Tomisen — Restaurant in Kyoto

My husband and I decided to pop in here based off of the reviews as all seemed overwhelmingly positive. One thing to note when you arrive is that if you're not used to the area, this may not seem like a restaurant as all there is to display is a sign outside. We walked in and were immediately greeted and were seated at the counter. It is a small location with three traditional tables on the left (each seated four and required you to take off your shoes) with about 8 or so seats at the counter. The staff there were incredibly kind and even though my husband can conversationally speak Japanese, they still approached with signs translated to me to explain things. We each ordered the omakase which was 11 or 12 pieces of sushi picked for you by the chef. They had an English menu, though this was not on it so if you'd like it I suggest asking for "omakase sushi". It was a great selection which left us asking for more so we ordered additional roles/pieces. The medium fat tuna and scallops were our favorites as they just melted in your mouth and were absolutely delicious. With the two omakases, 4 sets of 2 nigiri and two small sakes it was only 8629 yen which was shockingly affordable for the quality we received. The service is what would make me come back however as it was very clearly owned by a family and had the family restaurant feel. The others dining at the restaurant all seemed to be regulars who stopped by after work to get their fix.

Absolutely recommend if your in the area looking for affordable but amazing quality sushi that also has the family...

I absolutely loved this cozy little Japanese sushi restaurant. Firstly, the service was superb and very personable. This is a mom and pop restaurant with literally 3 people running the show and they are all excellent. They don't speak a lot of English but there is an English menu (but be adventuresome and ask for something from the Japanese menu) and the waitress/owner is very patient and accommodating.

Secondly, the fish is absolutely top class. The yellowtail was sweet and clean. The salmon was subtle while the sea bream was absolutely crisp. All of this in a piece of sushi that is at the right temperature, texture, and of good flavor. To top of the perfection, the soy sauce was a mellow, deep, flavorful kind that just soothes the whole sushi package.

I love the whole ambience of this place and highly recommend it to all. If you are a bigger party, reservations are...

First, get a reservation. If you don’t speak Japanese use the hotel concierge or enlist a friend who does. You might be ok just showing up at 5pm but don’t be surprised if they turn you away- while we were there they turned away multiple people including several Japanese. It’s a small place with no room to wait and the sushi is amazing. And when I say amazing I mean really effing good- probably the best sushi you ever had for less than $200 per person- and at a reasonable price. We paid $100 (10500 yen) for two people with two 300 ml bottles of sake. A good place in the US is more than that in my experience. And this place blows almost all of them out of the water. But don’t go thinking they have California roll or whatever crazy salmon and eel thing with spicy mayo you normally get. They have real, traditional sushi done really well using top...