Food: 6-stars if I could. Location: 3-stars. Décor: 2-stars. This is one of those locations that I wasn't sure how to rank. short review: Its the best fried chicken I've ever had, but the interior left much to be desired. long review: Hitotsubu is located just outside central Ayabe, but still potentially within walking distance for those traveling by train. Especially for those who visit Shorekiji Temple, this restaurant is only about 1K away. It's located on a main road, and though the building is quaint looking, the interior was not desirable. There are areas that have tatami seating, but most of the restaurant is comprised of tables. I have actually been here before, about two years ago and I don't remember thinking any certain way about the seating, but this time we were seated on the far left side of the restaurant at a sticky table with fabric chairs suffering from some very deep stains. I rarely write about this kind of thing in a review, but it was a bit off-putting. However, the food more than made up for all of this. In fact, once I was eating the locally raised fried chicken set meal, I wouldn't have cared if I was sitting in mud. The food is that good. I rarely order meat dishes, and only ever do if it's locally sourced and ethically raised. This chicken checked all those boxes. The set meal was exactly 1000 yen and came with rice, soup, pickled vegetables, a shredded tofu salad, and then the main course, the fried chicken on a bed of greens with a honey-type sauce and egg salad. I wish I had taken pictures but I forgot my camera. I will definitely be going back and will be sure to take pics. The chicken and rice bowl also looked quite good, and the menu, had a decent amount of variety (the first time I went I got the soba set which didn't have any meat). But I think the main reason to eat here is for the chicken. It tasted incredible, and they have a variety of ways they prepare it. Highly recommended. edit: adding pictures of the meal. I came back a second time. I should note that I don't live close by. I go out of my way to eat here.

Very good I don't shop

not

It was a restaurant with a calm atmosphere. Anyway, every dish has a solid dashi flavor. Because the head chef trained at a long-established inn in Kyoto, every dish is truly delicious. Not limited to Japanese food, the Western-style karaage and tonkatsu are truly wonderful. The corn rice and takikomi gohan were the best. The rice is also sourced from local farmers, so the white rice is truly delicious. The prices are cheap, so even a large family can order without worrying about money. I would be happy if there were more in the middle of town.

First time visiting. I had the oyakodon, and the gentle taste of the dashi and the fluffy, runny eggs were truly exquisite. The first bite made me think, 'I want to come back.' Everything from the small side dishes to the miso soup was prepared with care, and the overall balance was very good. It was a calm atmosphere, and I was able to eat slowly. A recommended restaurant. I will come again.