ごちそう 紫陽 — Restaurant in Kyoto

Our dinner at ごちそう 紫陽 was nothing short of spectacular. If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would. The sashimi was exceptionally tender and perfectly prepared, and the raw shrimp, which we were encouraged to enjoy by sucking out the heads and brains, was far better than I ever expected. Every dish was crafted with care, and the flavors were outstanding.

The atmosphere was intimate and welcoming, with only eight seats in the entire restaurant. You enter shoeless and sit on a lowered bench, which added to the cozy, traditional ambiance. The service was provided by a sweet woman, assisted by a younger lady who we think might have been her daughter. They made the experience personal and warm, which was further elevated when we engaged in conversation with some of the other patrons, including two sisters who had once been geishas, still wearing their stunning kimonos.

One of the highlights of the evening was the humor and friendliness of everyone present.

The meal concluded with two grapes each, which in Japan are considered a luxury. It was a thoughtful and surprising end to an already fantastic evening. Once again, we were warmly waved off by the lovely hosts, and the genuine hospitality of Japan shone through. If you're looking for a truly special dining experience, this place is not...

An intimate restaurant with truly outstanding food. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, especially the croquettes, which I highly recommend. The whole experience felt personal and made even more memorable by the owner/chef, who was so sweet and engaging! It was honestly one of the most incredible dining experiences we’ve had in Japan. Our only regret is discovering this gem on our last night in Kyoto, otherwise, we would have come back again and again....

What a luck to randomly come across this place! It felt like a Michelin-starred restaurant experience yet homey, everything was beautifully served and had great flavours, small portions but high quality ingredients. You take off your shoes at the entrance and are served by two lovely ladies. There’s an English menu and includes vegetarian/pescatarian options. A bit on a pricey side comparing to regular casual places but worth every penny....