Okariba — Restaurant in Kyoto

I don't review many restaurants but I had to do one for this. Loved the place and reminded me of the country side of northern Kyoto and Kanto regions.

The owner was extremely nice to us, provided immaculate service and knew what he was doing on that charcoal. This place serves gibier dishes but the taste isn't gamey in case you're scared of gamey flavors.

The inobuta skewers (big portions) and the fried ebis were to die for, the trout was cooked really nicely and the duck was good. For the flavour of the duck, I can only relate it closer to smoked ham on bone with a sweet duck after taste, no gaminess left in your mouth.

Will be visiting again on multiple occasions. Zero complaints.

Edit: I ended up coming back and all comments I've made stays true to this point but it was way busier than last year. I would recommend making a reservation but was lucky to still be allowed in. Will come...

A bit out of the way from the main area, however, a visit to Okariba is a must! It was one of the highlights of our trip.

The charcoal grilled wild boar and duck was a highlight - very tasty. If you're daring enough, try the grasshoppers and bee larvae (and for the very brave - the horse sashimi, yes, you read that correctly).

The restaurant has a very homey, relaxed vibe. Hospitality by the owner was excellent, he makes you feel so welcomed. He is also extremely generous, so don't be surprised if you gives you a few dishes on the house.

Will definitely return if I come back to Kyoto.

Tips: Best to make a reservation (via 'Gurunavi') beforehand as we witnessed him turn back a few walk-ins.

Whilst the restaurant is on the main road, it isn't very obvious (sign is handwritten) so I would recommend searching the restaurant via Google Map Street View before you go so you know what...

My fondest memory of my first trip to Japan. We were looking for a last minute place to eat and figured this place sounded pretty cool with boar skewers and all, so we caught a taxi out there and it was so worth it.

¥2,000 bear steaks, boar skewers, bee larvae, crickets; the list goes on and on.

But no matter how amazing the food was, the thing that made our experience so amazing was the owner. A beautiful, cheeky old soul who was so sweet and generous. He brought us free gifts of food and drinks (which I won't give away the surprise, but he was way too generous and blew us away when he showed us what it was.) He chatted with us about our home country (he seemed to have a liking for Australians) and was happy to explain the food we were eating and was ready to feed our appetites. Plus, he hunts down the bears he serves, so he's basically a badass.

Just go there. Seriously, you...