Droit — Restaurant in Kyoto

A Memorable Experience

We had a wonderful dining experience at Droit, with impeccable service and dishes that focused on rich, decadent sauces. The atmosphere was beautiful, making the evening feel even more special. The chef was incredibly attentive, crafting a menu to accommodate one person in our party with a sensitivity to beef and pork, and he took the time to ensure everything was to our liking, despite the language difference. His hospitality and dedication to ensuring we enjoyed our meal did not go unnoticed, and our interactions with him were truly delightful.

However, the meal took about 3 hours and 45 minutes, which felt longer than expected for an 8-course menu, especially after a full day of exploring. The chef kindly apologized for the pacing midway through, and it was clear he was working very hard to keep everything running smoothly. We also noticed a bit of smokiness in the room from some of the dishes, which was slightly distracting. For the price point of ¥23,000 per person plus a 10% service charge, we would have appreciated slightly better pacing and more ventilation, especially at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Overall, the chef’s expertise and passion were clearly reflected in the flavors and service. Despite some minor setbacks, we left impressed with the experience and grateful for his warm...

Absolutely exquisite. Dining at Droit in Kyoto was nothing short of a transcendent experience, a masterclass in culinary alchemy where French elegance meets Japanese refinement with seamless precision.

From the kampai upon entering the restaurant to the final bite, the Chef’s artistry was on full display, fusing traditions with a lightness of touch and a boldness of imagination that left us speechless. Each course was not just a dish, but a revelation, an explosion of delicate, layered flavors combining ingredients you’d never dream of pairing, yet which came together in perfect harmony; surprising, thrilling, and utterly sublime.

The setting is understated yet elegant, the kind of quiet luxury that allows the food and conversation to take center stage, while still wrapping you in a cocoon of refined beauty. But what truly elevated the evening was the impeccable service. The staff were incredibly aware, intuitive, and anticipatory, offering suggestions at the perfect moment, refilling glasses with a whisper, and creating a sense of being genuinely cared for.

Droit is not just a restaurant, it is an experience, one that redefines what fusion cuisine can be. If you are in Kyoto and looking for a dinner that transcends borders and expectations, this...

This was the best meal we had in Japan.

We arrived in Kyoto following a gluttonous four days in Tokyo at big name-recognition places like Narisawa, L’Osier, and Sushi Yoshitake. Earlier in the day on which we dined at Droit we also already had lunch at La Cime in Osaka. We arrived with full bellies and empty wallets and this place STILL wins over any of them. It was so memorable.

It’s a one-man operation. The chef is your waiter and sommelier. He has a good command of English and an interesting library of small-production wines, mostly French.

Sauces tasted as if an underling had been whisking away at them all day. Fishes and meats were utterly perfect. The sweetbreads were the best I’ve ever had. The French tradition is strictly followed throughout every component of every dish, with a sprinkling of Japanese here and there. This place is SERIOUSLY GOOD.

We talked about Japanese knives and whiskey during our 3-hour culinary expedition. It deserves more than one Michelin star. Go now before it inevitably...