I visited for lunch with two friends and enjoyed a course priced at JPY 33,000 per person over about three hours. Given the hot summer, the dishes were refreshing, featuring various items served in a hōzuki (Japanese lantern plant) and sashimi of Ise lobster and Akashi sea bream on a lotus leaf—everything was exceptional. What surprised me the most was the sweetness of the fresh water eggplant placed under the sashimi; I never expected it to be so flavorful, with zero bitterness typical of eggplant. The grilled sweetfish was presented while still lively before being charcoal-grilled. When they brought it to the table, the smoke from the charcoal was delightful. The aroma of charcoal in summer is simply irresistible. High-end ingredients like red beef, soft-shelled turtle, eel, and shark fin were all featured, creating a veritable exhibition on the table! Each dish felt like a pavilion, providing outstanding entertainment. Additionally, they innovatively incorporated Western ingredients like olive oil into the sauces and other dishes, making me wonder at times if it was French cuisine. Yet, it remained firmly rooted in Japanese cooking, surprising me with its creativity without straying into the unconventional. The matcha shaved ice served at the end was of higher quality than that of specialty shops! It must have used top-grade matcha. Even the supporting ingredients were meticulously prepared, resulting in flawless dishes. The staff were friendly and smiling, and the owner even came out to serve sake from a bamboo tube. This experience truly exemplified what a Michelin three-star restaurant is all about. I now understand why people come to Kyoto from all over Japan and the world in search of gourmet food. It was a great meal!
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.
