Rutubo
Gion: Izakaya
Rutubo
Open noon-midnight. Closed Wednesdays.
Sun: Open Sundays

This lively dining bar specializes in smoked foods and smoky cocktails, and stocks a good selection of whiskies. Homemade smoked items like bacon, cheese, chicken wings and quail eggs are skillfully prepared in the bar's custom smoker, while zucchini fritters, fries and similar dishes are served with the bar's own smoked salt, smoked mayonnaise and smoked ketchup.

One standout, though it's not especially smoky, is the Shkmeruli - a fantastic Georgian stewed chicken in garlic cream sauce. Fried oysters are livened up by an excellent homemade tartar sauce, and the bacon is highly recommended. A plate of "mixed greens" turns out to be big enough for a group, and provides a nice contrast to all the meat and seafood dishes.

There's a decent selection of a dozen or so sakes to go with your food - ask the staff for advice, since they don't have a printed list - or go inspect the sake fridge to see if they've got something you like. Cocktails like ume sour are made with smoked whole plums. Budget around Y5,000 for food and drink at dinnertime.







Gion
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kameicho 54-1.






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Venue listing from Bento.com4 Star Rating: recommended