Pontocho Kyoshikian — Restaurant in Kyoto

The meal began with tofu topped with a small amount of caviar, followed by a green salad, then the highlight of the evening, the 100 gram Kuroge Wagyu sirloin steak served with grilled mushroom and green pepper. It came with a bowl of rice, miso soup, and pickles, and was finished off with two small mochi and a cup of tea. I also had a Yebisu beer with it.

The Wagyu was exceptional. The exterior had a gentle crisp while the inside remained tender and rich. The marbling was perfect, giving the meat a deep, buttery flavor without being heavy. It was simply one of the best Wagyu pieces I have ever had in Kyoto. The salad was another highlight. The dressing was balanced and flavorful, the greens were fresh, and the roasted onions and cherry tomatoes added a wonderful texture. Even the rice stood out, sticky and aromatic with a comforting depth of flavor. The miso soup was flavorful and strong, though a touch salty for my preference. The mochi were soft and filled with sweet red bean paste, a gentle and satisfying way to end the meal. The tofu with caviar was interesting in taste and presentation, though the texture was not quite to my liking. The tea and the Yebisu beer were both excellent accompaniments to the courses.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was calm, elegant, and warm. It had a refined simplicity, with a clean and thoughtful interior design that felt both intimate and sophisticated. From the seats, you could look out toward the Kamo River, which gave the whole experience a quiet charm. It was the kind of setting that invites you to slow down and enjoy the details of the meal.

The service was outstanding. The staff were genuinely kind and very attentive, and the timing between the courses was perfect. Each dish arrived exactly when it should, giving you just enough time to relax and talk between them. Everything felt coordinated and carefully planned, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Overall, this restaurant offers a beautifully balanced dining experience. The food was wonderful, especially the Wagyu and the salad, the ambiance elegant and calm, and the service truly exceptional. Considering the quality of the ingredients and the precision of execution, the price was completely fair. A memorable evening in Kyoto and a solid 5...

A hidden gem with a luxurious culinary experience and an affordable price tag. I went here several times with my partner and we both agreed this is the best beef we've ever had(we ordered the A5 sirloin). We've tried other A5 including Kobe, but the preparation here knocks the others out of the park. Besides the mouthwatering melt-in-your-mouth meat too, the full course is a lovely experience perfect for an elegant date. We brought some unusual food allergies, but it was very easy to include the details with our booking and the staff helped figure something that worked. It can be hard to find as it is downstairs from the street without a big storefront, but that serves it well once you find it. We always got a very calm refreshing atmosphere since it's separated from the busy street. It's got a great layout with a view to the teppan where everything is prepared, especially in the barseats right next to it The staff was friendly, especially the chef who is helpful with timing the cool flames with the camera. The menu is available in english. Definitely THE place to dine if you're in Kyoto. Highly...

It’s just past 10pm after the Yoi Yama street party…on the eve of Gion Matsuri festival. My dinner options were scarce. I meant to go to a restaurant on the 2nd floor but they had closed.

Thankfully, I saw the sign outside the restaurant that said they’re open until 11pm, last order at 10:30pm. They’d started closing up by the time I got there, yet I got the warmest welcome and service. The food was unbelievably amazing — wagyu was ace, the perfect balance of richness. The house shochu was also lovely. The summer orange dessert was the perfect final touch.

The chef spoke good English so the conversation was fun. I’m introverted so I usually don’t like small talk — but talking about Kyoto and getting insider tips was a bonus. It was like renting the whole place all to myself. I tried to eat faster as I didn’t want to overstay, even though I never felt rushed.

I learned that they get quite a lot of fellow Australians dining here. Not surprised - Aussies know good beef! And this place delivers.

Thank you for the unforgettable food and...