Wagyu Sukiyaki Shabushabu Miyako — Restaurant in Kyoto

During my recent visit to Kyoto, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that offered the most unforgettable dining experience with their ōmi beef sukiyaki. This establishment, tucked away in one of Kyoto's quieter streets, was a testament to the city's deep culinary traditions. From the moment I stepped in, it became clear that this was more than just a meal—it was an art form, blending meticulous technique, premium ingredients, and the comforting essence of sukiyaki.

The highlight of the meal was, of course, the ōmi beef itself. Known as one of Japan's top three wagyu brands, ōmi beef comes from the Shiga Prefecture and has a reputation for its tender texture and rich marbling. This restaurant took full advantage of these qualities, offering beef that melted in my mouth, with a deep, buttery flavor that perfectly complemented the other ingredients in the sukiyaki.

The sukiyaki was served in the traditional style, with a pot of simmering broth composed of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The balance between sweetness and savoriness was spot on, which elevated the ōmi beef even further. Each slice was cooked to perfection—just long enough to bring out the delicate flavors of the beef without compromising its texture. It was incredible to watch the thin slices of marbled meat slowly transform in the bubbling broth, revealing layers of flavor with every bite.

In addition to the beef, the accompanying vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms were fresh and served in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, as one would expect in Kyoto. Every element, from the silky tofu to the crisp, earthy mushrooms, played a crucial role in balancing the richness of the beef. What struck me the most was the attention to detail. Each vegetable was sliced with precision, and the presentation was, simply put, a work of art. The vibrant colors of the greens, the earthy tones of the mushrooms, and the golden-brown tofu all made the dish visually captivating before I even took my first bite.

But what truly elevated this sukiyaki experience was the restaurant's impeccable service and atmosphere. The dining area was an intimate space, warmly lit with traditional Japanese decor, giving it a serene and cozy ambiance. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, offering to guide me through the sukiyaki process, even suggesting the perfect moment to dip the beef into the raw egg for that authentic sukiyaki experience.

Beyond the food, the restaurant exuded a sense of tradition and refinement. The staff wore traditional attire, and there was a clear respect for both the ingredients and the craft. The careful choreography of preparing and serving the sukiyaki showed a deep appreciation for Kyoto's culinary heritage.

In conclusion, this sukiyaki experience was more than just a meal—it was an immersion into Kyoto's rich culture and the culinary mastery of ōmi beef. Every bite was a reminder of the attention to detail and the artistry involved in Japanese cuisine. For those seeking an authentic and refined sukiyaki experience in Kyoto, this restaurant is a must-visit. The ōmi beef sukiyaki here stands out as a true delicacy, and I left with a profound appreciation for the meticulous care that went into every aspect...

Shabu Shabu is my all time favourite meal, but is hard to come by in the UK, so coming to Kyoto going for Shabu Shabu was an obvious choice. Although there were other restaurants serving Shabu Shabu closer to our hotel, I liked the look of Wagyu Sukiyaki Shabushabu, so took my 13 y’o daughter for the walk there. I had high expectations, having talked up Shabu Shabu for years to anyone willing to listen. And Wagyu Sukiyaki Shabushabu did not disappoint. The server was a knowledgable and friendly young chap with a good sense of humour. He had a translator app telling us the details of the meal in English, which was useful, as I take in information better when reading, though his English was excellent. The table was private enough for us to mess up how we ate, without the embarrassment of anyone spotting our mistakes. We ended up ordering only one portion, and ordered sukiyaki rather than Shabu Shabu, as the server recommended that, and the single portion was big enough for us both to get full, although we both have relatively small appetites. It was just right for us.

The meal started off with a piece of grilled meat sushi each, which was aesthetically presented and absolutely delicious. This was followed by A5-grade certified Omi beef sukiyaki, which was beautifully presented in dry ice and, what I believe was, Stag’s-horn clubmoss. On a separate tray were assorted vegetables, konnyaku noodles, some mushrooms and tofu to be dipped in a sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar. Accompanying the meal was miso soup and rice, both excellent. To finish off we were offered an, if possible, even more stunningly decorated homemade cherry blossom pudding that tasted divine, and left us thoroughly content with the evening’s dinner.

I warmly recommend this restaurant. It’s understated and relaxed, using superb quality ingredients that are carefully put together and presented. Service is excellent, with the delightful server explaining everything in great detail. Don’t miss out on this gem of...

The servers here were insanely polite! Our waiter knew most English phrases but used a very efficient pocket translator to serve us Americans. He was fast and understood our every need and dietary restrictions/ allergies. We made reservations in advance and ordered a pre set shabu shabu set with an appetizer and dessert.

Yukhoe, Marinated Beef, Rice Cakes with Sweet Miso and Sweet Soy Pastes - the raw Yukhoe was fattier but not as sweet compared the Korean one. The simple sesame oil drizzle was delish. Loved the addicting juicy sliced grilled meat. The rice cakes were chewier than mochi and amazing with the sweet pastes!

Shabu Shabu Set - The shiitake mushrooms were sooo good with the clean, sweet, slightly salty broth. The two meats we got were incredibly marbled and melted in your mouth. They were not tough at all. Both the vermicelli and rice(?) noodles were super slippery and not mushy at all. It came with a side of the best miso ever. It was incredibly rich and dark (maybe bc of red miso??).

Matcha Dessert - I don’t normally go for flan/ pudding- like desserts. This changed everything. Even the whipped cream was a show stopper. The matcha was prominent without leaving a bitter aftertaste. It had just enough maple-like brown sugar syrup. The soy bean powder made it a touch savory and reminiscent of gen maicha.

This was a great place tucked away in a small street corner. Great dinner especially if you want a casual family friendly atmosphere and a meal that does not feel too heavy. It is very clean and comforting! You feel...