GYUKATSU Kyoto Katsugyu Kiyomizu Gojozaka — Restaurant in Kyoto

We came here for dinner due to the good reviews on google and had the opposite experience. The reason their reviews are so high is because they were asking people to rate their experience highly and shoving us/them the direct QR code to do so.

Upon arrival the staff seemed visibly disorganised and inefficient. The waiting list system and available seats were not being utilised to the extent of people actually asking about it and why they were waiting without reason.

We waited around 35min in the queue. After being seated we had to wait over 10min to order and the chef actually got on the floor to take ours, since the serving staff were busy on their phones and talking to each other.

We ordered the wagyu and the special Japanese beef sets and got taken aback by its lack of quality and flavour. The quality of the beef was definitely not what they were advertising and that is without even mentioning the quality of the side dishes. The meat was chewy, hard, bloody and untender; 1/3 of my "premium Japanese beef" was pure fat; (see photo) The side dishes were extremely dull, the salt/pepper mix (essential pepper mix) was just MSG; The wasabi tasted like coloured horseradish and not even of quality; The grilling plate wasn't actually cleaned between guests; (see photo) The egg was essentially just holding its shape and that was also about it. It was not the silky, custardy nor perfectly cooked like other eggs we've had; The miso soup tasted like it came out of a package; The place was only occupied with tourists, which should have been the first give away; All gyukatsu places I have eaten and been to had their own special sauce, here they had gravy..; Both chefs were definitely not Japanese, since they were "too Western" looking to be so;

This experience was for the both of us probably the most underwhelming to worst meal we have had so far in Japan. We're still quite shocked with how bad this was from A to Z.

On top of that, the bathroom was extremely filthy and you could see dried urine and more on the toilet itself (see photos)

I will not come again, and recommend everyone to keep walking and find a proper local Japanese restaurant. And for this we paid...

We recently dined at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu as a group of four and were absolutely impressed by the experience! We ordered the Tenderloin, Chunk Tail, and Minced Meat Katsu, and every dish exceeded our expectations.

The Tenderloin was perfectly cooked to a medium-rare, with a juicy and tender texture that melted in our mouths. The Chunk Tail had a bold, rich flavor, while the Minced Meat Katsu was crisp on the outside and packed with savory goodness on the inside. Each dish was accompanied by an array of sauces and seasonings, allowing us to customize every bite to our taste.

What made the experience even more memorable was the personal grill provided at the table. It let us adjust the doneness of the meat, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.

The presentation was impeccable, with attention to detail in every element, from the crisp cabbage salad to the perfectly steamed rice and hearty miso soup.

The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, and the staff was attentive and helpful, guiding us through the menu and grilling process.

Overall, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu delivers an authentic and delightful Japanese dining experience. It's a must-visit for meat lovers and anyone looking to try premium gyukatsu in a cozy setting. We'll...

The food and service at this restaurant were excellent, and I really enjoyed my meal. I am only removing one star because of something that happened while I was waiting outside.

I did not see the sign asking customers not to wait along the sides of the restaurant. I now understand that there are residents living nearby, and I’m sorry for standing in the wrong place. While I was waiting, a man who lived to the left of the restaurant needed to pass. Instead of asking me to move, he pushed me aside with his whole arm, touching my torso, including my chest. It was not just a light nudge, and it made me feel very uncomfortable.

Shortly after, an older woman spoke to the restaurant’s manager, asking us to move, which I completely understand. The manager was very kind when he asked us to step aside. I wish I could have apologized to the resident for blocking the way, but I also hope he does not treat other customers like this in the future.

Overall, this restaurant is wonderful, and I still recommend it. I just hope that future guests can be treated with respect, even when...