Aman Kyoto Taka-An Restaurant — Restaurant in Kyoto

I’m not sure if we went on a uniquely poor day because we didn’t have the same experience as the people below. This was one of the worst fine dining experiences either of us have ever had. We were giving the wrong first dish, and as we started eating, the waitress came and took the plates from in front of us as she explained there was an error. The error wasn’t an issue but once we’ve started eating, don’t take the plate away. It was extremely awkward and uncomfortable. There were 10 dishes on the set kaiseki beef menu. No menu was provided, and they would just tell us what was being served as it came. Upon request (because my wife is pregnant), we were given the printed menus but it was a real battle to get these. Then the food. I’ll be honest, I’m not a food snob so it’s really strange for me to say this food was so bland. The quality of meat was good but the flavours were so flat. The beef tongue was great but the rest of then beef was tasteless, and the main course (fillet/sirloin steak) was too raw and chewy. I could go in to more detail but I would tear the menu apart. There really wasn’t much good to say. Finally, the drinks were shocking. The drinks menu is super limited. It has 2 alcoholic cocktails and 1 non-alcoholic cocktail for example. The non-alcoholic cocktail was carton orange juice mixed with some carton grape juice. Really really strange for a luxury dining experience. The Bellini tasted like water with a slight sake aftertaste. I think it’s better to just not have cocktails on the menu if you have so few, and they’re so basic.

I actually felt conflicted to write this review because the staff were lovely and respectful. The head chef was extremely pleasant. But I do feel cheated after paying 86,000 ¥ (£450) for the above (2 x set menus, 1 cocktail, 1 non-alcoholic cocktail). I’m left so confused by the reviews below. I feel I must have been served the wrong food because my experience was so so so bad, and left me so dissatisfied. I’m writing this as I walk to a local Wagyu...

My wife and I had the pleasure of dining here during our stay at Aman Kyoto, and this was, without a doubt, one of the best dining experiences we've ever had, and was definitely the highlight of our entire Japan trip.

The kaiseki dinner consisted of 10 courses plus two desserts at the end. Each course was meticulously prepared in their composition and presentation, and highlighted various fresh, local ingredients. Portions were generous, and both of us were definitely full by the end of the meal.

Some of the preparation and much of the plating was done right in front of us by the chef, so do try to sit at the bar if possible.

Restaurant staff was very friendly and helpful -- the sommelier especially so! Spot-on sake recommendations and everyone really took care of us the entire evening, in true Aman fashion.

We will definitely plan our next Japan trip around being able to dine...

When we visited Taka-An in October 2024, we received not only an exceptional lunch but also excellent hospitality.

You can tell that the quality of the ingredients they used were fresh and indeed picked daily. It's all in the small details - as an example the soy sauce they use is carefully selected from a very high quality local producer. The food was crafted with special seasoning and skill and all the dishes practically melt in your mouth. Special thank you and shout-out to Mr. Shichikuro-San and the chef.

The service was impeccable and were one of the most hospitable experiences - next time we are in Kyoto we will stop by again - more than...