01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
When the lights go on along the Sakura-shinmachi streetscape, Hinokuni offers a reassuring lineup of house staples worth ordering straight away. Diners frequently mention the potato salad, a generous, satisfying serving that doubles as an ideal drinking companion. True to the restaurant's name—an old regional moniker for Kumamoto—the kitchen also leans into regional specialties from Kyushu. Nibbling on vibrant slices of horsemeat sashimi or sharp, mustard-stuffed karashi renkon lotus root between sips is one of the tavern’s signature pleasures.
From Fresh Seafood to Varied Izakaya Small Plates
The menu ranges broadly, with a generous catch of seafood that includes sashimi platters as well as grilled dishes like salt-grilled yellowtail collar and saikyo miso-marinated silver cod. Alongside the fish, the kitchen turns out classic, unpretentious pub fare such as agedashi tofu, seaweed-flecked chikuwa isobe-age fritters, and green onion roast pork. Portions are substantial, making the dishes equally suited to dining solo or gathering with a group of 3 to 4 colleagues or friends to share across the table.
Planning a Relaxed Evening
The drinks list covers draft beer and various chu-hai sours along with full bottles of honkaku shochu like Hakusui and Kuro Kirishima, plus wine to match the meal at your own pace. Dinner service starts at 17:00 in the evening and tends to fill up with groups and regulars, so booking a table in advance helps ensure a leisurely visit. PayPay is accepted for payment, rounding out a dependable spot for after-work drinks on weekdays or relaxed get-togethers on weekends.
