Bar Shion

Part of the appeal of Bar Shion is choosing a drink that brings out the character of its fruit. The Triple Berry Cocktail blends fresh blueberries, juiced with their skins, with cassis and cranberry. There are frozen options featuring different fruits, too: try a smoothie cocktail made with Shinko pear, or one that highlights the mellow texture and aroma of La France pear.

For a taste of Kyoto, consider a gin and tonic made with Kyoto-produced gin and Uji tea, called Kino Tea. The Ohoro gin and tonic, by contrast, uses a craft gin made with botanicals from Hokkaido and is described as having a clean flavour. Comparing the drinks by their origins and ingredients is part of the fun. Those avoiding alcohol can choose a virgin Moscow Mule with freshly grated sudachi and well-chilled ginger ale.

Alongside the cocktails, rice dishes for a final bite of the night also come up in diners’ accounts. One visitor recommends rice topped with squid shiokara and butter-soy sauce as a satisfying finish; another writes that they enjoyed a highball with homemade curry rice. These were separate orders, but both make the menu worth considering if you’d like something to eat as well as a drink.

One visitor says they spent time chatting about Kyoto and returned for a second night. Bar Shion’s relaxed atmosphere also makes it a pleasant place to ask for advice and take your time choosing the next drink.