Shokudo Kagura — Restaurant in Kyoto

Was recommended by the owner of Tarel, so we were really excited. They don’t speak English, which is totally fine and a plus to me!! I speak very limited Japanese, but manage with Google translate. When we arrived, they asked us to wait a moment; then asked a question I didn’t understand, so I asked in Japanese if they spoke English, and both the owner and waitress started laughing. It was clear they did not, but after laughing more than felt appropriate, in broken English expressed they were fully reserved; very possible, but it was a little odd because it was 6:30 on a wednesday, there were open tables and half the counter was open. As we stood outside for 10 minutes deciding where to go no one showed up, and it felt like they just didn’t want to deal with someone who isn’t fluent in Japanese. Now maybe they had people showing up at 7 I’ll never know. In any case it seemed like the food would have been good, especially with the...

A true gem and a highlight of our trip visiting from Amsterdam . The menu is only available in Japanese; take this as a sign it is authentic and use Google translate. The owner was extremely patient with our need to use a translation app. The seasonal menu seems to change based on the daily market best. Maitake, whole white shrimp and squid tempura, sliced wagyu, a bluefin/avocado/wasabi dish and a plethora of other fantastic options, all matched to a local sake. Everything was excellent and a very good value considering the high quality. A bonus is their relatively late kitchen hours for this neighborhood.

Highly recommended for warm hospitality and a beautifully executed yet relaxed, comprehensive introduction to...

Fixed 4 course dinner menu for foreigners for 6000 yen. Understand that owner don't speak English so that makes it easier for them to serve us. Food quality was good. We enjoyed 3 out of the 4 courses. Interesting appetizers, fresh sashimi, and huge pot of Oden (radish, egg, fish cake, pork, etc in broth). The last course was a bit of let down as it was some braised tuna that felt more like appetizer, but we were also full from the Oden at that point.

Service from the old couple was overall very good. Giving 3 star because of the limited dinner menu for foreigners only, and the price is on the high side given...