The Kumachi — Restaurant in Kyoto

We read some reviews before going but stayed skeptical to avoid disappointment... But they were not lying.

This place is pure gold. It's a small place with capacity for around 14 people I'd say. We were lucky to find one of the tables available. We ordered a beer each, glasses were cooled down, detail that I always appreciate. Afterwards we ordered the cheese plate and a fish carpaccio. Two words: Simple and perfect. The cheese was delicious and the carpaccio although it had a cut more similar to sashimi than carpaccio it was beautifully presented and the dressing was just... Simple and perfect. Perfect temperature, refreshing, tasty, round.

We got a glass of red wine and a glass of white wine. Red wine was served cold but was very good. And the white wine was also good but I would have preferred something more dry for the combination of food.

As main dishes we ordered pasta. The Pesto with mushrooms and scallops, and the truffle oil with zucchini and pancetta.

The scallops were like butter, the mushrooms full of taste. I wanted to order a second one but my wife gave me "the look".

Afterwards I ordered a Vodka Greyhound and asked for an "out of the menu" Vodka Ginger Ale. Both pretty good, nothing fancy or complex but good.

The ambiance was fantastic, people were having fun and interacting with the chef and the hostesses regularly. It was an elegant vibe but didn't feel like you had to be paying attention to etiquette.

The hostesses did a fantastic job as well, they were super friendly.

Thanks a lot for an amazing evening! We are coming...

Best Italian food we’ve ever had! And I’ve eaten in Chicago, New York, and Italy!

We came 2 nights in a row because of how amazing the food was. First night, we had the cacio e pepe, wagyu steak, and crema catana. O-M-G! Such big flavors! The cacio e pepe was SO incredibly buttery and rich! The wagyu was an amazing value and cut so easily. It melted in our mouths. The crema catana was unique to us and we’re so thankful we tried it. It was a dense creamy delicious delicacy with the perfect amount of sweetness.

The second night, we had the Cesar salad with egg and prosciutto, the pesto and cheese baguette, the Wagyu, the carbonara, and the tiramisu. All passed with flying colors same as the first night.

The chef and waitresses here are so warm and inviting. We are so thankful we were recommended this place. Truly a hidden gem of Kyoto. Hopefully we can come back someday the next time...

There are plenty of 4 1/2 star restaurants I give 5 stars. The Kumachi I would like to give 6 stars (5 is not enough). I cannot think of a better Italian meal I've had anywhere in the world. Every dish the flavours were just a little bit different, just a little bit more complex. My wife and I are vegetarian so we asked for the Arrabiata without meat. It was spectacular. The rest of the group had regular pastas off the menu and the sauces were exceptional. The prices I thought were very fair considering the quality. If this restaurant was in my home city (Sydney) I'd be a regular customer. Our waitress spoke excellent english and the service was impeccable. Do youself a favour and make a booking....