Coppie — Restaurant in Kyoto

My wife and I are on a 2 week Japan trip for our 5 year anniversary. On the actual date of our anniversary, we did not have dinner plans, so we decided to wander around the area near our hotel. We stumbled across Coppie. Even though we were disheveled foreigners, and even though we didn't have a reservation, the owner gave us a seat.

We had one of the best dining experiences of our lives. We ordered 8 courses, and many cups of sake. With each bite, we reflexively closed our eyes in sheer ecstacy. There is no back kitchen, rather the chef prepares everything in full view of the diners. For hours we watched him prepare each course with exacting, yet gentil precision.

The restaurant is owned and operated by 2 couples, and all four of them were working together in orchestral harmony the whole time we were there. They gave us suggestions, explained the (only Japanese) menu, and made sure our every need was met. This restaurant surpasses any Michelin recognized restaurant I have been to. I know they have a bright future...

One of the best restaurants we have experienced in Japan so far! The concept is to try several small dishes (5-6 each for kids, 6-7 for adults). Given our food constraints we did not opt for the omakase (which is probably better value for money) but for the a la carte menu. We tasted the liver pate, bruschetta, wagyu beef (takes a bit of time to cook), French fries, chestnut and potato, duck, soup stock, mackerel, chocolate dessert, along with ginger ale and local beer. Evetything was very tasty. The menu is in Japanese but thanks to the patient staff and Google translate we were able to make it unscathed. Given we came as a family with kids we did not ask for counter seats when making the booking but it is probably even better to eat at the counter and see how the chefs cook. Definitely recommend if you...

Cool place, enthusiastic team and really good food!

We came for dinner and were seated at the counter overlooking the open kitchen. After some consultation with the staff we ordered multiple dishes from the a la carte menu, basically whatever sounded good to us. The chef then adjusted the portion sizes to make sure we ordered just the right amount. I would describe the food as a creative mix of Italian and Kyoto influences. The level of cooking was really high, way above the level of the Bib Gourmand this restaurant currently holds in the Michelin guide.

Shout out to the sommeliere as well - We just stated some preferences, and each dish came with a recommended pairing. This ranged from sake, Japanese wine...