MASHIRO — Restaurant in Kyoto

恐ろしいサービス、ありえないよ！！ (Terrifying service, impossible!!)

We feel obliged to tell others what happened to us, especially overseas visitors, so this review will be in English (though my friend and I both are able to understand and speak Japanese). But I also sincerely recommend that locals read this or refer to another Japanese entry by my friend later.

To be frank and fair, when compared to other one Michelin-starred restaurants of the same or similar genre, the food was up to standards despite of some thirst after the meal. The service, however, was totally another story.

I would like to just pinpoint one fatal and critical issue, serving ALLERGIC ingredients to diners who had written to them on the booking (refer to the image), among many other issues like non-responsive reception (we arrived on time, 3-4 minutes before the booking time), recklessly opening a sparkling wine that made the stopper almost hit my face or head, lack of attention to explaining the dishes (as the chef only turned to the Japanese diners, even they know that we can understand Japanese) and no attention to the untidiness on the table after the serving of a number of dishes.

Ones may argue that it could be hard for the restaurant to avoid some allergic ingredients, but the fact is that the restaurant did not express that they cannot avoid those ingredients, neither in advance nor on the spot. To be more precise, the restaurant even did not check or confirm the allergic ingredients with us before the start of the meal. We could only discover the ingredient, which was kiwi in this case, on the Japanese menu (refer to the image) by ourselves. Once again, if they had paid attention to what we told them on the booking or had checked with us regarding such ingredients, how could the exact allergic ingredient blatantly have appeared on the menu without any explanation?

When we told the somm cum owner that kiwi is an allergic ingredient to one of us and has to be avoided. He replied that kiwi had been mixed with the dessert and could not be separated from it. Though the chef later provided an alternative, the causal and mindless reply simply showed that they did not notice what we told them on the booking and they did not even care about if the ingredients would cause allergy to diners as there was no apology.

We were truly disappointed at the service. If you are considering visiting this one Michelin-starred restaurant (and it also obtained 4.0 out of 5 on Tabelog, as at 8 Sept 2025) on your next trip to Kyoto, please take my review into your...

Nestled in the heart of Japan, Mashiro is an absolute must-visit for any food enthusiast. During our 16-day culinary adventure across the country, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, but Mashiro truly stands out, deserving a full 5-star rating.

As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by a beautifully renovated space featuring a stunning 10-meter dining table, perfectly positioned in front of the talented Chef Hiroyuki Koshimo and his dedicated restaurant director, Masahiro Kobayashi. The open kitchen concept adds to the experience, as you can watch the magic unfold right before your eyes. With limited seating, each guest receives a personal touch that makes the dining experience feel exclusive.

The cuisine at Mashiro is a harmonious blend of contemporary French and Japanese techniques, with each dish crafted using carefully selected seasonal Japanese ingredients. The explosion of flavors and textures ignites all your senses, ensuring every bite is unforgettable. The artistry of the dishes is so remarkable that you're likely to remember the taste just by looking at the pictures!

I highly recommend securing a reservation, as this gem is worth every penny. The team at Mashiro works tirelessly from 7 AM to 11 PM, dedicating themselves to creating exquisite multi-component dishes that encourage you to take your time—expect to savor your meal over 2 to 2.5 hours.

Let me also mention, that they have a non alcoholic wine pairing. For someone who does not tolerate alcohol this is an awesome addition. You might think the non alcoholic drink pairing is on the pricey side but for me it was worth because I found the best drink I had in my life. Try their homemade Ginger Ale.

In summary, if you find yourself in Japan, give Mashiro a spot on your culinary itinerary. It's an experience that goes beyond dining—it's a celebration of craftsmanship and flavor. Don't miss out on this...

Chef Hiroyuki Koshimo, his sous-chef, sommelier, and front reception/waitress (speaks perfect English to aid foreigners like us) went above and beyond in their service. It was a bit rude of us to ask them to speed up our 11-course meal because we have an important reservation with a temple soon after. They helped us call the temple to postpone the reservation and speed up our meal to the best of their ability without any hint of displeasure.

They were super kind and passionate in their work, explained all the courses thoroughly and the sommelier’s wine recommendation was truly enjoyable with the dishes. At the end of our meal, chef Koshimo even awaits at the door to say goodbye and get our elevator. We were just really moved by their genuine hospitality any attitudes from some high end restaurants; their service deserves more than 1 Michelin star!

The menu is also designed very well; the dishes went from light and delicate to rich and fulfilling, and then it ends with very refreshing sherbet, mint tea, and exquisite collection of bite-size desserts. All the plates and utensils are all carefully chosen to complement the dishes as well.

For anyone visiting Kyoto, I would highly recommend Mashiro. It’s a perfect harmony of traditional Kyoto Kaiseki with French plating and techniques. Not many 1-Michelin star restaurants can make sure every dish is tasty, but Mashiro really does. I would definitely come back again! Thank you Chef Koshimo and your team! Our trip to Kyoto is so much more special...