Teppansousaku Lien — Restaurant in Kyoto

What a wonderful way to spend my birthday dinner with my wife. The restaurant is located just off a main street, tucked away down an even smaller side street, giving it a quiet and intimate feel. We were escorted to our seats at the counter, where we could watch Chef Ryosuke prepare each dish with incredible skill and precision.

The staff were consistently attentive—at one point my wife felt a bit cold, and without us even asking, they brought her a blanket. Even though we don’t speak Japanese, everyone made a genuine effort to communicate with us in friendly conversation, which made the experience feel even more personal.

The meal was beautifully presented and perfectly paced. From the appetizers to the main course of Matsusaka beef, and finishing with the Blue Cheese Ice Monaka, every dish was memorable, balanced, and absolutely delicious.

You can find teppanyaki and Wagyu all over Kyoto, but it would be difficult to find another restaurant that cares this deeply about both the food and the people they serve. Watching Chef Ryosuke cook was a performance in itself—calm, precise, and almost artistic.

At the end of the evening, Chef Ryosuke and his staff walked us to the door to say goodnight, the way you would see off a friend who had just shared a meal in your home.

Yes, traveling in Japan can feel like a whirlwind, but take the time to slow down and come here. The hospitality, the artistry, and the care put into every detail make it more than just dinner—it’s...

I have rarely encountered such a degree of precision, dedication and love in a restaurant. We stumbled upon this jewel out of absolute chance. As we came in, a reservation for 8 had fallen and we were able to seat in one of those coveted spots across the Teppan. It was fate! The experience was quasi-religious, one of the most unique dinners I have had the pleasure —and honour— to experience. Nothing like the showy, cocky tepanyakis one can find in the US or a Caribbean all inclusive. This was quite the opposite: a reverence you can only encounter in a monastery. Sheer elegance! Being able to admire front-row the art of the Chef, his flawless execution of each step, his respect for every ingredient that ended up in our plates. But above all, his warmth and that of his assistant. The effort they made to bridge the cultural gap and patiently transmit their heritage to us. Not to mention the touching farewell they gave us: waiting outside the door till we turn the corner and waving at us each time we turned back to confirm they were actually still there. There’s no comparable service in the West! All that scaffolding could have only provided one of the finest food my tongue has ever flavoured. The subtle umami of the award-winning wagyu black beef, the punch of the Japanese mustard, the delicate saltiness of the soup —I could go on forever! Chef Ryosuke, a heartfelt thanks for such a wonderful night, and my upmost congratulations for this shrine you guard with...

Wow! Just finished a truly fantastic teppanyaki course dinner here tonight. It was hands-down a 5-star experience from start to finish!

Hidden down a little alley you likely wouldn't just walk past, it really feels like discovering a special secret spot. Although unintended, we had a private room instead of the counter, which was perfect – so comfortable and intimate for enjoying our meal.

And the food? Simply amazing! Even though we were in a private room and the chef cooked in the kitchen, every single dish of our teppanyaki course came out perfectly cooked and looked gorgeous. From the delicious starters, through the incredible Wagyu steak main course, right down to the end – the exceptional quality was obvious in every dish.

The service was just as great as the food. The staff looking after our room were super professional but also really warm and friendly. They paid attention to everything without hovering, making us feel totally welcome and looked after all evening. Honestly, this was more than just a meal, it was a wonderful experience. Given how good everything was, plus the lovely private setting, it felt absolutely worth it.

If you're in Kyoto and want amazing teppanyaki, definitely book here! Counter or private room, I am certain you...