A Memorable Sukiyaki Experience at Hiroju – Kyoto's Hidden Gem
Dining at Hiroju in Kyoto was easily one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we stepped into the beautifully designed tatami room, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, with a charming view of a small Japanese garden just outside our room — a serene touch that elevated the entire experience.
The sukiyaki itself was phenomenal. The marbled wagyu practically melted in our mouths, perfectly balanced by fresh vegetables, tofu, and hand-crafted touches like sakura-shaped fish cakes. Everything was presented with care, and the quality of the ingredients truly stood out. Cooking the meat tableside was not only delicious but interactive and fun — a truly immersive dining experience.
The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, walking us through each step of the process and making sure we enjoyed every bite. Their hospitality made us feel so welcome, and their passion for the food shined through every course.
The seating was traditional and cozy, perfect for a relaxed and authentic Japanese meal with friends. Sharing sukiyaki in such a personal setting made the meal even more memorable.
If you're in Kyoto and want a taste of premium wagyu in a traditional setting, Hiroju is a must-visit. Five stars all around — we’ll definitely be...
Read moreWe visited at 7pm and were seated with a couple of other foreign couples. It seemed japanese customers were seated upstairs, which may not have been the case, but wasn't a very inviting initial impression. Anyway, the service was OK, with the couple of cold appetisers arriving quickly, a small confit onion dish, and some beef tartar. Both were very tasty, albeit small mouthfuls really. Then the main dish arrived. We were not given the option to cook it ourselves, which would have been appreciated, although understanding that some people would benefit from the guidance. This meant however that the pace was fast. The quality of the beef was excellent. Some additional mushrooms or vegetables other would have been appreciated, but the soy broth was delicious. Noodles are then added for an additional savoury element. Missing for us was rice, as the meal is very rich, that was really needed. The meal is then completed with some macha ice cream. With two small beers and two glasses of sake, the bill hit nearly 28000 yen, so it's not cheap. But the beef was good and the service was polite. Glad we...
Read moreI don’t understand how did this restaurant got 4.8 point on Google Map? The food quality/service doesn’t meet with the price charges at all.
First of all, the picture you see below is the portion for 2 people (which costs ¥16,000 yen / almost $110 😅 ) for exactly 6 slices of beef, 2 pieces of mushrooms, 8 pieces of tofu, some tiny tiny carrots, and a lot of scallion??? And scallion itself even counts as an appetizer in the set menu😂
Another point is the set menu does not stated clearly about the price (it says “Please order at least one dish per person”), isn’t it just simpler to say it costs ¥8,000 per person? How do I know what’s the definition for “one dish”? This is really misleading since there’s another menu where you can order dish by dish. I suggest the business owner to change its language on the menu ASAP to avoid further misunderstanding.
Third point is, this restaurant is kind of short on staff? We waited for a really long time for the table to be cleaned. And also It’s hard to find them when you’re in need of something, you have to go outside the room to find the...
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