Kyoto, Japan｜Shizu

An unexpectedly wonderful experience. We originally wanted to find an izakaya to have some snacks, and we randomly chose this one. The boss is an elegant old lady and the waiter is a lovely girl. They don't speak much English and there is no English menu. However, they offer set meals, so I gave them a budget of 3,000 yen per person, and then handed myself over to the boss. I didn't expect that the dishes not only have local Japanese characteristics, but also incorporate some Western cuisine and innovate. One dish, for example, is clearly a spin on prosciutto — but instead of fresh figs — seasoned with onions. Other dishes are not listed here. But in short, no matter the environment, atmosphere or dishes, they all gave us surprises. Definitely worth the money. Another amazing thing is that this store is called Shizu. Based on the Chinese pronunciation, I wondered whether it meant "persimmon" before I entered. When I went in, I saw that there were indeed persimmons on the counter. Then the dessert after the meal is also persimmon. But when we talked, I was surprised to find that persimmons are not called shizu in Japanese, but "kaki", and shizu is the name of the boss's mother. I really haven’t found any connection between the pronunciation of Japanese “persimmon” (かき) and Chinese “persimmon” (shizi). If there is no connection per se, it would be really amazing.

We are a couple from Germany and we just had the greatest time ever at this place. It was so cozy - you felt like sitting in the living room of the owner. The staff was fantastic, the food was 'Oishii' and the sake was tasty. Special on top was a surprise gift. 10/10 would go there again:)

We serendipitously stumbled upon this amazing little restaurant with one kind, friendly and talented woman who's the chef and hostess all in one. She prepared numerous Japanese delicacies, from small battered local fish with a rich and wonderful dipping sauce to squid sashimi to eggplant in miso sauce to lightly pickled squash - and much more. Every dish a delight. I only eat fish and vegetables, which is also what she prepares, so it was a perfect match. We highly, highly recommend this local spot. We hope to come back again soon.