鉄板焼 京彩宴 — Restaurant in Kyoto

SCAM: Tourist Trap and Extortion

This place is not a restaurant; it's a trap. They prey on tourists, using intimidation and extortion to line their pockets. Avoid this place at all costs.

Our experience at this restaurant was deeply disappointing and unsettling. Despite arriving at our reserved time, the restaurant was full, and they claimed they had no record of our booking. When we explained that we had booked through a specific website, they admitted they had forgotten to check it but assured us they could seat us in about 5 minutes. To accommodate us, they opened an additional area shortly afterward.

However, things quickly went downhill. The menu was mostly in English, but the most expensive items were listed only in Japanese. It felt suspicious when they told us they were "out" of all the affordable options, leaving only the most expensive dish available. We weren’t prepared to spend $240 USD per person, which was double the cost of the $120 USD option we had planned for. Additionally, they insisted that we had to order a drink with our meal.

When we questioned the lack of options, the staff remained firm, saying only the highest-priced dish was available. I was feeling unwell and decided we should leave rather than pay such an exorbitant amount. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t let us go without charging us $200 USD for a “missed” reservation—one they had conveniently forgotten about themselves. They even refused to let me leave the premises while my partner went to retrieve the money.

This experience felt like more than just poor service; it seemed like they were trying to take advantage of us. I would strongly advise caution if you consider dining here. The atmosphere was tense, and the way the situation was handled left us feeling uneasy and disappointed. This is not the kind of experience anyone should have while enjoying a...

We wanted to share an open and honest perspective for other diners particularly Asians, as many reviews for this establishment are overwhelmingly positive. We recently visited this teppanyaki restaurant in a Gion alley, eager to experience exceptional Kobe beef. While we appreciate certain aspects, our visit unfortunately gave us the impression it might cater more to tourists than offer a truly high-value local dining experience.

The dining room primarily hosted tourists, with no local patrons observed. The pricing was quite substantial, at over US$200 per person before tax for the smallest Kobe beef (100g) set. While the beef was good, it didn't quite deliver the "mind-blowing" quality and culinary experience that one would expect to get for the price.

An unexpected incident occurred when oil began to drip from the ceiling onto my husband, seemingly a leak from the teppanyaki exhaust. We appreciated that the restaurant addressed this by only charging us for one person, which was a fair resolution.

However, even setting aside that incident, the overall experience felt rather ordinary. On a positive note, Chef Boo, Chef Hiroshi, and a friendly young Japanese chef were personable and provided good service at the table. Nevertheless, the overall level of service and ambiance was quite distinct from what one might find in a truly premium dining setting. Ultimately, we felt the food, though good, didn't quite justify the...

Teppanyaki Kyosaien Gion delivers an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly combines world-class cuisine with masterful cooking and tasting entertainment. Chef Boo is the true star of the evening, showcasing incredible knife skills and culinary artistry while engaging guests with his warm personality and fascinating stories about the ingredients and cooking techniques. The wagyu beef is absolutely extraordinary – each cut melts in your mouth with rich, buttery flavors that justify the restaurant’s premium reputation. The service exemplifies Japanese hospitality at its finest, with attentive staff who anticipate every need and create an atmosphere of genuine care. Located in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, this intimate teppanyaki restaurant offers more than just a meal; it’s a culinary performance where Chef Boo transforms premium ingredients into culinary art right before your eyes. Every aspect, from the impeccable timing of each course to the perfect searing of the meat, demonstrates why Kyosaien Gion stands among the best teppanyaki experiences in Japan. This is destination dining that creates lasting memories and is absolutely worth the investment for anyone seeking exceptional...