Tabelog ratingShokudo Kifune (食堂 きふね) is a tiny, highly regarded izakaya in Ashiya, run entirely by its owner-chef. This one-man operation has earned a spot in the Tabelog Izakaya WEST "Top 100" for its focus on a few signature items, most notably an exceptional fried chicken program. The two must-order dishes for most visitors are the "Kifune no Karaage," round pieces of chicken that burst with juice, and the dramatic "momo ippongae," a whole deep-fried chicken thigh.
Beyond the chicken, guests consistently praise the silky rolled omelette (dashimaki), a potato salad accented with shibazuke pickles, and various dishes featuring ingredients from nearby Awaji Island. The meal is often concluded with a small, deeply savoury bowl of "Honki no Kake Soba" (literally, "serious kake soba"), a finishing ramen that many reviewers consider a highlight. The experience begins with a unique welcome: a pack of Awaji nori seaweed to take home.
The restaurant's main drawbacks stem from its small scale. With only one person cooking and serving, service can be very slow, and a few reviewers noted that orders were forgotten during busy times. While many find the owner to be quiet but kind, a handful have reported brusque interactions. Diners should also be aware that menus often lack prices, which has led to some guests being surprised by a higher-than-expected bill.
A full dinner with drinks typically costs between ¥6,000 and ¥8,000 per person. For example, one reviewer reported a bill of about ¥5,150 per person for multiple dishes, two beers, and two highballs, while another party of two paid around ¥7,000 total for three dishes and drinks. Given the quality of the cooking, most find it to be good value, though the lack of clear pricing makes it less suitable for travellers on a strict budget.
- Getting There: Shokudo Kifune is located on the first floor of the Bell Amie Ashiya building, about a 5-minute walk (384m) from Ashiya Station.
- Reservations: With only 10 seats, reservations are highly recommended.
- Service: This is a one-person operation; expect a leisurely pace and potential waits between dishes.
- Payment: Credit cards are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating: The restaurant has 6 seats at the counter and one table for 4. There are no private rooms.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but paid coin parking is available nearby.
