sashimi, which I had never eaten raw before. The salt-grilled kinki (Thornhead fish) and rock oysters were also delicious. I recommend everyone to give it a try!

A lively and friendly izakaya located on the west side of the municipal hospital, near Nishioji Gojo. The landlady is very energetic and welcoming. I was recommended seasonal dishes by the regular customers who brought me there, and they were exquisite - the sashimi, tempura, and other recommended dishes. Lastly, we ordered onigiri, and my daughter said it was the most delicious onigiri she had ever tasted, thanks to its perfect rice ball texture. The only downside is that the restroom is shared between men and women, which younger customers may find uncomfortable.