Yamaguchi (やまぐち) Kyoto

I received a gracious invitation and visited for the first time. I had heard wonderful reviews from my foodie friends, so I was looking forward to it.Here are my notes from that day:- Truffle, Fig Cutie Queen, Foie Gras Terrine with White Soybean Paste- Kaji Leaf, Shine Muscat, Red Sea Urchin, Grilled Eggplant Purée- Hairy Crab, Peach, Mascarpone- Eel and Mango Crepe- Sweetfish with Green Mini Tomato Sauce- Ezo Abalone, Summer Truffle, Corn Risotto with Pearl Corn- Beef Tenderloin Steak- Sudachi Citrus, Hamo, Peperoncino Style, Kema CucumberI was surprised right from the first dish. It was packed with truffles—so much so that I couldn't even see the white soybean paste! There were even diced truffles mixed in. It was my first time eating diced truffles....It had a flavor that was beyond the understanding of the average person!After that, there was a parade of incredibly luxurious ingredients like sea urchin, hairy crab, giant abalone, summer truffles, and beef tenderloin!I was a bit anxious about how much it would cost, but it wasn't as outrageous as I feared (though it was still expensive, considering the ingredient costs!).However, this is just my personal, commoner's opinion, but I felt that they didn't need to use so many high-end ingredients. I would have liked a bit more variety in flavors that aren't so luxurious. I guess that's just the perspective of an average diner...It was a great meal. Less

This Italian restaurant is located in Gion, Kyoto. The entrance feels completely Gion, making me wonder if it’s really an Italian place as I walked in. It had just been renovated, and I really liked the chic lighting that was a mix of magenta and pink. According to my friend, it used to be much darker. The three appetizers all included fruit, which seems to be a recent trend. When I tried the sweetfish pasta, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors paired together. However, it seems the chef still has some room for improvement when it comes to alcohol tolerance, as he was amusingly facing completely in the wrong direction when we were sending him off. Less

I had a special time at the renowned restaurant "Yamaguchi" in Gion. The dishes served in a serene space that utilizes a traditional Kyoto townhouse beautifully blend Japanese techniques with Italian cuisine, creating a unique course. Each plate was a delightful surprise, showcasing luxurious seasonal ingredients. The perfectly cooked meat dishes, seasonal appetizers, and aromatic pasta were unforgettable. You could feel the chef's dedication and playful spirit throughout the meal, making it not just a dining experience but a true culinary entertainment. The attentive and pleasant service from the staff added to the experience, making it an ideal place for important anniversaries or business meetings. The exclusivity of being by referral and reservation only further highlighted the restaurant's status as one of Kyoto's top dining spots. I look forward to visiting again in a different season. Less

On this day, I visited Yamaguchi in Kyoto. I had been invited by a friend but somehow never managed to go until now. Finally, thanks to a foodie friend, I was able to visit! (*´∀`)I was excited to enjoy high-quality ingredients during lunch, which is quite rare! The restaurant has been renovated, and since I didn't know the previous interior, I can't compare, but it looks very stylish and clean. The atmosphere is spacious and quite pleasant.The dishes featured luxurious ingredients and looked incredibly delicious. Each course was like a powerful right hook, leaving a strong impression.It's no surprise that it's popular; the quality was outstanding and delicious! The pace of the course was quicker than I expected, and it ended sooner than I thought ( ﾟДﾟ)Thank you for the wonderful meal!Reservation Method: Through a foodie friendCourse Price: ??Duration: Just under 2 hoursReservation Difficulty: Seems difficult for newcomersOrder: Non-alcoholic beer and highballsTotal Bill: JPY 54,200 Less

I visited Yamaguchi, which has undergone some interior changes since my last visit. The seating capacity has increased to 10, allowing for a more enjoyable experience at the Yamaguchi theater! The variety of dishes is moderate, but the portion sizes and ingredients are still impressive. They have started serving Torigoi and Junsai, and I enjoyed a huge Matsukaze shrimp. As usual, the white asparagus pasta was topped with a generous amount of karasumi! It was truly overwhelming. It was a great meal! Less

On a 30℃ morning in Kyoto, I watched a drama filming scene at the Kamo River Delta.After a year, I returned to the newly renovated "Yamaguchi"! ❣️The 10-seat counter is sleek and stylish, creating a great atmosphere.As always, Chef Yamaguchi's entertaining talk show was a highlight. Thank you, thank you, as always!The innovative Italian dishes were luxurious, featuring:Abalone,Truffles,Caviar.Coming here once a year brings me happiness and motivates me to aim for even greater heights.Thank you, thank you ❤️See you again next year! Less

~information~ ☆A Michelin two-star, fully reservation-based Italian restaurant ☆Chef Masashi Yamaguchi trained in soba kaiseki before becoming an Italian chef Visited with a friend Omakase Course Pairing ~memo~ I received another delightful invitation to my favorite Gion Yamaguchi. No matter what work I have, I always accept an invitation from Yamaguchi without hesitation! (I took a day off from work♡) It had been since last Christmas, but I heard it was renovated in April, and it now features a beautiful L-shaped counter. The closeness to the chef made the experience even more enjoyable! Delicious! I love it!! The course for the day was as follows: ◉Miyazaki Mango ◉Toyama Firefly Squid with Pea Sauce, New Onion Bavarois, and Daidokoro Natto Powder ◉Salad of Hairy Crab and Melon, Caviar, and Parsley Sauce ◉Pasta with Ruby Drops (Tomato) and Maizuru Sweet Shrimp, with unlimited Karasumi ◉Risotto with Saga White Asparagus, Black Abalone, and Italian Spring Truffle ◉Charcoal-Grilled Beef ◉Hokkaido Bafun Uni, Sea Urchin Cream Pasta (Linguine) ◉Strawberry Condensed Milk Shaved Ice ◉Roasted Bancha ◉Herbal Tea and Cookies Less

I visited "Yamaguchi" in Gion with a friend. This Japanese restaurant offers delicate dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients. The beautiful presentation and tableware add a special touch every time a dish is served. The seasoning is refined, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, which left a lasting impression. The interior has a calm atmosphere, and the attentive service makes for a comfortable dining experience. I highly recommend this place for those looking to enjoy a leisurely meal while soaking in the charm of Gion. Less

Visited in May 2026.The dishes here have a unique world view and are delicious.I love the interesting combinations of flavors, such as mini mango, foie gras, and white miso, as well as melon, crab, and caviar, which harmonize the sweetness of fruits with saltiness and umami.The capellini with tomatoes and the shark fin lemon cream pasta have a distinctive taste that is unique to Yamaguchi and are incredibly delicious.The abalone and filet steak are also classic and tasty.Once again, I was very satisfied. Less