I really enjoyed the paella, it was very delicious.

I was wandering around Pontocho and couldn't decide where to go when I suddenly saw a Tintin manga on display! I thought I had to go in. The owner was running the place alone and the food took a while, but it was a lovely restaurant. The seasoning was a bit salty, but I enjoyed hearing about Tintin's adventures. If it was closer, I would definitely go back there.

Kyoto, between Kiyamachi Street and the Kamogawa River, is the flower district known as Pontocho. Among the traditional Kyoto-style shops that attract many tourists, there is a casual Spanish restaurant that stands out. It was New Year's Eve, December 31, 2011. It was the last night of my 3-night, 4-day trip to Kyoto, so I decided to stroll through Nishiki Market and head into Pontocho from Shijo Street. I hadn't made a reservation for this night, so I was looking for a nice place to eat. I was indecisive because there were many appealing restaurants, but eventually, I spotted this restaurant with game meat dishes like rabbit and pigeon on the blackboard menu outside and decided to go in. The atmosphere inside was relaxed, with the chef cooking in the kitchen and a laid-back male server. I was quite hungry after walking around Fushimi Inari earlier that day, so I devoured the bread and cheese appetizers before my skewers (mushrooms, rabbit, lamb) arrived. The chef even improvised a dish when he realized what I ordered wasn't ready yet. The food and wine were reasonably priced, and I ended up eating and drinking quite a lot without breaking the bank. The homely and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant was really nice. As I left, the chef said, "Please come again," so if I ever visit Kyoto again, I will definitely return to this place. Of course, next time I'll make sure to plan ahead and aim for this restaurant.

I wandered around Miyagawacho Sanjo and decided to come here because I wanted to drink wine. I had been here once before, but I was drunk and didn't remember it well. However, I thought the atmosphere, taste, and cost performance were good, so I decided to visit again. The shop was the same, and the unique atmosphere was guided by the owner who explained various menu options. I initially tried to order a carafe of wine, but was recommended a full bottle that was delicious and cheap, so I changed my order. The aioli came with plenty of baguette, which I enjoyed by spreading it on the bread. The lamb skewers were also delicious without any unpleasant smell. I was able to enjoy the wine slowly in a calm atmosphere. I think this is a good place to go for wine in Pontocho.

I found this restaurant about 10 years ago, and since then, I have been using it mainly for post-dinner drinks and as a dinner date spot. The dishes are always reasonably priced and satisfying. The paella, although meant for two, is filling enough for one person. The mussels here are large and delicious, changing the traditional perception of mussels being small in comparison to their shells. This time, they also had rabbit and pheasant, among other game meats. However, maybe they are trying too many things at once? Due to the limited staff, there can be delays between dishes. As a long-time patron, I feel that focusing on Spanish cuisine's main ingredients, like in the past century, would lead to faster turnover and be better for the restaurant. Nevertheless, adding a little extra to your meal here, as if slurping ramen, is gentle on the wallet and makes this restaurant a valuable find in Pontocho.

Ash du Pont is a great restaurant with delicious food, a cozy atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Everyone I've introduced to this place has said, "It's a good restaurant." The food is really tasty, so it's easy to overeat and overdrink. However, since the owner runs the place alone, it can take a bit of time for the food to come out (which is more of a European standard). So, it's not recommended for when you're starving and need to eat right away. It's better suited for when you want to enjoy high-quality food at a leisurely pace. The paella and pizza are excellent, but they do take some time to prepare, so it's a good idea to order them first. They also have freshly squeezed juices for those who don't drink alcohol, so everyone can enjoy their visit.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of wines and serves delicious, authentic dishes. The atmosphere inside is nice and it's recommended for friends or couples. It might be a bit expensive to drink and eat at night. I think wines start at around 4000 yen per full bottle.