Gion Matayoshi — Restaurant in Kyoto

Dining at Gion Matayoshi and experiencing their autumn summer course was nothing short of unforgettable. While countless restaurants today rely on Instagrammable moments, this two-star Michelin gem places the focus squarely where it belongs: on the art of dining itself. To honor this, I won’t be including any photos here, as words can only capture so much of this remarkable experience—a visit is essential to appreciate the essence fully.

The journey began with a warm welcome from the staff, who were not only knowledgeable but genuinely engaged and playful, creating an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and relaxed. They seemed to enjoy guiding us through each course, infusing moments of fun and curiosity into the evening. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it added a sense of joy to the meal that’s rare to find in fine dining. The chef himself even asked if we were full and offered more rice— a small gesture, but one that highlighted the warmth and unpretentious nature of this restaurant. It’s a place that carries its accolades with grace, never veering into pretension.

One of the highlights of the evening was undoubtedly the sake tasting. We opted for both the local Kyoto selection and the rare Japanese sake menu, each expertly paired and advised by our host. The recommendations were on point, and each sip brought a new depth to the dishes, highlighting the flavors of the season in an unexpected yet harmonious way.

As for the food—each course was a masterpiece. Every plate was an intricate blend of tradition and creativity, with the seasonal ingredients brought to life in a way that was both surprising and comforting. The progression of flavors felt intentional and intuitive, building to a crescendo that left a lasting impression. From the perfectly balanced flavors to the artful presentation, it’s clear that every detail has been considered and elevated to the highest standard.

In a city renowned for culinary excellence, Gion Matayoshi still manages to stand out. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you why dining is an art form, something to be felt rather than just seen. This was, without question, one of the best meals of my life, and I encourage anyone reading this to experience...

Dining at Gion Matayoshi in Kyoto was a mesmerizing experience that perfectly embodied the artistry and grace of traditional Kaiseki cuisine. This intimate, two-Michelin-starred restaurant excels in delivering a meal that feels both deeply minimalist and impressively elaborate, blending centuries-old culinary principles with flavors that astonish the palate.

From the moment we entered, the warm and personable wait staff made us feel not like guests, but like cherished family members. Their hospitality was genuine and attentive, enhancing every aspect of our dining journey. One of the assistant chefs, affectionately known as “Bear,” truly elevated the experience. His thoughtful and enthusiastic explanations of each course, from ingredients to the precise way to savor each bite, demonstrated a deep respect for the cuisine and a desire to share its nuances with diners.

Each dish at Gion Matayoshi was a testament to the Kaiseki tradition—artfully composed, restrained in presentation, but bursting with layered, refined flavors. The precision and subtlety of the cooking were exceptional, revealing a perfect balance of texture, taste, and visual beauty. It felt like a parade of edible art, where simplicity met sophistication.

The sake pairing was nothing short of extraordinary. The selections were clearly curated by a master, and each sake elevated the flavors of the accompanying dish to new heights. The thoughtful progression of flavors—ranging from delicate to robust—reflected a true understanding of the interplay between food and drink. This pairing is an absolute must for anyone seeking the full Gion Matayoshi experience.

As we concluded our meal, we were honored to be personally greeted by Chef Matayoshi himself. His kindness, professionalism, and humble gratitude for our visit left a lasting impression. It was the perfect note to end a flawless dining experience.

Gion Matayoshi is more than just a meal; it’s an immersion into Kyoto’s rich culinary culture and a masterclass in hospitality. For anyone who appreciates the finesse of Kaiseki cuisine, this restaurant is a jewel that should...

We had an extremely unpleasant experience at this restaurant. We came with high expectations, after seeing other reviews that sang praise of the restaurant and the extremely positive Michelin review. Upon arrival, the atmosphere and food seemed normal. Food portions were huge and taste was okay (definitely not living up to our expectations; we had much better experience elsewhere) but the core issue lies in the hygiene (huge issue for us since sashimi was served). There were three chefs that were serving us. The chief chef and his primary assistant were normal. But there was another assistant (skinny, wearing glasses) and he was mainly serving our party and the couple next to us. First of all, this restaurant serves raw fish so hygiene is crucial. This assistant that was serving us had dirt lined around his finger nails (picture thick black borders). Keep in mind that he is treating sashimi and other food with his bare hands (no gloves) so that sight alone was extremely offputting. There happens to be a Chinese couple sitting next to us who can't understand English or Japanese. This assistant fetched out his personal phone to use google translate to explain the food to the couple. Well, that was a kind gesture. But after touching that clearly dirty phone, he proceeded to put down his phone on the chopping board (yes, the same board he uses to cut sashimi and prepare other food) and touched the food without even washing his already clearly dirty hands (black dirt all over his finger nails!). And then as each dish was served, he also used his dirty fingers to point (touching) each food. We prepaid for our meal because we used a reservation platform so we tried to finish our food. But we agreed our night was completely ruined and we definitely do not recommend this place to anyone that values hygiene (covid was only 2 years ago! cough cough). It is a pity though, since the atmosphere and food were decent, and service from the rest of the team was okay. I really hope they would...