Kyoto is home to many places where you can have a special experience. Bars are one of them, and there are long-established, famous izakayas that are the ultimate destination for travelers, as well as popular establishments with platinum seats that even Kyoto residents envy. That's why visiting a place beloved by locals and experiencing everyday Kyoto can be an even more precious experience. Here, we'd like to draw your attention to the new faces that have appeared since 2022. These establishments, opened after the COVID-19 pandemic by owners who carefully considered what they value, are truly consistent. They are unique and unpretentious. But the food, drinks, and owners who are full of charm await you.
The comfort doubles with the bustle of the counter and large tables
Nief is an izakaya that opened last year in the Shijo-Omiya area, a hotbed of restaurants. Though it faces a bus route, its quiet atmosphere on the second floor of a building of unknown age is appealing. As you might expect, the name of the restaurant comes from its location on the second floor, which adds to its unpretentiousness. Owner Noda Sota was attracted to the idea of creating his own food and space, and moved from the apparel industry to the restaurant industry. He began his career working at Spanish restaurants, and worked at popular restaurants such as Solires and Suba before opening his own restaurant.
"I wanted to create an izakaya that adults would feel comfortable in and that I would like," says Noda.
The counter is spacious and relaxing. The menu includes everything you need to go well with alcohol, from the perfect crispy fried chicken, Shiraae (seaweed salad) and Nutto (nuta) made with seasonal fruits, to the Kyoto-inspired fried tofu from Toyokeya Yamamoto. While the menu includes beer, natural wine, and lemon sours, the most popular drink is apparently sake. Enjoy the atmosphere of this fledgling restaurant, which has been created by its customers.
The salted fried chicken thighs (900 yen) are a must-try, seasoned simply with salt and sake. The refreshing Nose lemon sour (600 yen) is also a must-try. 
It's also just a few minutes away from the heart of bustling Shijo-Omiya. 
Different types of sake are displayed on a blackboard on the wall, with around 6-7 types available at any given time.
It's an unassuming apartment building just off Nijo Street. Once you head further into the common area and follow the small sign to the door, the atmosphere changes completely. You'll find a lively dining room with a large table surrounded by people. Inui Kenta is the one cooking and hosting the food in the open kitchen that is integrated with the table.
He is the owner of Inui, a restaurant that promotes "imaginary exotic cuisine." "I've actually never been overseas, so the food I make is just my fantasy of what it would be like in that country," Inui says with a laugh. Because it's a fantasy, he is free to combine and use ingredients as he pleases. He uses an abundance of spices and herbs to create dishes that evoke the feeling of a foreign country, yet are unique to this place.
One of their signature dishes is the Atewaffle, a waffle made with vegetables kneaded into the dough and layered with toppings and sauces for a rich and varied flavor. Their original and complex flavors, such as the Treves Rosa and strawberry salad with monkfish liver and anchovy butter, and the chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) in the style of tom yum goong, are the perfect accompaniment to alcohol. Their alcohol selection is also unique, with a strikingly sour Swiss craft beer on tap, a gin and soda with the aroma of holy basil, Shaoxing wine, and mezcal.
"When I put together a meal, I always think about the alcohol. Natural wine gets all the attention, but there are other alcoholic beverages that are made naturally. I hope people will enjoy combining them freely."
There is a small garden at the back, which is pleasant even in the daylight. 
The shop is quietly located at the back of the Sunshine Kamogawa apartment complex.
