After doing a bit of research, we were sure we wanted to have dinner in the Pontocho district of Kyoto at least once during our stay. After doing a bit of research, we settled on Hiro, a higher-end chain restaurant specialized in yakiniku – barbecue you cook yourself.
Once we finally found the restaurant (there are three in Pontocho alone!) we were seated at a table with our own grill in the middle, complete with excellent venting, which kept the restaurant from getting smoky. (That might seem like a strange thing to notice, but visit an equivalent restaurant in New York, and you’ll understand why it was so important).
After ordering (Little Sister and I placed our faith almost entirely in our brother, but I do know we ordered a la carte, rather than choosing one of the pre-assembled assortments), we were brought an actual hunk of tallow with which to grease the grill.
We tried a few cuts of steak and some other pieces, including tongue. Much of the meat was melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, and everything we tried was delicious.
We also included a few veggies in our order: kimchi…
… cucumber pickles…
And an assortment of veggie skewers for grilling. We were in charge of these, but brother was in charge of the meat.
And he did an excellent job.
The meat is top-quality, the marinades delicious, and the experience interactive and fun.
Hiro Kiyamachi – 527 Sanjo-dori, Kyoto