Kyoto, Japan｜Isakichi

Hidden in one of the alleys in Gion is this unassuming small restaurant that seats about 16. We arrived at 6 and were the only ones there for a good hour before the locals started coming in. Though English was limited, the waitress made every effort to try and communicate with us and a few very basic Japanese words on our part with the chef went a long way. Come prepared with photos of what you want to eat, we found that to work perfectly. Google images can’t translate the menus. Specialty is nabe/hotpot of which there are about 8 to choose from. Tofu skin cooked in a hotpot of soya milk that is later thickened to make silky tofu was one we enjoyed a lot. A close second was freshly sliced snapper in a herbal broth. Their grilled chicken skewers were also tasty but the wings were the star. Lightly marinated with salt and pepper, grilled perfectly. If “authentic local” is what you’re looking for, come for the yuba nabe and stay for the ambiance.

Ok, So it's hard to find, no prices on the menu, no english from the chef and waitress , (although they tried very hard and showed great patience). no english menu and our japanese was pathetic and we rolled with it using google translate and sign language, and the food was fantastic, and it was not expensive. ( for 3) . I've had more complicated food, and menu's with more range, but this was the best tastes we had with such simple fare. I highly recommend the food.

I just passed through this shop and decided to entry with a doubt. But over my expectation, the food was so so good. We finished everything which we ordered. Even Japanese sake, sashimi, or typical Kyoto food. Must try! No disappointment!