Steakhouse Ashiya — Restaurant in Kyoto

My family and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ashiya, a Kobe Steakhouse in Kyoto, Japan. Our hostess, Tokiko, went above and beyond to make us feel like we were guests in her house rather than guests at a restaurant.

From the moment we arrived, Tokiko greeted us with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor. Throughout the evening, she was attentive to our needs and ensured that everything was just right. Her great sense of humor made us feel comfortable and relaxed, and she truly added to the overall experience.

The ambiance at Ashiya was truly special, with traditional Japanese garden and tatami flooring. The food was outstanding, with the Kobe beef being the standout dish of the evening. It was cooked to perfection right in front of us and was incredibly tender and flavorful. The accompanying vegetables, salad, baked potato, miso soup, and dessert were all also delicious and expertly prepared.

Overall, I would highly recommend Ashiya to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Kyoto. The food, service, and ambiance were all outstanding, and Tokiko's warm hospitality and sense of humor made us feel like we were...

Excellent experience. The beef was of the highest quality, consistent with the many other great places in the area. What sets this place apart, however, is the warm and attentive hostess. Her focus on making customers feel welcome is emblematic of Kyoto culture. Ashiya has hosted many American and Japanese celebrities over many years (Bill Clinton, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts) and is somewhat well-known in Japan for this, but the food speaks for itself. We came without a reservation one evening and politely asked if they might have an opening for us. They did and we joined a wonderful group of Japanese and American tourists. The hostess did a wonderful job facilitating conversation...

The food is a secondary concern here, the main event is the hostess who owns the restaurant, who has a storied history and is very open to talking about it (without giving too much away). You can read about some of this online, but I highly recommend that you read no further and go in blind so that you can experience it without expectations. Make sure you take up the hostess's invitation to see the memorabilia upstairs.

As mentioned though, the food is secondary - for the premium you will pay to eat here, be prepared to be disappointed, but the rest of the experience makes up for it if you have the opportunity to...