Tabelog ratingTokusen Hiyamugi Kiwadachi (特撰ひやむぎ きわだち) is a rare find: a restaurant dedicated to freshly made hiyamugi, a type of thin wheat noodle. At a tiny six-seat counter, the owner single-handedly prepares and serves tasting courses that showcase the noodles in various forms. Guests can watch the entire process, from noodle preparation to plating, making for an intimate and theatrical dining experience.
The noodles themselves receive consistent praise for their wonderful wheat aroma and glossy, firm texture. Many diners recommend the 合い盛り (aimori), which offers a contrast between thin round and flat noodles. Other standout dishes include the cold noodle 'sashimi' (hiyugi sashimi), beef tendon tempura (suji-harami), and small side dishes. The structured tasting courses are considered the best way to experience the chef's craft.
The restaurant's small size is its main drawback. With only six seats, waits can be long without a reservation. Some diners with larger appetites find the portions small and suggest ordering a larger noodle portion (大盛り) or adding a side of curry. As a one-man operation, service is deliberately paced rather than fast.
Reviewers report that a simple lunch can be had for under ¥1,000, with dinner typically costing between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999. A combination plate like the aimori recently cost around ¥850–¥950. For the full experience, the lunch tasting courses were priced at ¥2,450–¥2,750, and the dinner course at ¥3,450. Most agree that the courses offer excellent value for the quality and novelty.
- Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner, and can only be made online. Walk-ins can add their name to a waiting list for the second seating, but a spot is not guaranteed.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from the North Exit of Kinshicho Station.
- Seating: There are only six seats at a high counter. It may not be suitable for small children.
- Payment: Cash or PayPay only. Credit cards and other forms of electronic money are not accepted.
- Language: The menu is primarily in Japanese, but the owner is welcoming to international visitors.
- Parking: No parking is available.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
