Kuzushi Kotowari — Restaurant in Kyoto

I fail to understand how this restaurant has gotten a few 4-star reviews scattered amongst its many 5-star reviews. This was our best dining experience during our most recent trip to Japan. This is Kaiseki-style dining at a high level. We felt very fortunate to get reservations at relatively short notice. The personal service begins when you are greeted at the door. It's like you are going to the chef's home. The restaurant is tiny (a 9-10 seat counter), with only one seating per night. The staff (the chef and two servers) was friendly, and we felt comfortable as non-Japanese speakers. Despite the small size, the setting is refined, and nice music plays. There is, of course, no menu (for those unfamiliar, the Kaiseki style is similar to Omakase but more refined and not as sushi-oriented). The chef offers a seasonal menu with the best ingredients. The only options for the evening were an add-on Foie Gras Sushi course and sake and/or wine choices (both the sake and wine menus offer good labels for relatively reasonable prices). I have to say that every course was perfectly choreographed and offered a new experience. I would have never ordered many of these dishes if I were having them a la carte, but every dish was excellent. The Foie Gras Sushi was one of the best bites of food I have ever had, and even the simple Miso Soup was also one of my favorites. Overall, it was a great evening. I recognize that Kyoto has over 200 Michelin-recognized restaurants, so there is no shortage of choices for fine dining in town. Still, Kuzushi Kotowari will offer you a great evening with great food at a relatively...

All I can say is wow. This was probably one of the best dinners I’ve ever had.

I was looking for a place close to our hotel and found Kuzushi Kotowari. We were lucky to walk right in and get a seat at the bar just after six in the evening.

I did not know what to expect, what we got was an eight course meal and an add on dish of foie gras sushi.

Every dish we got was creative and packed amazing flavor. Chef Shota explains to you every dish that he serves in English and its key ingredients.

I would highly recommend this place if you are in the area you will not be disappointed. The pricing is spot on for the food and experience you receive.

One thing I would suggest is arriving here as close to open as it is a bar seating with about 9 or 10 seats and a table on...

A wonderful kaiseki meal! It was a real treat to watch the chef in action, a truly one-man show. Every dish was delicious, delicate and sophisticated in flavour, texture and presentation. It was a privilege to have such an outstanding dining experience at Kuzushi Kotowari.

PS. There was supposed to be only one dinner service that started at 6pm for 10 seats per night. Unaware of that, I arrived late (having informed the chef in advance). The other customers were already on their course #5 or so by the time I arrived, and so while I was apologetic to the chef, it was fascinating to watch him juggle between cooking course #6 onwards for others, course #1 onwards for me, serving, presenting, clearing dishes - all at...