Jinbei — Restaurant in Kyoto

Absolutely confused by these high reviews.

Kyoto is a food Mecca and each eating opportunity is a treasured experience. I was quite irritated that I lost a whole meal experience because of the lack of passion, flavour and ambiance at this establishment. Don’t get me wrong, some of the best meals I had in Kyoto were in hole in the walls, but Jinbei was just not it.

The food is unbelievably bland tasting. The owner is unwelcoming. And the space is unkempt.

We ordered multiple dishes and can’t say liked even one.

The Japanese wine they served was awful too. The draft beer was average.

The front area where the kitchen and cash machine is disheveled and borderline unhygienic. No self respecting business should invite patrons into such a messy and off putting space.

At the end they offer a sweet gesture to take a small gift and while it is kind, it may be reason for the lack of honest reviews as people may feel bad to talk bad about a place that just gave them a gift.

I genuinely cannot recommend this place. It does not deserve the limited time of...

Cozy restaurant with local charm

The restaurant is easily accessible as it’s located close to Kyoto Station adjacent to Higashi Honganji temple. Follow the small footpath to the entrance which feels like it’s leading you back in time and away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. The interior is really cozy with both a small counter or tables in a tatami room to choose from. The staff are very friendly and the owner speaks good English. The food is excellent and, amongst many other great dishes, I had some of the best miso soup in my 20+ years in Japan here. It’s all freshly made in front of you too if you’re sitting at the counter. A highly recommended place if you want to experience great local food and a restaurant with a traditional and relaxing vibe with reasonable prices. Here is where you can experience ‘the real Kyoto’ over lunch or dinner. It will be one of the memorable highlights of your visit to Kyoto if you’re on vacation. Definitely worth...

I went to eat at Jinbei on my first night in Kyoto.

The place was charming even from the outside. As I made my way through the allway it was as if I were invited into someone's home. The place was nice and cosy, with only three tables on a tatami floor.

The owner, who is also the chef, came to greet me and, since my Japanese was... let's say... limited, he worried whether I'd be comfortable ordering from the menu. He then took at least ten minutes of his time explaining the dishes in Japanese and only left when he was sure I was happy with my order.

I ordered miso aubergines, rolled omelette, toasted nama gluten and a beer. Everything I ate was delicious and beautifully presented and I was made to feel like a welcome guest. Before I left I was given a little present that I'm very fond of.

Thank...