Kyōto Hyōto Kyōto Ekimae Honten — Restaurant in Kyoto

Beautiful Atmosphere and Great Service, but Falls Short on Value

Let me start with the positives:

This restaurant is absolutely beautiful, with a fine dining ambiance that’s reflected in the care and attention the staff gave us. The semi-Japanese-style seating was comfortable, and the service was impeccable.

The food, however, took me by surprise. I initially thought this would be the shabu shabu style I’m used to in the U.S., where you cook meat and vegetables in a flavorful broth, then enjoy the broth as part of the meal. Here, the shabu shabu style is different—the lightly seasoned broth is used only for dipping the meat and vegetables, and you pair them with a sauce. You don’t drink the broth.

The staff noticed our confusion and were extremely kind, taking the time to explain the proper way to enjoy the meal. Thanks to Google Translate, we understood everything clearly. While this wasn’t the style I expected, the meal was still enjoyable. The dessert (a pudding-like dish) was exceptional and even earned approval from my 4- and 5-year-old kids!

Now for the not-so-positive:

The appetizers included in the set course were hit or miss. One dish (a tofu-like item) wasn’t to my taste, while the other was more enjoyable. Based on previous reviews, I expected all the appetizers to be outstanding, but that wasn’t the case.

As for the main meal, we’ve been eating wagyu beef every day in Tokyo for the past four days, averaging about $80 per meal for our family of four (our kids eat a lot of meat, just like us). However, this meal in Kyoto cost over $220 (converted to USD from Yen). The portion sizes were thin, so we had to order extra meat to feel satisfied.

Was the food good? Yes. But was it worth the price compared to the value we experienced in Tokyo? Definitely not. I expected Kyoto to be cheaper, not more expensive than Tokyo. Perhaps the higher cost reflects the fine dining atmosphere, with its attentive staff and upscale environment. However, considering the overall experience, we wouldn’t return.

We chose this restaurant because of its high rating on Google and it was 5 minutes away from us, but we definitely...

I never leave bad reviews but our experience here was so bad that I have to call it out. For context, I ordered the vegan 7-dish meal and my husband ordered the Wagyu Beef Sirloin shabu shabu.

From the moment we entered the restaurant the staff was cold. We were seated in 2 seats under the stairwell (worst seats in the restaurant), and it seemed because of being in a more secluded part of the restaurant - we were forgotten. Staff were stressed and disorganized serving multiple tables. Perhaps the restaurant was understaffed. On one occasion my tofu steak, that was cooking over a fire on cast iron, burned because the waiter left and never came back to check in on it. At 5 minutes (the time the staff asked me to wait before taking the lid off - a timer which I had to set on my phone? ), I took it out it had burned at the bottom. When it was time for the shabu shabu part of the meal we did not know what to do as it was our first time, and the staff did not explain. They were aware of our lack of knowledge on shabu shabu, as we kept asking questions on when and how we should eat. As far as the food - my husband also said the quality of the seafood and beef was not worthy of the price; my vegan meal was just OK.

For the cost of eating this restaurant (~10K yen per person) we expected warmer, more attentive staff and a higher quality meal. We have eaten at many Japanese restaurants where, even with language barriers, the service was top notch. This felt like a...

A Review of Kyoto Hyoto Restaurant

Our experience at Kyoto Hyoto was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were transported into an authentic Japanese atmosphere, where traditional elegance meets modern refinement.

The menu was a masterpiece, offering a wide range of dishes that beautifully captured the essence of Japanese cuisine. Every bite was a testament to the skill and precision of the chefs. The sushi and sashimi were incredibly fresh, practically melting in our mouths, while the hot dishes, like the tempura and miso-marinated black cod, were perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

The attention to detail extended beyond the food. The presentation of each dish was an art form, reflecting the philosophy of Japanese aesthetics. The service was equally impressive — attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming, which made us feel truly cared for throughout the evening.

The ambiance was serene yet sophisticated, creating the perfect setting for both intimate dinners and special celebrations. The harmonious blend of traditional decor and contemporary touches added to the overall experience.

Kyoto Hyoto is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey through the culinary and cultural heritage of Japan. We left with full hearts and satisfied palates, already planning our next visit. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable...