Pontocho Kappa Sushi — Restaurant in Kyoto

I would strongly advise vegetarians and anyone with allergies to avoid this restaurant. I found this place online specifically because they advertised vegetarian options. Unfortunately, upon arrival, there were barely any — just basic cucumber rolls and one other option, which you can find at almost any sushi place.

Our experience started off poorly. As we approached the entrance, instead of a friendly greeting, we were immediately told to “move aside” because other customers were passing by — no hello, no welcome.

Once seated, I informed them that I am allergic to fish and requested that my food be served separately. The man next to me even remarked, “Then maybe you shouldn’t be eating here,” which already made me feel uncomfortable and ruined the atmosphere.

The atmosphere was extremely rushed and pushy. The chef was using exaggerated, almost aggressive hand gestures to pressure us into ordering immediately, even though we had just sat down and were still looking at the menu. It made the whole experience feel stressful and overwhelming, as if we were being forced to order without having the chance to properly decide.

When our food arrived, despite my allergy concerns, my avocado sushi was served on the same plate as my friend’s sushi containing fish. I pointed this out, but instead of fixing the issue properly, the manager only swapped the sushi around on the same plate, contaminating everything. I couldn’t eat it after that.

To make matters worse, the chef handled the sushi with his bare hands after touching fish, ignoring basic hygiene, especially considering allergies were mentioned.

Additionally, my friend’s half-full sparkling water was taken away without asking, and replaced with still water, which he didn’t even want.

When I expressed that the whole experience was disappointing, the staff merely said, “Oh sorry, sorry,” without taking any responsibility or offering a solution. In the end, we had to pay the full bill, despite the unacceptable service and the fact that I couldn’t safely eat anything.

If you’re vegetarian, allergic to fish, or care about respectful service, I recommend you stay away...

We were extremely disappointed by this restaurant, which looked well rated and of good quality. We ate on the outdoor terrace, which did have a nice view for the sunset.

However, we ordered the set menus at 5,000 yen each, and that’s where the disappointment began! The sashimi were nothing special for the price, the quantity was very small, and the fish had no flavor and was far from tender. Then we had the broiled and grilled fish, which wasn’t bad but was overcooked and, above all, full of bones! Very unpleasant to eat while constantly having to pick them out.

The sushi were the same story, very small portions for the price, with fish that was nothing exceptional, and we really didn’t enjoy ourselves. For 5,000 yen each, we found it completely overpriced… Maybe it was just a tourist trap? Or would we have had to spend 10,000 yen each to get actual quality? On top of that, since we ate outside, we were forced to choose between only three set menus.

The miso soup and the yuzu ice cream were also very basic and not refined at all. The service wasn’t anything special either. The only positive point was the outdoor terrace!

We thought we were treating ourselves by spending a little more money than usual, but it was a failure… I should add that I have been a chef for 12 years, and my partner also works in the restaurant industry. Maybe it was just a bad day? I don’t know, but we won’t be coming back and we do not recommend...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a sushi restaurant that truly exceeded my expectations. The sushi was absolutely delicious, with each piece melting in my mouth and bursting with flavors that were both rich and nuanced. It was clear that only the freshest ingredients were used, showcasing the skill and dedication of the sushi chefs.

What set this dining experience apart, however, was not just the exceptional food but also the outstanding service. The staff were attentive and friendly, ensuring our every need was met with a smile and a level of professionalism that added to the overall enjoyment of our meal.

The highlight of the evening was the master sushi chef, who was not only a maestro in the kitchen but also incredibly charismatic. He engaged with us throughout the evening, sharing stories and insights into the art of sushi making, which was both entertaining and educational. His passion for sushi and for creating an enjoyable dining experience for his guests was evident, and it truly made our meal unforgettable.

Overall, the combination of exquisite sushi, excellent service, and the chef's engaging personality made for a dining experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable meal. It's a place where the love for sushi and the joy of hospitality blend seamlessly, leaving you eager to return for another...