This time, I'll introduce a rare "octopus specialty shop" in Ishigaki Island, a tropical resort island, that specializes in octopus dishes such as takoyaki.

Many of you may be thinking, "Octopus in Ishigaki Island?!" But actually, the waters around Ishigaki Island are home to various fish, including skipjack tuna, bluefin tuna, and even sunfish, and you can find a variety of fish sold in supermarkets and sashimi shops throughout the year.

While many izakayas offer reasonably priced seafood dishes year-round, including sashimi and fish simmered in salt, I'd like to introduce "Koi Takoba," a takoyaki bar that specializes in octopus dishes, which is quite unusual.

What makes the takoyaki bar "Koitakoba" so appealing?

This restaurant offers delicious island octopus prepared in a mild Kansai-style seasoning.
The name of the shop comes from the owner, Mr. Koijima, who is from Kyoto, and his combination of "koi" (carp) and "takoyaki bar."

In addition to their famous takoyaki (octopus balls), they also offer simmered octopus legs and local sake from Kyoto and Gunma prefectures.
Since there are few places to enjoy takoyaki on Ishigaki Island, this shop is popular with both locals and people who have moved here from the Kansai region.

Recommended menu items at "Koitakoba"

The takoyaki is made by the owner, who hails from Kyoto. Each one is carefully grilled on the spot. With a Kansai-style broth, it has a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, making it an irresistible treat.
The fact that you can order as many as you like, starting from 6 pieces for 350 yen, depending on how hungry you are, is another great point.

Koi Takoba's Takoyaki
6 pieces: 350 yen 9 pieces: 400 yen 14 pieces: 600 yen Platter (28 pieces): 1,000 yen

・Deep-fried saury wrapped in pickled plum and shiso leaves with tofu skin: 800 yen
This dish features yuba (tofu skin), a specialty of Kyoto, the owner's hometown. It's a recommended dish that's in season right now and perfect for autumn, using saury and yuba. Enjoy this irresistible dish of fatty saury and the tanginess of pickled plum and shiso for just 800 yen.

Fried rice with salted dried octopus: 680 yen
This is Koi Takoba's special salted dried octopus fried rice, made with generously portioned salted dried octopus. The umami of the octopus is not lost, resulting in a mellow flavor and a very satisfying aroma of the sea.

Shihori's Shiratama Black Sugar Syrup Parfait 650
We also recommend the black sugar syrup parfait, lovingly made by our charming waitress. This exquisite dessert features Okinawan black sugar syrup that pairs perfectly with chewy mochi balls. How about enjoying it as the perfect ending to your delicious octopus meal?

In addition to awamori and local sake, the shop also offers the owner's specially selected draft Yebisu beer, so you can enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages.
The interior of the shop recreates a traditional Kyoto townhouse, creating a nostalgic, calm, and homey atmosphere.

With only 19 seats, the restaurant offers a close and intimate atmosphere where you can easily communicate with the staff and other customers.
If you're lucky, you might get some great local information or sightseeing tips from regular customers.

Since it's often crowded, we recommend checking the crowd situation beforehand before visiting.

Access to Koi Takoba

The restaurant is located in the 18th Street (a bar district) near Ishigaki City Hall, and is easily recognizable by its red lantern with the name "Koi Takoba" written on it.
The address is 7-1 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, and the business hours are from 18 PM to 25 AM.

This is a great place to go, whether you're going specifically for the delicious octopus dishes or just to grab some takoyaki as a finishing touch after a few drinks.

Smoking is allowed inside the restaurant, so it's a good place for smokers to go.
While we mainly have table seating, we also have private rooms for couples and tatami seating.

Please note that we are closed on Mondays.
The store does not have a parking lot, so if you are coming by taxi or car, we will direct you to use a nearby coin-operated parking lot.

 

Spot Details

Name: Takoyaki Sakaba Koi Takoba
Address:7-1 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Closed: Monday
Telephone number: 080-6172-5439
Official website: None

Please make your hotel reservation here.

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