Gion Rohan

Some diners come for the mackerel sandwich and find themselves tempted by the rest of the menu. Gion Rohan is a Japanese restaurant where you can choose individual dishes rather than committing to a set course. One guest described the signature sandwich as house-cured mackerel with shiso leaves and pickled daikon, served between slices of bread toasted on one side. Another remembered a sandwich filled with mackerel, rocket and onion, calling it rich yet well balanced. The exact combination may vary with the order, but the presence of a bread-based speciality among the Japanese dishes is part of the pleasure of choosing what to eat here.

Alongside the sandwich, diners can put together a meal from sashimi platters, grilled Kyoto Aka chicken and simmered alfonsino, among other options. One guest particularly enjoyed the Kyoto Aka chicken with house-made sansho pepper. You might choose a few fish and seasonal dishes, then add something grilled over charcoal. Seasonal items also appear on the menu; one diner recalled a dish topped with seasoned saury liver. The selection changes with the season, so there may be something new to discover on each visit.

For dessert, there is a monaka wafer filled with dried persimmon and mascarpone. One diner noted a touch of sea salt, making it an appealing finish for anyone who wants something sweet. At the counter, you can watch the cooking and choose dishes one at a time. Booking is recommended for dinner, making Gion Rohan a good fit for an evening in Gion built around the à la carte dishes that catch your eye.