Good morning! This is a traditional Southern Italian cuisine! The appetizer is a generous portion of succulent salsiccia, bursting with juices. Skillfully using anchovies, they have created a dish that truly embodies the flavors of the South. I found it to be incredibly delicious.

Continuing the Kyoto memo. I'm currently obsessed with pasta, so I visited a famous pasta restaurant. The tomato orecchiette had a hint of saltiness even though no salt was used in the sauce, along with a nice acidity, bringing out the full flavor of the tomatoes. I wanted to try more pasta dishes, but I had to restrain myself. Despite being a foodie, I have a small appetite, which is really frustrating. The cold clam dish was made with fresh olive oil, lemon, and oregano in a simple combination. But the taste was unforgettable. It's something I could never replicate at home! While I usually tend to order meat as the main dish when dining out, on this day I chose the recommended sea bream. The sauce, made with lemon, butter, and various spices, infused with seafood broth, was delightful. I wanted to go for another round with pasta dipped in this sauce. If only they had a system for extra servings... Feeling the atmosphere of an Italian seaside town I've never visited, it was an exciting night at Osteria CONACINETTA. Located a 14-minute walk from Jingu Marutamachi. #Kyoto #KyotoGourmet #Conachinetta #OsteriaConachinetta #NaturalWine #ConnectWithPeopleWhoLikeNaturalWine #PlacesWhereYouCanDrinkNaturalWine #NaturalWineBar #Gourmet #KyotoDinner #KyotoSightseeing #KyotoStation #KyotoNaturalWine #KyotoStroll #WineBar #Wine #WineInstagram #KyotoDinnerDate #KyotoSoloDining

Located a little east of Kyoto University Hospital in a quiet residential area, this Italian restaurant offers an exciting lunch experience. The course menu includes 4 appetizers, a choice of pasta and main course (each with about 6 options to choose from), dessert, and espresso. The appetizers are simple and vegetable-focused, while the pasta and main course dishes are professionally prepared with flavors that you can't replicate at home. Every dish was delicious. The staff is friendly and provides just the right amount of service. I would love to try other items on the menu, so I will definitely be back.

I was able to make a same-day reservation at a nearby restaurant. They mainly offer course meals during lunchtime. The octopus and celery in olive oil and the fried cauliflower were incredibly delicious. They also have a variety of pasta options, not just spaghetti, which reminded me of authentic Italian restaurants. The ambiance of the restaurant is also very nice. It's a great place to go with friends or a date.

I visited the lovely Osteria Koyama Kaundo near Kumano Shrine and Heian Jingu Shrine, which was introduced in a podcast. From Marutamachi Station, take a bus to Kumano Shrine and walk towards Heian Jingu Shrine, then turn left at the elementary school. Continue straight on the pedestrian street between the school building and the playground, and you will find the charming restaurant on your left. The interior of the restaurant is also cute and well put together. The appetizers included 4 types: cold shellfish with garlic, oregano, and olive oil; sautéed broccoli; spinach and raisin; roasted sweet potato with smoked cheese on top; tomato orecchiette. The main course was horse meat harami and potato fritters.

The interior of the restaurant is cute. The lunch menu is originally around 2700 yen, but most items end up costing around 3000-4000 yen with additional charges. The appetizers are not ordinary, and there is a variety of pasta options with attention to detail, which is good. However, the pasta I had was overly salty and heavy. The service is good, but it was a bit concerning that the staff were not wearing masks and speaking normally during this pandemic.

Appetizer: 4 kinds of pasta Baked mussel in the oven was delicious. The pasta had a chewy texture. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was lovely.

I visited the restaurant for lunch during a break from work. The lunch set costs 2500 yen and includes three appetizers (chickpea paste, squid in olive oil, homemade ham and mozzarella cheese, cauliflower frittata with anchovy fry), a choice of pasta, meat, or fish for the main course. I chose the tomato orecchiette. For dessert, I had blancmange and a drink. Everything was delicious, especially the rich mozzarella cheese and ham combination in the appetizers. The frittata was hot and fluffy, and the pasta was thick and chewy with a simple yet delicious tomato sauce topped with plenty of cheese. I was surprised by how tasty the simple tomato sauce was, as I usually don't like it. The blancmange dessert was creamy and rich yet light, perfect with an espresso after the meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant was lovely, and I'm already thinking about when I can go back next. Additionally, when I mentioned that I was in a hurry, they made an effort to serve me quickly. Thank you for the meal.

This is a beloved restaurant that I've been to countless times. It has a strong Italian vibe, making you feel like you're in Italy. The menu mainly features dishes from the Puglia region, with many unfamiliar items which makes it fun. The appetizers include Capocollo and Burrata, along with other dishes you may not be familiar with. The owner, who is like a mother figure, prepares these dishes which adds a sense of joy and comfort. The pasta dishes, such as the one with mussels or the one with turnip tops, are particularly delicious. The braised pork shoulder is a standout dish that I always end up ordering. Their specialty, Bonbette, which is cheese wrapped in meat, is also tasty, but I personally think the pork shoulder is the best. Italian desserts may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially custard which has a unique taste, but this restaurant serves it the authentic Italian way. I love the custard, so I always end up ordering it, whether it's in the form of Pasticiotto or Baba. The Baba is soaked in rum and also comes with custard.

Two appetizers for 1800 yen each, pasta, and a bottle of Aglianico wine.

Be prepared to spend around 4,000 to 5,000 yen for a delicious lunch.

I was invited by a friend to visit this place. This area, downtown, is where I used to go during my student days, but now there are more clean and tidy shops. The interior is nicely decorated, but with a deliberately simple feel. The house wine is served in regular glasses without stems. Lunch is a set menu for 2500 yen, with options to upgrade for an additional fee. The chef, who offers a variety of fresh pasta dishes, is around his 40s and has an unpretentious demeanor. Nowadays, many chefs are very particular about their hairstyles and appearance. I have created a website for this restaurant, so please take a look if you are interested. http://www.geocities.jp/l_orso80//Conac/OST_index.htm

I visited this restaurant after being invited by an acquaintance. The downtown area where this restaurant is located is where I used to go during my student days, and it seems like there are more clean and tidy shops now. The interior of the restaurant has nice decorations, but it gives off a deliberately simple vibe. The house wine is served in regular glasses without stems. The lunch set starts at 2500 yen, with additional charges for upgrades. The chef, who offers a variety of fresh pasta dishes, seems to be in his 40s and has a modest demeanor. Nowadays, many chefs are very particular about their appearance, but he is not. If you are interested, please check out their website: http://www.geocities.jp/l_orso80//Conac/OST_index.htm

At the end of the year on the crowded 29th, I met up with my childhood friend's cousin at this restaurant. It's quite a walk from Jingumae Marutamachi Station, isn't it? I should have taken a taxi. Turning from Marutamachi Street at Kinrin Elementary School and walking along the night road, the restaurant was quietly lit up. We toasted to our reunion with sparkling wine. I was told by my cousin that the restaurant prefers not to take photos, so I obediently put my phone in my pocket. Therefore, I apologize for any inaccuracies or mistakes in my vague memory. Dinner was à la carte without a set course. First, we enjoyed the chef's special appetizer. Various recommended dishes of the day were served on small plates. The owner and chef trained in the Puglia region of Italy and is said to be recreating the local traditions in this restaurant as well. Before that, let's try a red wine. I chose the Mascharelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013. It has a deep ruby color with a solid structure between full-bodied and medium-bodied, and a lovely scent reminiscent of violet flowers. For the appetizer, we had a variety of olives. Then, a salad of red cabbage, cauliflower, and purple-black rice. A mousse of Jerusalem artichoke with ricotta sauce. Mushroom and baby corn fritters with corn flour tortilla. A combination of pear and prosciutto. And flounder carpaccio. Amazing array of appetizers, isn't it? I couldn't resist. The pasta was orecchiette in a cream sauce. The chewy texture is irresistible. And the main course was braised gelatinous boar with turnips and chrysanthemum greens. The boar's fatty meat was simmered until it became tender and gelatinous, with a deep, infused flavor. We had a slightly sweet grappa for dessert. The coffee was made using Alessi's espresso maker, brought to our table by the maker, a delightful service. We ordered 4 cups.

I have visited this place several times, and every time I am pleasantly surprised. It may be a bit difficult to find as it is not in a convenient location, but it is the kind of place where you would want to stop by casually during a walk. The food is delicious, and each dish is carefully prepared. The pasta is handmade in the shop, and I remember there were over 10 different types. They are not the usual types of pasta you see in Japan. While you can take photos of the food, they ask that you refrain from posting them on review sites. It's a shame because the dishes are beautiful and tasty, but you can view some of them on the shop's Facebook page or Instagram. The only downside is that during winter, the lower part of your body starts to feel cold after about 30 minutes inside (I don't have poor circulation). It would be nice if they could provide blankets or turn up the heating a bit. Also, since the kitchen is run by only one person, the service can be slow. So, I recommend going when you have plenty of time. It's a place to relax and enjoy delicious food at a leisurely pace. It's definitely worth a visit.

This is an Italian restaurant that opened on Yoshida Higashi Street in April this year. It used to be a bistro called Usagi. The impression of the previous restaurant has completely changed, with large windows, white walls, and a natural interior giving a bright impression. All seating is at tables. The table in the center where cutlery and bread are placed is impressive. Lunch is only available as a 2,500 yen prix-fixe menu, with a chef's choice of small appetizers and a choice of 12 different pasta dishes or mains. There are various types of pasta, but they show you samples, making it easy to choose. It also comes with a dessert and a drink. I wanted to post photos, but it said not to on the menu, so I reluctantly gave up... I had the homemade ginger syrup spumante (sparkling wine mix), which looked delicious. The spicy ginger flavor was delicious! Starting with the appetizers... first, zucchini marinated. Next, barley salad. Marinated red onions and pork shoulder ham. And chickpea and vegetable bread porridge. As a service, ricotta cheese with fava beans. Each dish came one by one in order, so it was fun. Despite being called "small dishes," each dish had a decent amount... and of course, the flavors were gentle yet solid. The red onions were especially delicious. Sweet and creamy. It looked beautiful, so it's a shame I can't show you a picture! The bread is served by cutting a large homemade bread. The chewy dough is nice. They also serve a few crispy snacks. The main dish is veal oxtail, flavored with rosemary something (sorry) which is an additional 700 yen. Thick slices of tender meat on the plate. The subtly seasoned, tender meat has a rich flavor, enhanced by the aroma of rosemary. This is delicious! For dessert, blancmange, kiwi gelato, and grapefruit sauce. I don't usually like sweet things, but the sweet and sour gelato and sauce made it refreshing. I had an espresso for a post-meal drink... and even got a refill! You can go there without feeling too formal, and the taste and portion of the food are good. I thought it was a restaurant with a refreshing atmosphere, perfect for summer. Thank you for the meal!!

I didn't ask for the reason, but I had my doubts (lol). There are many menu options. They will kindly explain things you don't understand (seems to enjoy teaching). Personally, I am against 100% local style in Japan, but I don't know if it's local style or not. A shop that is not afraid to do what they want is wonderful in my opinion. There are some dishes that are so-so, but there are also delicious ones. When dining alone, they can adjust the portion size for you.