Eikichi — Restaurant in Kyoto

I'll be honest, I don't really know where to begin. After reading reviews I had decided this was someplace I had hoped to try during our stay in Kyoto. Fortunately that happened tonight and the whole experience was way better than I had expected.

It is a small, intimate and comfortable setting inside the restaurant. The chef wears multiple hats, filling additional roles of bar tender, server, and guide.

We didn't actually order anything beyond drinks, mostly because we don't speak or read Japanese. Instead, using Google Translate, I asked if our chef would be willing to select some dishes for us. He was happy to do so and soon our culinary tour had begun.

Every dish is crafted before your eyes. He also took time to try an explain each dish to us as we went (what he lacked in English words he made up for with excellent mime skills). We tasted things that I hadn't thought I would ever get a chance to and explored old favorites prepared in new ways. The price was exceptionally reasonable, too. I cannot believe we were so lucky as to cap off an excellent stay here with this as our final dinner before moving on.

If you're in Kyoto, also try to...

This place is really special and quite amazing. Yuki the chef does everything by himself and therefore it's reservation only.

He was welcoming, funny and attentive. He's learning english and we spent all night talking with him. His menu is changed daily and he writes them himself (only in Japanese), which much take so much time in its self.

We asked him to make up a set menu for us which he was happy to do. As he cooked each dish in front of us, he described what he was doing and what ingredients he was using, something we'll never likely get anywhere else again. Yuki even drew out the specific fish we were eating as the night went on. He kept us entertained and it'll be meal to remember Kyoto and even Japan by.

It does take a while, so be prepared to spend at least a couple of...

During my trip to Kyoto, I had the pleasure of dining at Eikichi, and it was by far the best food experience I’ve had in Japan. The atmosphere was welcoming and authentic, with impeccable service from start to finish. The owner, in particular, was incredible—his warmth and passion for the restaurant truly made the experience unforgettable.

The food was exceptional—each dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor.

What made this experience truly special was the personal touch behind every dish. It felt crafted with care and passion, which made the meal even more memorable. If you’re ever in Kyoto, Eikichi is a must-visit. It’s an experience I...