Kobe Beef Kisshokichi - Kyoto Main Store — Restaurant in Kyoto

What an unforgettable experience! If you’re looking to indulge, the Kobe Beef Kisshokichi Kyoto Main Store is a must-visit. Located on the 8th floor, this intimate teppanyaki restaurant offers stunning views of the Kamo River. From the moment you step inside, you’re warmly welcomed by the host and promptly seated at the teppanyaki grill/bar.

Our chef, Ayami, was an absolute delight! She began with precise, meticulous preparation of the vegetables, all while glowing with warmth and genuine hospitality. This isn’t your typical North American teppanyaki show with party tricks—there are no onion volcanoes or flying food here. Instead, the focus is on crafting a refined and elevated dining experience. Ayami’s attention to detail was remarkable, especially as she prepared the Kobe beef to perfection, recommending medium rare, which was absolutely spot-on.

We chose the Kobe beef teppanyaki steak, special marbled, opting for the smallest and second-smallest portions. The rich, buttery nature of the beef made these portions ideal—any more, and it could have felt too heavy. The beef we selected was mid-tier in their offerings, but there’s a wide range to suit various budgets. For a truly extravagant celebration, you could easily spend over 100,000 yen for two people. Keep in mind, this is a splurge-worthy experience!

The atmosphere was sophisticated yet entirely unpretentious. We felt relaxed and well cared for throughout. If possible, request Ayami as your chef—her kindness, skill, and dedication to perfection make the experience even more special. She took the time to explain each step and paid meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring everything was flawlessly cooked.

We truly appreciated the serene, intimate ambiance and the elegant interaction with Ayami. This experience was nothing short of exceptional, and I’m not sure any other teppanyaki meal will ever compare!

Pro tip: Add the Kobe beef...

If you’re in Kyoto and craving Kobe beef, this restaurant might just be the perfect spot. The cozy ambiance, combined with a fantastic view of the city from its elevated location, makes it a memorable dining experience. When we visited during the lull between lunch and dinner, the place was pleasantly quiet, enhancing its relaxed and intimate vibe.

The chef, Masa, prepared our meal hibachi-style right in front of us, showcasing both skill and attention to detail. My steak was kept perfectly warm as Masa expertly served a few slices at a time, ensuring each bite was at its peak. For those who might prefer a different setting, the restaurant also offers standard tables that don’t feature the hibachi experience. Engaging in conversation with the chef added a personal touch—he not only gave recommendations for pairing the food but also encouraged us to experiment with our own seasoning combinations.

Our waitress, Son, was equally attentive, ensuring everything ran smoothly. The meal didn’t stop at the steak; both the appetizers and desserts were exceptional, rounding out the evening beautifully.

It’s worth noting that dining here comes with a significant price tag—expect to spend hundreds of dollars per person depending on your selections. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option for Kobe beef, the quality of the food and the experience itself are unmatched. This was, without a doubt, some of the best food I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t...

Warning: Tourist trap. My husband and I ordered their 18000 yen Kobe sirloin steak that doesn’t come with rice and soup. You need to pay extra 900 yen for a very small portion of their rice and soup. The steak was only 110g or maybe just 100g as it was too small. I had much better top quality A5 Kobe wagyu at other restaurant with the same price but more quantity (mind you it was almost 200g for the same 18000 yen.) Totally overpriced.

My husband ordered their seafood platter set as we had too much beef for that week so he decided to switch it up. The platter supposed to have a lobster, shrimp and either tuna or salmon, it costed 14000 yen. Surprised! The lobster turned out to be really small and tiny, 3 garlic shrimps, and a slightly acceptable portion of Tuna. Now comes the worst part, the young “chef” that cooked our kobe wagyu didn’t know how to cook the lobster and shrimps, which resulted another “chef” came to help her. Cooking my lobster became the young “chef” cooking lesson, and no surprise, my lobster became overcooked and totally dried. As well as my 3 tiny shrimps and Tuna. Overcooked Tuna, hard and dry. My first time having such awful tuna in my 3 weeks japan trip. We purposely left half of it on the plate, thinking that once the waitress saw the portion that we left she might ask why but no, she just took away quickly as in she’s trying to make us go away.

Be wise, don’t fall for this “high reviewed” tourist trap. You are...