Washoku Bar Youin

Cheerful and mild-mannered “Take” Shimosaka has created something quite remarkable. Yōin [陽陰] is relaxed (and open late) enough to just enjoy a few drinks, but also offers some quite excellent Japanese cuisine which would be crazy to pass up.

Take’s skill is immediately evident on presentation of the meticulously prepared Kyo-ryori dishes of his native Kyoto and modern washoku. The flavors he draws out of his seasonal and all-natural ingredients are simply exceptional. Having cut his skills working in Kyoto ryokan, Take made a move to Hiroshima to work at restaurant. Enjoying life in Hiroshima, he decided to stay and open his own place.

On first entering, the space looks like a pretty standard bar. There is a long counter with a few high tables, djembe drums in the corner and psychedelic pictures on the walls. The lighting is quite subdued. Then you notice the array of ingredients and dishes along the counter.

The Japanese menus are beautifully written (ie pretty much illegible to all those without some fairly good Japanese reading skills). GetHiroshima has helped prepare an English version of Yō’s regular menu, but you should always check the specials. Take will do his best to help you navigate the ordering process, made much easier by the fact that many of the ingredients are laid out before you on. If you don’t have any special dietary requirements, you could do worse than going with Take’s own recommendations. Though be aware that there may some “exotic” ingredients such as whale on the menu. He also has a very good appreciation of vegetarian and vegan needs and, of course, he feels very strongly about only using additive-free ingredients.

On my first visit I had a couple of drinks and two simple dishes. Simple, but absolutely delicious. The first were perfectly prepared nitamago boiled eggs and the second was the most delicious kabocha pumpkin I have ever tasted, prepared with ankake sauce. It really knocked my socks off!

I can’t recommend checking out Yōin highly enough. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy an after work dinner or a late night drink accompanied by a supper to remember, with friends or by yourself, it really hits the mark.

Address: 2F Nakagawa Bldg, 8-11 Nagarekawa-cho, Naka-ku
Address in Japanese: 〒730-0028 広島県広島市 中区流川町8-11 中川ビル 2F
Tel: 082-249-7129

Opening hours: 18:00-0200
Closed Wednesdays