Sitting in the shopping arcade of western Sanjo-dori, the notably cool looking GULLMAN is a Venetian restaurant specializing in pasta and pintxo. While only recently opened at the end of 2019, the manager and owner of GULLMAN, Mori, boasts a long history of working at Italian restaurants. Using his experience, Mori takes locally sourced seasonal vegetables and whips up a mix of Venetian classics and original dishes that include everything from entrees and pasta to the northern Italian bar snack known as pintxo. The style of GULLMAN’s food takes inspiration from both Spanish bars and Italian “bacaro” bars, which are known for their pasta and pintxo. The look and feel of GULLMAN is the result of an effort to recreate the kind of streetside bar you’d see in Venice in Japan. Staying true to real Italian bacaro, GULLMAN offers delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices in a chilled, laid back atmosphere. Another aspect of GULLMAN that’s sure to catch your eye is its chic interior. In addition to statues of seagulls, which are the symbol of the restaurant, the interior includes a ton of other unique, wildly wonderful and out there fixtures, such as the unique brick-like tiled and blue walls reminiscent of the deep sea, an outdoor lamp that sits atop the single huge dining table and speaker system that lets out a nonstop stream of melodic tunes. The only seats in the entire restaurant are the 10 that line either side of the big dining table. What GULLMAN lacks in space, it more than makes up for in its welcoming atmosphere and personable staff. With great food, great service and a great atmosphere, GULLMAN has quickly garnered praise from locals, so if you find yourself near Nijo Castle or deep in the western part of Sanjo-dori, then definitely drop by!