A retro Showa-style pub famous for its rustic genshiyaki charcoal grilling

Tucked away in an alley in the city center, its name a playful nod to a Beatles song. It cleverly merges Sakana (from 酒菜, representing drinks & appetizers) with Beibe (from 米べゑ, incorporating “rice” but sounding like “Baby”), reflecting the desire for guests to enjoy all three elements.

Opened in 2018, the restaurant evokes the atmosphere of a Showa-era izakaya (pub), attracting patrons of all ages with its nostalgic charm. The star of the show here is genshiyaki (“primitive grilling”). Inside a traditional irori hearth, skewers of premium ingredients – like the Ōtoro Iwashi(fatty sardine) from Tokachi, Hokkaido (¥880) – stand vertically around carefully stacked domestic binchōtan charcoal.

This slow-cooking method over intense charcoal heat allows excess fat to drip away while sealing in the umami, resulting in a delightfully crispy exterior and an incredibly moist, juicy interior. Enjoy this alongside sashimi featuring seafood sourced daily from the Kyoto Central Market, seasonal kamameshi (pot rice) dishes, and a well-curated selection of sake, focusing primarily on junmai (pure rice) varieties.