Kitayama Sowaka

Trying the plum vinegar served with sashimi is one of the pleasures of lunch kaiseki at Kitayama Sowaka. Some diners say they were surprised by the unfamiliar pairing but found that it complemented the fish. One lunch included sashimi with soy sauce and house-made dashi plum vinegar, along with Shogoin turnip topped with Kujo leek sauce, a box of assorted dishes and a dashi omelette with egg miso. The menu varies by visit, but the meal offers the kaiseki experience of enjoying a succession of dishes featuring fish and seasonal ingredients.

Clay-pot rice brings the meal to a close. One diner enjoyed a set meal of glossy rice with vegetables, fish, omelette and chirimen sansho, and also went back for more miso soup. Another lunch guest likewise reported being able to have another serving of rice and miso soup. It is a welcome option for a leisurely lunch, with a chance to savour the dishes one by one before settling in to enjoy the rice.

Lunch options listed include the “昼会席” (lunch kaiseki) and “そわか和膳” (Sowaka set meal). A diner who chose the limited Sowaka set meal enjoyed a spread of several obanzai dishes—Japanese home-style small plates—along with clay-pot rice. This kind of set is worth considering if you would like to try a variety of dishes in one meal.

One dinner guest described pairing sashimi and an egg omelette made with tama-miso with drinks, then finishing with clay-pot rice. Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner. The parking area is limited, so check ahead if you plan to arrive by car.