Charcoal fire izakaya Julia Wagyu specialty store — Restaurant in Kyoto

Someone make a personal phone call to the Michelin Guide in regards to this restaurant. And to think I almost had cheap dumplings for dinner after an overpriced meal last night… I was skeptical after the plentiful 5.0 star reviews on Google about this place worried they were AI or bots or something. But I went, and the restaurant was almost empty. The restaurant is owned by a wife and husband (he is the chef, she is the waitress) and located down a dark side street. It was a late dinner but people finally came in mid-meal. The meal also started with a ¥1,000 “fee” but came with a complimentary wagyu starter. For reference, 1,000 yen right now is $6.36 USD. The appetizer was so so good (and easily $30-40 minimum in the USA), and the soy sauce under the beef was incredible. The Bluefin Tuna Sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth fresh and flavorful. Literally so so good and why I came to Japan in the first place (which is harder to come by than you’d imagine in Japan). Then, the Deluxe Matsusaka Beef Fillet Steak came and again, melt-in-your-mouth. The cattle can only be female virgins and need to be bred with strict guidelines or something. Paired with either salt & wasabi or their homemade BBQ sauce (if you know me, you know how much I love BBQ sauce), I couldn’t decide which I liked more—I was alternating bites. I came barely hungry looking for a small plate, but left not wanting the meal to end. The wife was the sweetest as well, asking where I was from and recommending things to do in Osaka (my next stop). She would apologize for any sort of wait for the food (there was no delay in the food, she was just overly nice) and explained how to maximize every bite. At the end, the chef came to shake my hand and thank me personally for coming. Was not expecting to have one of the best meals of my life tonight (and you know this means a lot because I eat out too frequently) but I would be doing a disservice to the world if I did not do my part in sharing this couple’s legacy. You better not leave Kyoto without stopping by this place at least once....

A Culinary Masterpiece: An Unforgettable Experience

I've had the privilege of dining at some extraordinary restaurants around the world, but nothing quite compares to the unforgettable experience I had at Charcoal Fire Izakaya Julia Wagyu.

From the moment we stepped into the cozy, intimate setting, we were enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The talented husband and wife team behind this gem are not only exceptional chefs, but also incredibly kind and hospitable hosts.

The menu is a masterpiece, showcasing the finest ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. The grilled shiitake mushrooms were a revelation, bursting with flavor and texture. The pickled Kyoto vegetables were so fresh and bright, and the bluefin tuna was simply divine (the best sashimi we’ve had on our 3 week trip!).

It’s hard to pick a star of the show, but the Matsusaka wagyu beef special was out of this world. Cooked perfect, it was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of rich, earthy charcoal and beefy flavor. We were so impressed with the quality of the meat and the skill of the chef that we made reservations for a second visit before we even had dessert.

The intimate setting, incredible aromas, and peaceful view of the Takase River adds to the overall ambiance, making it the perfect place to indulge in a truly special meal. Despite this clearly being a beloved place by locals, the owners were so welcoming to non-Japanese speakers and had an English menu.

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Kyoto, Izakaya Julia is where it’s at! It's a hidden gem that deserves all the praise...

If you're in Kyoto, this spot is a MUST TRY!!! Run by an incredibly sweet duo (charming hostess and talented chef) in a very intimate and cozy setting right by the canal. Overall staff are extremely nice and accommodating 😁

This place is reservation only so make sure you're not walk-in! If you're a tourist like me and lacking a Japanese phone number, you can try walking in during lunch hours and asking for a reservation!

Cover fee of 1000 yen per person will include an appetizer, but you must also buy at least 1 drink per group. However, the drink options are all amazing though!!!

Overall, the food was so incredible. This is the kind of meat which will make you go vegetarian, since you can never have meat/beef again without being disappointed.

Each dish was prepared to absolute perfection and plated beautifully: Chef Goto must be one of the best there is 💯 Would recommend coming in a group of 2-4 since the dishes are quite flavorful and it's better to sample a wide variety instead of trying to have an entire Wagyu flavor bomb yourself.

If I could only visit 1 more restaurant before I die, this would be the one. Will hopefully come again before I leave Kyoto, and definitely visit again the next time I'm back!

My friend and I had the following dishes totalling to around 15,000 yen per person: Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms Grilled Kyoto Chilli Potato Salad with Wagyu Wagyu Fillet Wagyu Sirloin Draft...