Monk — Restaurant in Kyoto

This was the meal we were most looking forward to on our trip to Japan. Part of the real charm of eating at small restaurants in Japan is that the owner usually plays a big part of the business, and therefore you see the passion in the cooking and the service. When we got there we saw the owner was present but soon learned he would not be in the kitchen that day. That was a huge disappointment for us, and the dinner that followed fell really flat.

The vegetable courses were simple and solid. Nothing really creative, but simple, fresh vegetables lightly seasoned. Those were probably the best part of the meal.

Where it fell short: the beef course, which one of the chefs said was a special treat because they don't normally serve beef, was tough and bland. I sat at the counter and watched them cook the beef for the previous group medium rare. When i got mine it was more medium-well. Since it was a lean cut, the medium-well doneness created a very tough piece of meat, and the piece they gave me was very sinewy, adding to the toughness. The underseasoned taste combined with the inconsistency of the doneness between tables made this course entirely forgettable.

Then, the pizza. The dish that made this restaurant famous. It was good. Very good. But not the best I've tasted in Japan. I ordered the pizza margherita, and it was...fine. My wife got the Japanese pepper one and it was also...fine. Had i I paid 1500 jpy for this pizza I would have been satisfied. I expected much more out of the star dish of a 15,000 jpy dinner.

The service was ok. The staff were friendly but not overly. They started cooking pizza for themselves before our table was cleared after dessert and before we paid our bill. At a mom and pop cafe that'd be fine, but I never expected to see this at a restaurant of this caliber.

Would it have been better had Imai-san been cooking instead? I'm not sure, but what we had was mediocre at best. I didn't feel or taste any of the owner's passion in this dinner experience, so if he's going to be absent, then he should do a better job at instilling his vision in the people...

Monk Restaurant is a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication, offering a dining experience that is as memorable as it is unique. Located in a charming part of the Kyoto , this restaurant has quickly become a favorite for those who appreciate thoughtful cuisine and an intimate atmosphere.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a serene, minimalist ambiance that sets the tone for the meal ahead. The decor is understated yet elegant, with natural elements and soft lighting creating a warm and inviting space. It’s clear that at Monk, the focus is on letting the food take center stage.

The menu at Monk is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, with each dish carefully curated to highlight the natural flavors and textures of the produce. The chefs here take a “less is more” approach, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through without unnecessary embellishments. This results in dishes that are both refined and satisfying, with a balance of flavors that is truly impressive.

One of the standout aspects of Monk Restaurant is its dedication to sustainability. The menu often changes to reflect what is freshest and most available, ensuring that each meal is as environmentally conscious as it is delicious. This commitment to sustainability extends to the wine list as well, which features a selection of organic and biodynamic options that perfectly complement the food.

Service at Monk is attentive yet unobtrusive, with staff members who are knowledgeable about both the menu and the philosophy behind it. They are more than willing to guide you through the dining experience, whether you’re looking for wine pairings or recommendations on the best dishes to try.

It’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply an evening of enjoying beautifully prepared food in a peaceful setting.

Overall, Monk Restaurant offers a dining experience that is both elevated and approachable, making it a must-visit for food lovers who appreciate the artistry...

It's difficult to give Monk only 2 stars because I love the food philosophy, concept and the interior design. However, there are a few shortcomings that some people might want to understand before booking.

Service was good and, while nothing stood out as exceptional, we enjoyed the simple, rustic, ingredient driven, wood fired food. However, upon booking they will ask if you have any food modification requests since it is a fixed menu. Our only request was no raw meat since we've had issues with this in the past while traveling. While the diners next to us enjoyed generously sized seared tuna steaks, we were given two tablespoons of cold pickled onions. The substitution was thoughtless, lazy and didn’t reflect the price or the standard menu.

The environment is just lovely, from the tableware to the soft music and candles. However, the ambiance is destroyed by two issues 1. Non-stop photography and video taking of every element of the service by many of the diners. This is particularly a problem if you sit at the counter because you will be watching the activity in the kitchen through the glowing screens of the diners sitting next to you. 2. There are only two tables in the restaurant and both had young children. Imagine being in a very small, dimly lit high end dining experience, with soft music, but with small children crying and watching movies on iPads. Adding to all this, is the fact that the customers are 100% tourist, so you will not feel like you are having a Japanese experience.

Of course, none of these issues will be a concern if you are an Instagramer eating at Monk primarily for "content creation", or an affluent parent with little regard for how your children may impact others. However, those expecting exceptional food and a dining experience befitting the name Monk, with a sense of Japanese culture, should...