Dinner at Tokuha Motonari

Dinner at Tokuha Motonari

at Tokuha Motonari on 21 August 2026
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The name "Tokuha Motonari" is derived from a passage in the Chinese classic, the "Great Learning," which states, "Virtue is the foundation, while wealth is secondary."When you visit this restaurant, sit down, listen, and enjoy the food, you truly experience the essence of "knowledge and action as one." It feels like the restaurant consistently embodies its name in practice.I was amazed at how much it had evolved since my last visit, and this time, I felt even more progress. Each dish has reached a high level of refinement, showcasing creativity within its sophistication.Particularly noteworthy was the white miso soup with whale meat, which has been enjoyed in Kyoto for ages. The combination of the gelatinous fat from the whale and the white miso was simply exquisite. It was a perfect example of "learning from the past to create the new," allowing me to glimpse a new culinary philosophy.I was treated to three different preparations of a rather large conger eel: served almost raw, lightly cooked, and with the skin charred. Each method offered a delightful transformation of flavors.While the taste of the dishes—delicious, impressive, and moving—plays a significant role in my fondness for this restaurant, I believe it is the way the restaurant's name reflects in both the cuisine and pricing that truly resonates with me.Rather than boasting about using expensive ingredients, this restaurant takes a different approach, providing innovative flavors and experiences through high-level techniques. The care and attention from the owner are also remarkable.

10 / 10