Sushi Tempura Gion Iwai

Most dedicated Japanese foodies have heard of the name Tempura & Wine Ashiya Iwai. A Hyogo tempura restaurant receiving a Star twice consecutively in the Michelin Guide, it is renowned for precisely what it is named for: tempura and wine. Most dedicated Japanese foodies are also acquainted with precisely how difficult it is to secure a reservation at Ashiya Iwai. A short distance from Nishinomiya Station, it is conveniently located for both locals and guests passing through. Reservations are snapped up months in advance, within hours of being released. Realizing this, the management opened up a second branch in Kyoto. Sushi Tempura Gion Iwai is a unique restaurant proposal that offers not just the restaurant’s famous tempura and wine, but also Edomae-style sushi alongside it. Under the experienced direction of their head chef, course menus at Iwai pleasantly surprise guests with their unpredictable nature; each service is a delicate balance of lightly-battered, perfectly-fried tempura with expertly sculpted Edomae sushi, topped off with wine and sake of guests’ choice — a smorgasbord of varying textures, tastes and aromas. Exacting care is given to even the smallest details; the tempura, for instance, is served with three kinds of salt to suit any guests’ liking, while the sushi rice is made with either red or white vinegar, depending on the tempura that it is being served with. Appetizers are made solely with vegetables from the Kyoto locality, which are renowned nationwide for their freshness and flavor.