NAKATSUKA — Restaurant in Kyoto

The mister and I always seek Michelin star French restaurants when we travel because the cuisine simply fits both our flavor profiles. He went on the Michelin guide app while we were in Kyoto and managed to book our reservations through the Japanese restaurant booking app (forgot what it was called but it was all in Japanese so he had to use a translating app on top of that). Payment or deposit was required at the time of booking so be prepared for that.

The restaurant was a cozy but classy spot. During our dining slot, there were only a few other diners who sat at the bar.

• I’d like to state that I am one of those girls who NEVER finishes all her courses during any kind of tasting because I always get too full, BUT I forced myself to finish every single dish during this course because it was just too damn good to force the bf to eat for me, it NEEDED to be in MY stomach *

(I don’t remember what our hordeurves were, I just remember that I ate them all with ease and I do have photos)

Bonito - fresh, light, great balance with the yuzu.

Horse meat tartare - I’d never eaten horse before but always wanted to try. Looking at the meat itself, it just looked somewhat like tuna or raw beef. At first bite, I was already loving it. By the time I got to third bite, I was feeling mixed emotions NOT because of how it tasted but because this thing used to probably be a beautiful horse but I quickly let the thought pass because the way the delicate horse meat was paired with the flaky biscuit-like pastry was way too amazing to not finish.

Scallop - the perfect sear and perfect balance of escargot butter, I usually have trouble finishing scallop dishes if it’s not sashimi by itself let alone with butter (I finished it).

Foie gras - not served hot, with a super thin type of chip dusted with cacao. You would think it’s weird but it all went super well together when everything was eaten in even ratio/proportion. I love foie gras but it does become too rich for me at times and ends up making me not want to eat anything afterwards but I finished it with ease with room for my next courses.

Pomfret - NOT a cooked fish lover whatsoever (except miso butterfish) because I don’t like the dry texture, but can’t help that there’s always a fish dish in majority of tasting menus. This piece of fish was different and cooked perfectly. Fish is normally the dish I take 1 bite out of and skip the rest but not this time around.

Kobe beef - the waiter noticed I was taking some deep breaths so he asked how I was doing, I let him know I was nearing max capacity and he suggested a smaller portion of the beef and I happily agreed. I love the attentiveness and the effort to not waste food (something I noticed about people living in Japan). My portion came out perfect. Perfectly cooked, perfectly executed.

Ginger lemon - a perfect palette cleanser before dessert, I finished every bit.

Coffee nougat glace - the most PERFECT dessert that definitely left me wanting more. I would come back to order this for takeout or dine in if they’d let me (I didn’t ask of course). The nougat, ice cream, and bits with the glace was amazing and I literally scooped up whatever I could with my little dessert spoon. I can actually say that I have never tasted a better combination of ingredients in any desserts- in my life!

After dessert we were given a treasure box of tea leave samples that we could open and smell to pick which tea we wanted with our mini pasties. My boyfriend and I never finish or care to finish the tiny little complimentary stuff restaurants give you at the end of your meal. Most of the time it’s just candies, jellies, or chocolates that are just either too sweet or not very good. Once again, not in this case. We received 3 different types of actual, real, freshly-HOMEMADE micro pastries (you can tell because it was still warm!)

We will definitely be returning to try what he will be preparing for the...

One word. Sublime.

Menu: Omakase (left up to the chef).

Three of us turned up. First experience of a Michelin restaurant. The chef with this restaurant his namesake uses seasonal Japanese ingredients.

The photos tell it all... as much and as close as we could understand the waiter who tried his very best. It is a multi dimensional experience as the aromas from all his dishes stands out.

Every single dish was a perfect example of the flavours and fragrances marries perfectly to elevate ones imagination at the beauty of the culinary art afforded to it.

If you ask me the best dish and the worst dish is...... My answer is all the dishes are the best I have ever had.

Chef Nakatsuka is definitely a master of his craft.

The staff paid attention to all our dietary requirements in preparing for the dishes. We had peanut and shrimp allergies with another party only eating cooked food and they were both accommodated brilliantly.

All I can say, it is an experience of a lifetime for me.

Arigato, arigato, arigato to this splendid restaurant.

One other point...... There was only one dish where sauce is used and that is one of the major highlights of this restaurant where the chef hardly ever uses sauce!

Booking ahead is essential.

If you want to see the chef at work, book to sit at...

I have had the pleasure of dining at several Michelin-starred restaurants, however Nakatsuka truly stands out as the best. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the intimate setting, especially the bar-side seating that allows guests to watch (and smell) the chef meticulously prepare each dish. It's a mesmerizing experience that elevates the meal to another level.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Lemon Thyme x Scallop course, which I can confidently say is one of the best things I have ever tasted. The delicate balance of flavors was simply extraordinary. Each dish that followed was equally impressive, with a wine pairing that complemented the flavors perfectly.

If you find yourself in Kyoto, Nakatsuka is a must-visit. The food, the atmosphere, and the overall experience are unparalleled. I highly, highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an unforgettable...