Masoho Hanare

One of the distinct pleasures at Masoho Hanare is grilling fish and skewers right at your table over a charcoal-filled shichirin brazier brought directly to your seat. From aromatic dried atka mackerel and shore-grilled scallops to vegetable and chicken skewers, diners can monitor the heat and enjoy each piece fresh off the grill. Another popular choice to pair with drinks is snow crab tomalley simmered in its shell over the wire mesh, brought to a bubble with a splash of sake.

Alongside the grilled dishes, the izakaya's signature shellfish bath is a highlight. Clams, oysters, and scallops are gathered generously in a pot, steeping into a broth packed with natural seafood flavor. Assortments of fresh sashimi can also be tailored to the size of your party, making for a reliable opening plate for an initial toast.

Beyond seafood staples, the menu features an assortment of small plates well-suited as palate cleansers or bar snacks, such as potato salad dressed with eel tare sauce and shiso, freshly skimmed yuba, and deep-fried wheat gluten. For a satisfying finish, iron pot-steamed rice comes topped with fluffy sea bream or yuba, served alongside pickles and warm miso soup to round out the meal gently.

Located on the 2th floor of a building in Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, near Kyoto Station, the interior features counter seating as well as sunken kotatsu tables that can be partitioned for semi-private dining. Opening in the evening from 17:30, tables tend to fill up quickly at night, making advance reservations advisable once your dates are set.