Japanese

Izakaya (First Izakaya)

Japanese · Izakaya · Kyoto · Giappone

CasualLivelyLocal SpotIntimateCounter Seating
4.5Google (676)
1creator review

The story

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Nakagyo Ward, this small, casual izakaya delivers exactly what the name promises: a first-rate introduction to Kyoto’s after-dark dining. “Cosa mangiamo oggi?” describes it as “a fantastic izakaya… with great vibes,” where the kitchen offers a random omakase of seasonal little dishes. The setting is intimate and counter‑seated, perfect for watching the chefs work through ever‑changing ingredients.

The experience is a steady parade of small plates. Highlights from the reviewer’s visit include bamboo shoots with crab meat and sansho pepper, silky sashimi of mantis shrimp and red snapper, and tender chicken thighs. A standout was the sushi rice with tuna, while the assorted small dishes—fish roe, baby sardines, pickles, Japanese beef, and a meatball—showcased the izakaya’s knack for variety. At about eighty euros per person, it’s a resounding recommendation for anyone seeking a lively, local omakase.

Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2026.

Most-loved dishes

AI summary of what 9 dish mentions say about the food

The creamy, briny shirako is the undisputed star, earning rapturous praise for its delicate texture. The overall vibe is one of cozy, unpretentious excellence, where simple ingredients are treated with masterful respect.

Shirako — I think we're nearing the end.
Cosa mangiamo oggi?👍

What creators say

1 creator has covered Izakaya (First Izakaya). Most active: Cosa mangiamo oggi?

  • Cosa mangiamo oggi?
    Cosa mangiamo oggi?

    RAMEN pazzeschi a KYOTO + IZAKAYA serale · @ 13:26

    Loved

    A fantastic izakaya in Kyoto with great vibes, small and casual, serving a random omakase menu of seasonal little dishes — we spent about eighty euros each and strongly recommend the experience.

    Dishes mentioned

    • Bamboo Shoots with Crab Meat and Sansho Pepper

      We started with bamboo shoots and crab meat, with the legendary sansho pepper. I can taste yuzu in the crab meat — it seems flavored with something. Bamboo shoots really do keep showing up.

    • Sushi Rice with Tuna

      This time we got sushi rice with tuna, mixed with something slightly tangy and crunchy. Good. Really good.

    • Sashimi (Mantis Shrimp, Red Snapper, Sardine)

      They brought us some sashimi, including a cooked mantis shrimp, red snapper, and sardine. So good, guys.

    • Chicken Thighs

      Look at these beautiful chicken thighs — they already look crispy. They're lava-hot! Angelika, careful? They're delicious, but wait a little longer than I did because I burned my upper lip. Still delicious.

    • Eggplant and Snapper

      We've got eggplant and snapper — looks fantastic. It still has the scales, but they'll be crispy. I think they crisped them up for you, so now you get to eat them.

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