Amore あもれ

If you are travelling with kids in Kyoto town ( or you live there and are stinging for a decent pizza) check out Amore  - an atmospheric Italian joint on lower Kiyamachi (between shijo and gojo dori on the eastern side of the street) . 

The very tasty pizza and salads are all I can vouch for but whilst I was munching my way through a few cheesey slices I noticed people tucking into tempting looking grilled meats, seafood and pasta  -  and there were certainly some wonderful aromas wafting our way. And they aren't scared of garlic! Yippee. 

The salad was extremely fresh, laced with a cracker of a dressing. 

And although I didn't partake  -the dessert menu looked authentic and I'd happily return to give it the once over!

Their drinks are well priced and my cocktail of yoghurt liqueur and ginger ale went down a treat - yep, you heard right.  Look I was intrigued... I just had to. Pleasantly surprised. So much so I drank another... don't judge me...

There's plenty of space upstairs for groups and out the back too so don't be afraid to enter if it looks full from the front. 

The only downside was an occasional scuttling cockroach but the warmer months will bring such critters.  It might have been a one off of course.

I'd happily return for a casual meal when feeling like a break from Japanese food. As a foreigner I still need to eat cheese occasionally. 

Hinata Restaurant - Kyoto

It was the end of a lazy Sunday afternoon in mid October. 

Good friend, and longterm Kyotoite, Liz and I had made the most, of the last, of the year's warmer evenings by lolling beside the Kamogawa.

In the romantic glow of the lingering afternoon light, we bore witness to much canoodling (holding hands and leaning) at the same time noting the amount of older men hovering on their bikes clearly hoping for a cheap glimpse of something more,  but it was the tiny flying mushi (insects) which finally drove us away. 

We were seeking sustenance, and a glass of wine, somewhere casual - and vegetarian friendly. 

Within minutes of leaving the river we discovered Hinata, in a lane way just off  west off Kiyamachi street, a few streets north of  Sanjo dori, and it fit the bill perfectly. They specialise in Kyo-yasai (revered Kyoto vegetables) and seasonal varieties featured in both vegetarian and meat based dishes. There was certainly enough vego and seafood choices to keep Liz happy (and, well there was wine so we were always going to be OK really...)  and they had some great sounding meaty/piggy/offally bits too - quite the contrast ... I'll have to head back without Liz!!

As soon as we entered the restaurant we noticed there were quite a few foreigners - the place is in the heart of the city and they have an English menu so it is an easy joint for a casual but very decent meal with  reasonable prices. (the lot including wine cost us around $60 AUD).  We ordered drinks and within minutes a small plate of pumpkin terrine and tofu with dashi was set down before us  - for a casual joint this was a lovely surprise. 

Tomato salad filled with tomato mousse above, Bagna cauda with vegetables below:

Arancini above, pumpkin and chicken gratin with a deliciously rich chicken jus. There was also a shellfish dish which I must have been too busy scoffing to photograph.

Everything was flavoursome, fresh, well executed, and pretty simple. There was a distinct Italian theme but also some Japanesey flavours too. Easy fare for the fussy eater or for those who may need a change break from traditional Japanese food. 

Here's a link to a sample menu  - don't forget to use google translate!

http://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2602/A260202/26022025/dtlmenu/

Look out for the logo above on the building sign board at street level ( there are quite a few businesses in this tall, skinny building)  - and please note that the restaurant is on the third floor.  There is a lift. 

If you are coming from Kawaramachi street - this restaurant is the first little street south of the Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa. 

As it happens  - there are a couple of other cosy looking Italian and Spanish restaurants on this street too including one excellent woodfired pizza joint. - about half way along but possibly just closer to the Kawaramachi end of the street. I love Da Yuki in Higashiyama and have always rated it as the best pizza in Kyoto but this place is right up there. Must head back and try the pasta! Sorry no name but will grab it next time I'm in town...

Fireflies and Da Yuki Wood-fired Pizza

Just as life was warming up in Japan, several months back now of course, I experienced two firsts in one night -Wood fired pizza in Kyoto - at the wonderful Da Yuki in Higashiyama (I'd put money on this being the best Pizza in Kyoto) and Fireflies!!! 

oh what childlike pleasure was derived from spotting that first glowing light, floating ghostlike over the Shirakawa canal, under the weeping willows. Whilst waiting for our table to free up at the pizzeria we spent a good half hour giggling and gasping in wonderment.  As soon as we made an approach the tiny green fairies flicked off their lamps in protection and once we finally ignored them the party lights were back on and off they'd levitate.   Now I've seen a glow-worm in Australia but never a firefly - I'm pretty sure they don't exist here ( please correct me if I'm wrong) so that may help explain my excitement.

yep! that is a firefly believe it or not.... and here's another... such fantastic night-time photography skills... 

And on to dinner...

Sensational pizza, fresh salad and above average desserts. A decent wine by the glass and a cosy environment. What's not to like. . 

Such a simple, special evening

You can find DA YUKI by walking West along Niomon street from the giant red torii gate on Jingu-michi ( the street that leads up to the entrance of the Heian shrine). Pass by the river, pass by the wonderful french brasserie and just 2 minutes more will find yourself outside the restaurant - chances are you will smell the aroma before you reach it!