Right in the middle of Tenjin, in Suikyo Tenmangu Alley, is “Jakokujira”. Produced by the popular Seafood Izakaya “Robatayaki Isogai” located in Sawara Ward Isogai, they use the same ingredients as the flagship, and serve reasonably priced dishes.

“Jakokujira” is an izakaya-Italian fusion concept, with hearty, cheery dishes evoking of the Italian coast, lining the menu. Centering seasonal catches, the offerings of the day included their trademark carpaccio with mounds of salmon and urchin roe, classic pastas, as well as “Thread Fin Bream Acqua Pazza”, “Scallop Baked In Crab Roe” and “Conch in Escargot Butter”.

There’s a great selection of non-fish items as well, such as the crunchy and addictive “Italian Tacos”, the limited edition “Foie Gras Rice Bowl” that many come back for, and the “Pork Milanese”, made with Rindo Pork from Itoshima.

Expensive drinks are not in style here at this rugged izakaya-Italian joint. All drinks are priced quite reasonably. The owner said with a smile, that he would like people to use the restaurant “like they would a yakitori joint or an izakaya - just simply walk in.”