Mr. Sugiyama

I had been waiting for a while, but I finally arrived at this place. I took off my shoes and entered. The owner, the hostess, and a female staff member welcomed me when I arrived at the restaurant. I sat at the counter and ordered a bottled beer. The hostess explained the various side dishes on the counter. I wanted to try the Nanban-zuke, so I placed my order along with a few other dishes. We raised our glasses with the bottled beer. The menu was available, but there were no prices listed, so I assume it's market price. I usually don't like side dishes because they tend to be too strong in flavor, but the ones here had a good balance of flavors with a nice dashi taste. I decided to order some sake, not being very knowledgeable about it, I went for a safe option. I recommend trying the chawanmushi if you visit this place. It has a perfect texture that's neither too firm nor too soft, and it's filled with plenty of dashi. It goes well with sake and puts you in a good mood. The saba sushi at the end was also delicious and left a lasting impression. I will definitely be coming back here.

[Revisit] Visit on December 3, 2015, after 8:00 PM. Third visit in over a year and a month. - Location: Head northwest from the intersection of Shijo Street and Yanaginobanba Street (with Starbucks as a landmark) along Yanaginobanba Street, then turn left at the first narrow alley where the sign for the restaurant is placed (seems to be only at night). - Atmosphere: Mainly a counter for 6-7 people, with a tatami room on the second floor for larger groups. Located in a spot where casual visitors seldom drop by. The owners have been running the place for 8 years near Toi-san in Tomikoji and over 14 years in the current location. The husband is also in a band, the wife has a family-run ryokan in Tango, and they have a supporting part-time staff. The warm and friendly service from the owners makes it very welcoming. The place mostly has regular customers, but they are accommodating to new customers as well. - Customers: One customer when I arrived, followed by two more. The conversations indicated that the first customer owns a Japanese restaurant, and the later customers seemed to be performers at Nanzan. - Food and Drinks: Tried the Junmai Ginjo sake "Ameno Tsuki" from Hiroshima, various dishes like simmered taro, grilled gudgeon, fried blowfish, turnip steamed dish, and 2 pieces of mackerel sushi. The mackerel sushi was exceptional and one of the best I've ever had. The total bill was 7,000 yen. Overall, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes and sake, with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The pricing is very reasonable for the quality of food and service provided.

Located on the corner of Yanaginobaba Street and Shijo Street, this restaurant is a slightly upscale izakaya with a counter-centered kappo style. The owners, a husband and wife along with a young man, run the place. They create a very homely atmosphere, and both the husband and wife are friendly, making it feel like dining with family. The menu does not have prices listed, making it suitable for business entertainment. They offer a variety of fresh fish such as sashimi, fugu, firefly squid, marinated tuna, flounder, etc. Grilled dishes include fugu, crab, goby, sandfish, righteye flounder, simmered goby, vinegar dishes, rice dishes, pork belly, sake dishes, pine cone sushi, hirazake, and more. The selection is extensive. This restaurant is truly wonderful, with a mix of kappo, izakaya, small dishes, and side dishes. The food is delicious overall, especially the fish dishes which are all excellent due to the quality of the ingredients. The side dishes are also diverse, offering a good snack while waiting for the main dishes. The pork belly, in particular, is like a home-cooked meal but with a flavor that is hard to replicate at home. Knowing about this place makes you feel like a true Kyoto local. Thank you to Fsw for the recommendation. It's one of those places you almost don't want to tell others about, but you can't help but want to go back again and again. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

This is a must-visit restaurant when you go to Kyoto. It's located in a narrow alley, which may be a bit hard to find, but that's part of its charm. They have a counter and a second-floor tatami seating area, but the counter is the best. The fish is fresh, as it's close to Nishiki Market and they even get fish from Tango. The sign says "Direct delivery from Tango" hanging at the entrance. The dishes are all elegant and delicious. I highly recommend their "nigiri sushi" and "pressed sushi" made with slightly stronger vinegar. They are exquisite. Even someone who claimed to hate mackerel ended up loving it here. The fish is fatty and the flesh is clean, with the perfect balance of vinegar, sugar, and kelp dashi. The pressed sushi sells out quickly, so you'd better go early. In addition to mackerel, "flatfish" is also good, especially with sake. This kind of restaurant is perfect for a quiet meal with a female companion. Even if you go alone, the friendly and beautiful proprietress will take care of you. The taste and service here far surpass Michelin-starred restaurants in Gion. It's a place for adults, so you'll find mostly people in their 50s and above. It's not a place for young children in their 30s or younger.