Tabelog ratingSakana Dokoro Kissui (酒菜処 きっすい) is an izakaya dedicated to the seafood of Hiroshima, paired with a deep and carefully chosen list of local sake. It’s a place for a serious food-and-drink evening, often spent at the counter watching the owner-chef at work. The specialty is local fish, with a particular focus on octopus (tako), served as delicate, paper-thin sashimi.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the seafood. The thin-sliced octopus sashimi (tako usuzukuri) is a standout, as are the almond-fried conger eel (anago), the local fried fishcake known as gansu, and seasonal oysters. Many also appreciate the comforting chawanmushi (savoury egg custard) starter and the staff's knowledgeable sake recommendations, often poured in generous servings.
While most enjoy the lively, regulars-heavy atmosphere, some visitors have reported inconsistent service, including forgotten orders or a rude server. There have also been isolated but repeated reports from non-Japanese visitors of being refused a table, so booking through a hotel concierge is a wise precaution. The menu is also in Japanese only.
Dinner typically costs between ¥5,000 and ¥5,999. Reviewers recently paid ¥1,580 for the signature octopus sashimi and around ¥800 for a glass of local sake. Most guests feel the restaurant offers excellent value, with ingredient quality and sake selection that punch well above the price point.
- Booking: Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly. Bookings are by phone only. Given reports from some foreigners of being turned away, booking via a hotel or Japanese-speaking friend is advised.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from the Fukuromachi tram stop, on the 2nd floor of the Hasegawa Building.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money, and QR code payments (PayPay, d Barai, au PAY) are all accepted. A service fee may be added to the bill.
- Language: The menu is in Japanese. Staff may be able to help with recommendations, but some Japanese or a translation app will be useful.
- Seating: There are 33 seats, including a prominent counter ideal for solo diners or pairs. There are no private rooms.
- Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking inside; an ashtray is provided outdoors.
