Izuu — Restaurant in Kyoto

There were only three destinations within Kyoto where my husband wanted to take me. The garden of Gioji, Higashiji(Temple) for incense and Izuu.

In the back streets of Gion, a sushi restaurant dating back to 1781 serves Kyo-sushi (Kyoto style sushi). My husband ordered saba sushi (mackerel sushi ) and anago sushi for me. The saba sushi is wrapped in kombu(kelp) to moisten, flavour and help cure the fish. First I watched my husband unwind and remove the kombu, before doing the same. One of the sushi was wrapped in Kumanozasa (bamboo leaf), a shisoo leaf had been gently placed in the soup and another bamboo sheath had been decoratively cut in resemblance of a forest to adorn the sushi plate. For the first time I understood the origin of the jaggedly cut green plastic that comes with all store bought sushi and the origins of the name saba. Mackerel used to be caught in Wakasa Bay, lightly salted and transported on foot along the Saba Kaidoo (Highway). It is often bought as a gift and my husband bought some to give to his brother’s family

Our lunch was a work of art, sensual and delectable, I tried to eat it slowly to savour and remember the delicate flavours. It was a joyful lunch filled with love, deliciousness and time honoured tradition. I particularly like one of the teachings passed down through the generations which can be found in the QR code labeled History. “Business should be a size that fits in both hands”. Izuu has kept true to this teaching and I could feel the warmth and dedication extended to...

If you're looking for authentic local delicacies, you've found one! This restaurant specializes in the Kyoto specialty of narezushi, mackerel sushi. Each piece is wrapped in kelp, which you're instructed to unwrap to eat the sushi itself. This reveals the glimmering fish skin. The flavors are slightly tangy, no fishy smell/taste or pungentness that might be associated with fermentation. It is fascinating considering the process of preserving this oily fish to this form, not heavy. The store provides a QR code linking to the menu and history, that you can peruse as you wait.

We ordered the Saba sugata-sushi (mackerel), kodai suzume sushi, tai sushi and yakianago sushi (roasted eel), four pieces per order. Additionally we got a special sea bream and yuzu wrapped in bamboo leaves.

The staff are attentive and patient, not rushing us, even in their busyness. Unbeknownst to us, there was a line outside. We saw multiple people purchase a gift version in a paper wrapped log form. You can also order various beautiful set versions. Credit cards accepted. In looking more into the preservation process, I found this has also been rated a Bib Gourmand award by Michelin - bang for your buck. Well earned! Thank you for your service and...

We were greeted in a nice cordial manner and seated after waiting for a short time. Before placing our order we were informed of what was at the time available and what was no longer available and ordered accordingly.

After a few minutes the waiter came out apologizing to us that what we ordered is no longer available and suggested other items on the menu that were available. A little surprising but we changed our order again.

Some more time passed and the waiter came out again saying sorry what we ordered this time is now no longer available also.

At this point what was unavailable was most of the menu. The lady waiter came out and was now talking in a loud voice poiting to what was no longer available on the menu. At this point I noticed that that four Japanese men who came in just after us had started recieving their orders.

After a tiring day exploring temples in the heat of Kyoto summer we had to give up on this establishment and seek dinner elsewhere.

Why would you invite and seat someone in your restaraunt when most of your menu is unavailable? Why would you accept an order TWICE for things that are unavailable?

The most rude and horrible...