Okina — Restaurant in Kyoto

Everything you can ask for in an authentic Japanese restaurant experience. Cozy and zen, the food is the comfort food that your grandma cooks for you on weekends.

Each course is prepared with care and ingredients are as fresh as it gets. Honestly I would be surprised if this place doesn’t get Michelin distinction any time soon.

The owners make friendly conversations with each customers and we feel welcomed even though we only speak English.

We got the lunch course, which is 6500ish yen after upgrading to eel. But the guy sits next to me to us ordered a la carte menu, each item is made to order, it’s hot when it’s brought up. I am very impressed by this, this is extremely rare in this age of abundant pre made food.

The eel is grilled to crispy, crunchy and juicy at the same time. Paired with rice, it melts in your mouth and leaves a sweet aftertaste.

The rain started to pick up when we finished our course. The owner even asked if we brought umbrellas and pointed us the direction to get umbrellas.

Please stop by this store after visiting Arashiyama. Will definitely come back to this friendly vibes and cleanse your palate with non tourist trap stores. You leave the store realizing there’s still good restaurants left without trying to con coins out of your pocket. Sometimes people just trying to make sure you are fed...

An extraordinary lunch experience. Nice and friendly service. Cosy atmosphere, natural wood, beautiful ceramics, peaceful inner garden. Delicious Kyoto cuisine with delicate nuances.

Recommendations for visitors: Book a table in advance, we’ve noticed only 6 sits in the entire restaurant. We’ve asked the receptionist at our hotel to help us with the reservation, as they are done only by phone in Japanese. Have an online translator with you. It with help with menu translation and discussion with the chef. Although staff in location made themselves understood in English and used translator as well. Location has no outdoor signs or catchy advertisements. We’ve recognised it by the entrance with...

This is a really special place. Delicious and innovative Kyoto cuisine in a beautiful space set in a relaxed neighborhood. Service was friendly and engaging; I felt like I was having dinner in a friend’s home! The chef excels at punchy sauces that really amplify everything they accompany. I will definitely...