Sumibi Iwata

The centrepiece of a meal at Sumibi Iwata is a course featuring Kuro Satsuma chicken, Kuroo, sourced mainly from Kagoshima. The menu lists the Kuro Satsuma Chicken Kuroo Tasting Course at 8,800 yen. It includes vegetables and dessert as well as chicken skewers, making it a good choice for diners who want to savour each skewer and compare the different cuts.

One diner who tried a course reported that it began with chicken skin, followed by thigh, liver, negima (chicken and spring onion), otahuku, tsukune and furisode, among other skewers. They found the thigh satisfyingly substantial, the liver smooth and the furisode notably springy; as the skewers arrived, the appeal of comparing different cuts became clear. Another course diner described a meal that began with straw-smoked chicken breast and seared thigh, followed by seseri, liver, chicken drumstick and tsukune. The breast stood out for its springy texture and smoky aroma, while the seared thigh had moist meat and an appealing contrast with the skin, they said.

Several visitors also singled out the house-made yuba tofu served between the skewers. In one account, the soft tofu, eaten with wasabi soy sauce and sesame, offered a welcome pause in the meal; the zucchini was served with cheese. To finish, diners can choose a mini bowl of chicken soba with Kuroo and shellfish (600 yen) or Kuroo oyakodon (1,200 yen), described as sweetly seasoned. The course provides a full meal, while adding the oyakodon is an option for those who would like something more substantial.

The drinks list includes half-measures of regional sake from across Japan, red and white wines by the glass, sudachi liqueur and Setoda lemon sour. Non-alcoholic choices include sudachi soda, Uji green tea and sparkling Japanese black tea, so there are options to accompany the food whether or not you drink alcohol.

Counter seating is available, and the restaurant is described as suitable for solo diners. It is closed on Thursdays. Dinner is served from 18:00 until 0:00 the following day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are recommended for a leisurely course meal.