Antonio — Restaurant in Kyoto

After being in Japan for the past ten days, specifically in Kyoto for six days, we have had quite a few Japanese meals. We had Ramen, Udon, Beef with rice Guydon bowls, Shabu-Shabu (hot pot), noodle soup; and we wanted to try something new today, and so we decided to go to Antonio’s Spanish restaurant, just about 10-15 minutes from our hotel. When we called to make a reservation, the staff member, who we later learned was Mia, was very helpful and told us to make an advance booking for the Spanish dish paella with chicken and shrimp since it takes a long time to cook. We pre-ordered the paella and then took a taxi to the restaurant.

When we arrived at the cafe, Mia seated us, and we found the restaurant decor to be very lovely and cozy. Very well decorated, with Spanish matador pictures, paintings, utensils, and things from Spain that reminded us of our time in Madrid. We had pre-ordered the paella, but after getting seated, we also ordered the Sangria for drinks, shrimp with garlic sauce tapas, potato croquet tapas, grilled sausage, and along with that, Mia got us some complimentary warm bread with garlic butter. The warm bread and garlic butter were just out of this world. It was crunchy and toasted, and the garlic butter was just yummy. All the other top dishes were equally good. The moment we placed them in our mouths, the combination of flavors, taste, heat, and the temperature hotness of the dish exploded in our mouths, and all of us at the table exclaimed, “ Oh Yum!!!!” And this was for every dish.

After the Tapas were polished off, the paella arrived, and all of us shared the chicken & shrimp with rice hot from the oven, and again, it was something that frankly was better than the paella we had in Spain. Later on, I thanked the chef, whose name was Antonio, the restaurant named after him, and he was so gracious that he offered a shot of cold tequila as a parting gift.

Mia took family pictures for our photo album and ordered a Taxi for us. She was so helpful, smiling, kept waving when our taxi pulled off and made us feel welcome and comfortable that all the family members agreed that it felt like we just visited our friends and were returning from a dinner date at our friend's place.

If you’re in the Kyoto area and want to try some great hospitality and food from Chef Antonio’s kitchen, please visit Antonio’s restaurant. You will not be disappointed. We will definitely visit this great restaurant on our next visit to Kyoto. Five stars all the way, and I could give more for the hospitality and for making us feel so welcome.

Tony - You shared a drink with me and that means a lot. Total respect for your cooking skills. God Bless you!!! and I wish you continued success and good luck.

Mia - You are the best hostess and you made us so welcome that we spoke about you all night. Our son wants to come back to the restaurant just to meet you....

This was such a disappointing meal at this Spanish restaurant for the four of us - the food was very poor - 9 cold tapas - is this really what a Spanish restaurant in Japan can offer as a taste of Spain - we waited over an hour for this dish with the 9 tapas to be served - one of the guests was vegetarian /vegan and we choose this restaurant because their menu said they could do vegetarian dishes if required - we were offered just one dish, tomatoes which were well past their best with a tiny portion of blue cheese which was considered a main dish the lady tried to order potatoes bravas to go with it and was informed that it was too spicy so advised that it was better not to order! We ordered three main dishes at 1945 hrs and were still waiting for the paella for two people at 2235 hrs - the chef had spent at least 20 minutes talking to a group of 8 people and drinking brandy with them without even acknowledging that we were still waiting for our two main dishes - we planned to celebrate our sons 9th birthday there and had brought a cake - informed by the staff there that we would need to pay 2500 yen for them to bring the cake out which we had agreed to do - at 2240 we gave up and asked for the bill and our cake back and we had to have the little celebration for our son’s birthday back in our hotel room - it was a very disappointing experience - every aspect was poor and considering the restaurant only had 16 guests there in total it felt totally lacking in good service and quality of food - it’s definitely not a restaurant to return to and had a feel if a Basil Faulty experience - I dont write negative reviews usually but on this occasion I feel it is justified Sent...

A Taste of Spain: A Culinary Journey at Antonio

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Antonio’s offers a delightful gastronomic adventure through the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the inviting ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy tavern in the streets of Seville.

The menu boasts a tempting array of traditional tapas, each dish a testament to the chef's dedication to authenticity and quality. Start your culinary journey with the quintessential patatas bravas, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, accompanied by a zesty aioli that dances on your palate.

For seafood enthusiasts, the gambas al ajillo is a must-try, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors that leave you craving for more. Meanwhile, the tortilla española showcases the simplicity of Spanish cuisine at its finest, with layers of potatoes and eggs cooked to golden perfection, offering a comforting bite with every forkful.

No Spanish meal is complete without a sip of sangria, and Antonio’s does not disappoint. Their signature sangria is a refreshing blend of fruity notes and a hint of spice, served chilled to perfection, making it the ideal companion to your tapas feast.

The service at Antonio’s is impeccable, with knowledgeable staff members who are eager to guide you through the menu and provide recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of Spanish cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, Antonio’s offers an unforgettable dining experience that will transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Spain with every...