"TAKA at Willow Alley": A culinary adventure in the quaint lanes of Gion Shijo, a must-try Kyoto delicacy!
“TAKA at Willow Alley” is a revered stand-and-drink izakaya hidden in the alleys of Gion Shijo, serving as a secret culinary base in the ancient city of Kyoto.
Stepping inside is like entering a fascinating world of Japanese-Italian fusion that makes you exclaim, “This is unbelievably delicious!” The internationally experienced Chef TAKA, formerly a head chef at Milan’s renowned “NOBU,” guarantees top-notch cuisine.
Start with the signature “Mentaiko Shiso Tempura”: the crispy exterior wraps the savory mentaiko, bursting with shiso aroma with each bite, irresistibly prompting you to order more.
The menu at TAKA on Willow Alley is diverse, ranging from fresh sashimi to creative dishes, all showcasing meticulous care for ingredients.
The ‘Mentaiko Shiso Tempura’ perfectly combines the fresh taste of mentaiko with the aroma of shiso, featuring a crispy exterior and juicy filling that tempts the appetite.
Locals also highly recommend the ‘Italian Sausage’ and ‘Chicken Skin Skewers.’ The rich flavors of the sausage, enhanced by Italian herbs, are unforgettable. The golden, crispy chicken skin seems to flirt with your taste buds, making you want to order more immediately!
The ‘Seven Varieties Sake Tasting’ inside is a sake lover’s dream, offering seven types of ‘Kin Kame’ sake with rice polishing ratios from 40% to 100%. Tasting the different sakes is like an aromatic adventure. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in this little Japanese tavern, sipping and listening to the owner’s tales?
For the main dish, the finale ‘Omelette Rice’ is uniquely delightful! With chicken skewer sauce, white rice, raw egg yolk, and crispy fried burdock strips, this combination is a gentle storm of flavors that makes it hard to take the last bite.
“TAKA on Willow Alley” operates daily from 13:00 to 22:30 (last order at 21:30) and is closed on Tuesdays. Since the restaurant does not take reservations, it is recommended to arrive early to ensure seating. The venue offers both bar and second-floor table seating, suitable for both solo diners and groups.
So, if you’re up for a culinary adventure in Gion Shijo, Kyoto, make sure to head to “TAKA on Willow Alley”! Remember, no reservations are accepted, so arrive early to secure your spot and avoid missing out on this top Kyoto dining recommendation!
Yanakouji TAKA Restaurant Information
- Budget: Dinner around ¥4,000–4,999
- Type: Standing Bar, Bar
- Phone: +81-75-708-5791
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Business Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday, 1:00 PM–10:30 PM (Last order at 9:30 PM); Closed on Tuesdays
- Address: 577 Nakano-cho, Yanakouji Hachibei Nagaya, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line’s “Kawaramachi” Station; about a 7-minute walk from Keihan Line’s “Gion Shijo” Station
- Child-Friendly: No information provided
- Payment Options: Accepts VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX; Electronic payments not accepted
- Smoking Policy: No smoking allowed in all areas
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