Let's have a drink at our favorite restaurant in Kyoto as usual. The counter was fully booked for reservations on this day. Let's start with a draft beer toast ( ＾∀＾) The restaurant is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and there is a congratulatory orchid flower at the entrance. The appetizer for the day was a soup dish with turnip leaves and thin fried tofu. The soup had a strong flavor and was great. We ordered potato salad with salmon roe, tuna spicy Yukke-style, butter-grilled bamboo shoots, and cherry salmon with wood sorrel. The tuna Yukke was voluminous and perfect as a beer snack with a good spicy kick. The bamboo shoots had a crunchy texture and the rich flavor and aroma of butter were irresistible( ＾∀＾) We enjoyed the cherry salmon with white wine. When we requested a strong white wine, it turned out to be a perfect match for our taste. It was a California wine. It had a light grape aroma and a hint of sweetness. We had another glass of it, haha. We also wanted some meat, so we added pork steak. We could choose the seasoning, so we chose pork chop. It was thick and fatty, but not heavy at all. We switched from white to red wine. The owner, Momo-san, said, "I'm going to fry croquettes now. Who wants to try them?" So, of course, we had to try them. They were croquettes with bacon and green peas inside. They were well-seasoned and delicious even without sauce( ＾∀＾) The restaurant was lively with regular customers throughout the day, and we had a great time from start to finish. Thank you for the meal!

An intimate izakaya where local chefs from Gion and Karasuma gather. Reservations are essential due to the small size with only counter seats, but occasionally you can get in on the same day (for 1-2 people). Not flashy or special dishes, but everything you order is delicious. Enjoy the deep Kyoto talk you can hear from the counter. There are countless high-quality and delicious meals in Kyoto, but this kind of place truly embodies the essence of Kyoto.

I suddenly had to stay nearby and couldn't decide where to eat, but I was able to make a reservation at Momoteru on the same day. Many regular customers were dining there, but I had a fun meal. They asked how I wanted to eat the food.

The dishes made by the female chef were all exquisite. I was taken there by someone I am indebted to, and it was a very nice restaurant. The location is a bit hard to find and not close by, but I will definitely go back when I go to Shijo. In particular, two dishes below were outstanding and my favorites. Blue cheese potato salad. The acidity and cheese aroma are irresistible. Cabbage with anchovy sauce. It goes perfectly with drinks. The cabbage was also deliciously prepared. It's perfect for drinking with one or two people. Thank you for the meal.

I was taken to a wonderful restaurant by someone from Kyoto, where we could enjoy delicious and creative dishes at a reasonable price. The place had a hidden, cozy atmosphere in a back alley, which added to the excitement. The hosts were very friendly and served each dish with a good pace. Every dish was fantastic, and we had a great evening. Thank you very much!

Today we visited a friend's favorite restaurant "Momoteru". The interior has an L-shaped counter and is usually quite lively, but today there were only two groups including us. The staff, three friendly women, were all very approachable, especially the owner who was a fun and kind person. If you ask for something not on the menu, they will quickly and skillfully prepare it for you. Every dish was delicious and we felt like coming back again. Thank you for the delicious meal.

On the first day in Kyoto, we had dinner at this hidden gem of a restaurant that my friend had made a reservation for. The entrance had a low beam, and I hit my head pretty hard when entering, so please be careful. We tried various dishes, but I didn't take many photos because the conversation was so enjoyable. The marinated squid daikon appetizer was flavorful without being too strong, showcasing the skill of the chef. We also tried a unique dish of toasted cod milt, which was surprisingly well-matched and showed both originality and culinary expertise. The staff, all women, were lively and friendly, but the small size of the restaurant and the nearby residences meant that loud conversations were discouraged. We were recommended a great restaurant in Kyoto.

I had been curious about this restaurant for a while. It seemed like a place where I could enjoy a solo drink, and the food to go with alcohol was appealing. I was a bit worried about making a same-day reservation, but I was told that it would be fine if I arrived after the first seating at 8 pm. When I got there, I was pleasantly surprised to see many other solo drinkers (and heavy drinkers!) who were all having a great time chatting with each other. The menu was not just Japanese cuisine, but also included Western dishes that paired well with alcohol. And it was all handwritten. I decided to start with a Heartland beer and then move on to sake. I also tried dishes like eggplant, octopus, and conger eel hot pot. They even made a porridge with the leftover soup from the hot pot. If I'm in the mood for wine next time, I'll go for the Western dishes. This place has become another enjoyable spot for solo drinking in Kyoto.

A cozy landlady and a fun, delicious meal. It's like a high-class version of home cooking, reasonably priced, with a good selection of Japanese sake. However, they might turn away customers quite often. A truly hidden gem that embodies the essence of Kyoto.

Mom's cooking! So delicious!

I have been to this restaurant many times but have never left a review. I ordered the Blue Cheese Potato Salad for 550 yen and the Anchovy Grilled Cabbage for 520 yen. The flavors are reliable and comforting. The food goes well with alcohol. I believe they only accept groups of four or more. The location of the restaurant is hard to find, making it a hidden gem. It's a place I don't want to tell too many people about.

After working with colleagues in Kyoto, we made a reservation to come here. The restaurant is located on a side street south of Shijo Street, but it was a bit hard to find. We walked from Karasuma towards Kawaramachi but ended up passing it. The restaurant is tucked away in a narrow side street. Inside, there is a small L-shaped counter with about 10 seats, and the space between chairs is just right. The landlady and the serving staff were attentive as we placed our orders. I was amazed by the ikura-topped potato salad - I didn't know you could eat it like that! We enjoyed our drinks and dishes like the anchovy and cabbage fry, which had a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, and the simmered hamburger with delicious sauce. The warm landlady and kind servers created a cozy atmosphere, and I felt like I wanted to come back to this homely restaurant again.

I had been curious about this restaurant for a long time, but initially couldn't find the location and had to retreat, and then couldn't get a reservation and had to retreat again... Finally, I was able to visit this time. I finally made it through the entrance, but like a beginner, I hit my head firmly as I entered. Inside, there was a small L-shaped counter with limited seating. The drink menu was printed, but the food menu was handwritten in a notebook! The menu was neatly written in meticulous handwriting, making it difficult to choose... First, a small portion of meat and tofu was served as an appetizer, and I was blown away by the taste. It was a delicious meat and tofu dish with high-quality Kyoto tofu and tender meat cuts. There weren't many types of sake, mainly dry selections. Luckily, there was a limited edition sweet and cloudy one-liter bottle available that day, so I chose that. Then, the landlady suggested a dish... How about the steak with cabbage and anchovy sauce? It takes time to prepare, so we cooked it together with the person next to me. The finished dish had tender cabbage that was soft all the way through and paired perfectly with the sauce. Every dish that came out was unique and delicious, making it a pleasant dilemma to choose a drink. The seasonal oyster hot pot was also delicious... everything was so tasty! For dessert, we had stir-fried wheat gluten and white leeks, attracting the attention of other customers at the counter. The landlady's attention to detail was impressive, and what surprised me the most was that she seemed to hear every word of our conversation, occasionally interjecting with a joke (laughs). I look forward to the next time I can visit.

Location: Enter the alley off Ayakoji Street. If you don't know, you'll probably just walk past it. In fact, despite being right in the middle of Shijo Karasuma, I had never heard of it until now... Just like Mr. F from Myレビ, I learned about it from the Japanese cuisine 100 selection in Amakara Techou. Now, this restaurant opened in 2003, run by a female owner. The interior has around 10 seats, all at a small L-shaped counter. Despite the small space, there is no sense of being cramped, with a comfortable distance between customers. On this day, it was full of what seemed to be regular customers, giving off an air of being a hidden gem. The menu ranges from dishes that can be prepared quickly to ones that are cooked slowly after ordering. The homemade dishes have a touch of unexpected creativity, all meeting the condition of being perfect for drinking. I tried dishes like "Simmered Conger Eel" and "Salmon Roe Potato Salad" that day. Among them, the "Anchovy Grilled Cabbage" was particularly impressive. You can directly feel the texture and flavor changes of the layered cabbage... Simple yet delicious. The seasoning of both sake and wine was set up for enjoyable pairings. The bottled wines are reasonably priced, allowing for a pleasant evening enjoying appetizers and wine with a good friend. Additionally, there were about 3-4 types of sake (cold sake) available that day, which is another point that sake lovers like me would appreciate.

Momoteru-san. I've been visiting this place occasionally for the past 3 years. It's always lively with regular customers. But even first-time visitors find this place welcoming, maybe thanks to Momoteru-san's personality. When I first came alone, I naturally connected with other customers and had a great time. The food is really delicious... I can't help but eat three kinds of potato salad even when I'm alone. Each dish conveys a sense of love, making it a wonderful restaurant.

Uramu Ayakoji Street, heading east, past izakayas like "Shin" and "Rakuan," and not quite to Sakaimachi Street, there is a little shop called "Momoteru." This place serves sake, shochu, wine, and small dishes. The entrance is narrow, so watch your head - I bumped mine! The shop is run by a woman named Momo. It has a cozy, counter-only atmosphere. Momo honed her cooking skills through self-study and eating out during her time as an office worker, finally opening her own shop. At first, she ran it with someone named Teru, hence the name "Momoteru." Inside, you'll find a notebook-like menu that changes daily. Today, I tried the "Grilled Pork with Green Onions," which paired well with beer. The name "Green Onion-Covered" is catchy. Next was the "Ratatouille and Soft-Boiled Egg Salad," where the egg steals the show. It was delicious. Momo shares recipes on her blog. I also had the "Gold Needle Grass Ohitashi," a type of Kaga vegetable similar to spinach. Did I get enough polyphenols with my red wine today? The "Asparagus Stir-Fried with Salted Kombu" was surprisingly tasty, with buttery flavors. Then, it shifted to a more Western-style with the "Hamburger Steak." It had a homey taste and went well with lettuce. It's nice to enjoy hamburgers and steaks at a drinking spot like this. I like to eat while drinking, so it's appreciated. Finally, I had the "Chicken Curry" to finish. A half-size portion of rice was just right. The miniature curry was cute, especially with the large egg. Momo is accommodating to customers' requests. The shop has a cozy, hidden location, but it's very welcoming and fun. Momo herself is cheerful and enjoyable, so even drinking alone at the counter doesn't feel lonely. It's a gem near Shijo-Karasuma. Just right for me.

Visited around 8:00 PM on January 8, 2015. This restaurant was also featured in the "Amakara Techou Washoku Kyoto 100 Selection" released in October 2014. Encouraged by the mention of "One person welcome" in the Amakara Techou, I decided to visit. Location: The nearest station is either Shijo or Karasuma. It is recommended to take the route via Shijo Street for clarity. Head south along Sakaimachi Street from the southwest corner of the intersection of Shijo Street and Sakaimachi Street. Head west from the northwest corner of the first intersection (Ayakoji intersection). It is located in a narrow alley that you might miss if you are not paying attention, not along Ayakoji Street. The difficulty of finding the restaurant is quite high. Restaurant situation: The restaurant has a counter with around 10 seats surrounding the cooking space in an L-shape. The owner and one woman handle everything. The main cooking is done by the owner, while the other person takes care of serving drinks, food, and payment. There were 3 customers before and after me. The male-to-female ratio, excluding me, was about half and half. Perhaps because it is a restaurant run by a woman, there is a higher percentage of women as customers. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, with many familiar faces. The threshold is not high at all. Due to the layout of the restaurant, I think it is best suited for visits by 1 or 2 people. Menu and usage image: The menu is divided into speed menu items like potato salad and dishes that are cooked after ordering, which take some time. Since all the cooking is done by the owner alone, dishes that are cooked after ordering take some time to be served. It is best to order a speed menu item first and wait for the finished dish while drinking. (For example, the potato salad comes in three varieties: shiso leaf for 450 yen, blue cheese for 500 yen, and salmon roe for 550 yen.) The portion size for each dish is not very large, so the prices are mostly in the 3-digit range. Ordering 2-3 dishes and having about 2 drinks is the optimal usage, costing around 3,000 yen. Since there are not many standard sake options, it is best to choose based on the recommended sake of the day. Items received: Price includes tax. - Potato salad (blue cheese) for 500 yen. - Roast beef for 800 yen. - Miso-grilled golden eye snapper for 700 yen. - Cabbage with anchovy for 500 yen. This dish left the most impression. A quarter cabbage is steamed and then finished with anchovy and soy sauce. The anchovy is more like a sauce than an ingredient. Eating this sauce with the cabbage, along with a slightly strong salty taste, makes for a wonderful drink accompaniment. - Tamagokake Gohan (rice with raw egg). I had a draft beer for 600 yen and a slightly cloudy sake. The bill was around 4,200 yen. Overall review: It's a great place for a small group of drinking companions. The menu features vegetable dishes with a homemade feel, allowing you to enjoy wonderful appetizers. The must-try dishes are the potato salad and cabbage with anchovy.

The shop is located along a narrow alley on Ayakoji Street, one block south of Shijo Street (next to a cafe called Buriran). You may have to search carefully to find it. I sometimes pass by when chatting with friends (laughs). But that hidden gem feeling of being known only to a few people makes it even more exciting. The dishes are a showcase of Momo's creativity, and I find myself mesmerized watching her work behind the counter. The flavors are designed to pair well with alcohol, with a slightly salty taste in each dish. I believe they are prepared to complement the sake. Personally, I love the combination of crumbling blue cheese in the potato salad with sake. It seems more like a place to enjoy delicious snacks and drinks rather than a spot for a hearty meal. The dishes are served in adorable small plates, which I think women would appreciate. "Momoteru" is a place for solo or small group sake drinkers, rather than large parties.

The restaurant offers a variety of appetizers such as ikura potato salad, simmered conger eel, and miso-marinated cheese. There are four types of delicious sake available. The atmosphere of the restaurant is filled with regular customers, mostly women. It was my second visit, and I noticed that a few years ago, the atmosphere was more official and refreshing during the opening period. The attitude of the female owner seemed to differ between regular customers and new customers, which made me feel a bit uncomfortable. This restaurant may be more suitable for those who prefer a more personal dining experience.

A hidden gem that I've been wanting to visit for a long time. It's a small restaurant with only about 10 seats at the counter, but the owner Momo-chan's character and the food and drinks are always top-notch, making me feel happy every time I leave. They offer a variety of shochu, white wine, and beer, and while the selection isn't huge, the daily recommended dishes are always delicious. I wish there were more cozy hidden gems like this one.