Apollo has become one of our favorite places to eat over the last year or so. It’s an izakaya-style restaurant, but the food is just a little bit nicer and the atmosphere just a little bit quieter and calmer than some of the bigger chain izakayas around the Kiyamachi/Kawaramachi area (where you might have to scream to make yourself heard). Even so the prices are pretty reasonable. Apollo is a friendly place too. I get a strong impression when I go there, that the staff really enjoy working there and with each other. Happy staff of course means a happy atmosphere and excellent service! We usually get a seat at the counter when we go…
…but last Sunday we had a snug little second floor box room all to ourselves.
Here are some items from the menu.
こいもの空揚げ – Deep fried taro potatoes. They make a nice snack!
カキフライ or fried oysters are one of my favorite dishes here.
I’m also pretty partial to 生麩田楽 (namafu dengaku) strips of gluten cooked on skewers and served with miso sauce.
I had お茶漬け (ochazuke) which is rice mixed with tea, nori seaweed, and in this case umeboshi (pickled plum). Mewby however fancied herself some egg on rice:
Just add the egg and nori…
The stir…
…and enjoy!
Mewby chose maple ice cream with walnuts to finish the meal.
It’s a nice match!
At the end of your meal you pay at your table. A member of staff will bring you a little box with the bill inside. You probably shouldn’t wear the box on your head.
The branch of Apollo we go to is properly called Apollo Plus and is located on the south side of Sanjo between Yanaginobanba and Sakaimachi. Here is a map. Check out their website for their menus – an English menu is available in store!
Apollo Plus is open: 17:00-24:00 (Last orders: 23:30)
Tel: 075-253-6605
This article checked and updated in June, 2025.
Text and images by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
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