Teppan to o sake Sōya — Restaurant in Kyoto

I visited this restaurant late at night and was shocked to be charged an additional 500 yen simply for being a foreigner — labeled as a “foreigner service fee.” What made the experience even more disappointing was that, unlike local customers, we were not even provided with basic items like an oshibori (wet towel). It felt like we were treated differently from the moment we sat down. There was no clear notice, no verbal explanation, and absolutely no justification for this charge. Even if it was buried somewhere on the menu, this kind of hidden and discriminatory pricing is unacceptable. Kyoto promotes itself as a city of hospitality and tradition, but experiences like this send the opposite message to international visitors. This policy reflects poorly on both the restaurant and the city. Unless this discriminatory practice is addressed, I strongly urge other foreign travelers to...

This place was right outside our hotel and we decided to walk in and try it out as the atmosphere seemed really nice and food smelled good. This was probably the best decision we made as everything did not disappoint.

We were pleasantly surprised by how good and fresh the food tasted. They offer a big variety of small dishes and there is an English menu available as well. We loved how seasonal and local ingredients were incorporated in the dishes. Some of our favourite dishes are the beef and leek, trumpet mushrooms wrapped in pork, fermented squid with mushrooms and toast, and radish and offal stew.

We went in early around 7pm and managed to snatch two counter seats but everyone who came after either had to wait or were turned away without a reservation.

Between two people, we spent less than 8000 for three drinks and...

This is not a Japanese restaurant, nor a Kyoto restaurant. It's basically an intimidating restaurant. It's a Kyoto-style izakaya.

Look. Are the people who are really trained in Kyoto cuisine cooking here? Aren't they too young? Yes, they're just part-timers.

For many non-Japanese tourists and non-Kyoto people, this may seem like a "good restaurant that serves Kyoto cuisine at a reasonable price." In my personal opinion, the answer is

"no."

We are eating home-cooked food made by young part-timers.

The taste and service are like that of a cheap izakaya chain restaurant in Kyoto.

Personally, I don't think it's something I'd appreciate as Japanese food.

It may be a matter of personal preference, but I don't...