A quiet alley north of Danguri Street. Located in the back alley behind a laundromat, it is a hidden gem that arouses curiosity to enter. The owner, Mr. Mihara, who trained in Tokyo with the idea of running an izakaya, serves a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes that are typical of a bar.

The unusual roof structure overlooks the atrium of this 90+ year old Kyoto townhouse. Sisters Ai and Sayaka Inoue will entertain you with their regular menu and a la carte dishes using seasonal ingredients. Ai selects the sake that goes well with the dishes, so ask her for a recommendation.

Mr. and Mrs. Wakisaka, former owners of a popular izakaya (Japanese-style bar) in the Kyoto Station area, have opened a bar that can be enjoyed from 2:00 p.m. They serve heartwarming home-style dishes while encouraging conversation over the counter. The menu includes dishes such as keiko tail stew, which is a recreation of their mother's specialty, homemade nukazuke (pickles), fried tulips, and other dishes that are sure to be a hit with the sake connoisseur.

Ponshuya Santoku Rokumi, which has its main branch in Fukushima, Osaka, opened its second branch in Kyoto following Shijo-Karasuma. In response to customers who said, "I want to go there after a stroll in Kyoto if there are chairs available," 13 chairs are available. The addition of winter ingredients, a wide selection of sake, and the option of relaxing in a chair or enjoying a drink standing up makes this the perfect bar space.

After more than 20 years since taking over [Tomari Honpo] in Higashinotoin Sanjo, the restaurant will be relocated to a machiya (townhouse) in the fall of 2020 from a space that has been lovingly cherished for more than 20 years. The owner, Mr. Fujii, smiles, "I and my regulars are getting older, and it's getting better and better to have a place where we can relax and have a drink. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Western-style dishes using fresh fish purchased at Yamasada Shoten in Shichijo, such as marinated sea bream marinated in kombujime (kelp jelly) and fried cod with tartar.

A Kyoto machiya nestled in a back alley in the city. Once you step inside, you will be greeted by a stylish space. The restaurant serves yakitori made with ingredients from Shiga Prefecture, the owner's hometown, such as Omi Gundori and Omi Kurodori chicken, as well as handmade cassata and exquisite sweets that are perfect for sipping on.

A house tucked away in a quiet residential area off an alley off Higashinotoin Dori. ［The owner-chefs, Mr. Hataya and Mr. Nakase, who met during their training at Il Ghiottone, aim to create a space between an Italian restaurant and an izakaya (Japanese-style pub). In a relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy the high quality food prepared by their reliable chefs to your heart's content.

This a la carte restaurant is where two friendly couples serve customers as if they were entertaining friends. They want wine lovers and sake lovers to be able to come together and enjoy dishes that are perfect for both," they say, adding that they offer a wide variety of dishes that go perfectly with alcohol, such as funazushi potato salad, tandoori style lamb, and skyroot peperon.

Mr. Tanabe, who has studied at a famous restaurant in Higashiyama, serves teppan food including yakisoba noodles with an appetizing aroma of sauce. Enjoy the menu of entrées such as tonpei, grilled kama-age shirasu with negi (green onion), and ahi jogyo that never gets cold, all served at the counter, which is a perfect hiding place for customers.

A popular bar that has also opened a branch in Pontocho since 2021. This location has an L-shaped counter and table seating, as well as a tatami room on the second floor, and reservations are easy to make. The char-grilled wagyu beef sandwich that regular customers always order can be taken out, and there are also many daily specials, as well as delicious snacks and sake waiting for you at the end of the alley.

Mr. Ibaraki, who has been exposed to the fun food scene at wine taverns and Mexican restaurants, offers a diverse a la carte menu along with recommended wines. In a machiya space with a warm atmosphere as if you were invited to a friend's home, you can enjoy free-flowing cuisine that jumps over culinary borders.

Located at the end of a narrow alley that you might easily pass by, this restaurant serves shish-kebabs and wine. In the relaxing atmosphere of a machiya (townhouse), you can enjoy a la carte dishes such as rice-oil fried skewers, crab cream croquettes, special beef cutlets, and Western-style appetizers. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines that go well with the artisanal tableware and shish-kebabs. Come and join us at the counter where Kyotoites relax.

A little secluded and tasteful alleyway leads to a bar in a revitalized building dating back to the early Showa period. Mr. Ohashi, who has a passion for Japanese cuisine, uses fresh fish and vegetables he has just purchased that day to serve you dishes that will make your drinks go down a treat. The menu changes daily, with obanzai lined up on the counter and local dishes from Kyushu.

A 150-year-old townhouse with a modern atmosphere. This is a diner and wine store opened by the owner-sommelier, who carefully selects local wines from all over Italy, and the chef, who honed his skills in Kyoto cuisine. Vintage wines play a leading role in the selection of dishes, and wines are paired with artisanal Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy the free combination only at this restaurant.