Dupree — Restaurant in Kyoto

One of Kyoto’s hidden gems.

Dining at Dupree was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences I had in Japan. The cuisine is truly formidable — each dish feels carefully composed, with an extraordinary balance of ingredients, techniques, and flavors. It’s the kind of food that goes beyond just taste; it actually transmits emotion. You can tell that every plate is the result of deep thought, creativity, and a genuine passion for cooking.

What really stood out to me was how seamless the experience felt. Nothing was overdone or forced. The progression of the menu flowed beautifully, surprising the palate without overwhelming it. Each bite felt both precise and soulful — a rare combination in fine dining.

And then there’s the wine cellar, which deserves special mention. It’s one of the most impressive I’ve encountered in Japan. The selection is not only extensive, but clearly curated with care and knowledge. The sommelier offered perfect pairings that elevated the entire experience.

If you’re in Kyoto and truly appreciate thoughtful, emotional cuisine paired with world-class wine, Dupree is an absolute must. This is a restaurant that confidently earns its place among the...

One of the places I would choose to eat with a glass of wine if the world ever ends.

It is refreshing and amazing to see such a young energy in this little space in Kyoto. So vibrant but still transforming energy from this ancient city. Freedom Equality and Fraternity. Japan has everything but not these three values. And these three values are what you call Romance and it is here!

With fresh excellent ingredients locally available in Kyoto we were invited into French and Italian favourites with Japanese translations which were in no doubt world...

Really good wines from all over the world, and knowledgeable staff who can wine pair your meals with your preferred wines. Lovely, beautiful space and chilled vibes, music a little noisy, and the food we ordered… it’s like tapas where you can order a number of dishes but you shouldn’t order too many because the portion is quite generous. Some dishes were really tasty and some were not, it really depends on what you like. It’s more Japanese-European fusion and I didn’t really care for it. But overall a really elegant, exquisite place with wine experts and...