We had a wonderful meal at this restaurant. The food is delicious, and beautiful to look at. Akira is fun to watch while he's working on the meal and friendly and interesting once he's finished. The place is small and it truly feels like your in his personal kitchen and he's cooking specifically for you. He's been doing this for 24 years and I can believe it when I taste his food. Truly, this is an experience not to miss if you're in Kyoto.

it wont get any more "family" than this place. A crazy guy (who speaks english and has an iphone) standing in front of you and cooking his way. Not bigger then 8 sqm. His food is just perfect. High quality, great taste and such a nice atmosphere. Just go there and feel it for yourself. You will love this place.

I mentioned that I was vegetarian and he custom made a meal from scratch in front of us. He was also very kind and interesting to talk to. Definitely a special experience.

Akira-san is a master chef. I recommend the tasting menu as he will cook the freshest ingredients right before your eyes!

EPIC RIP-OFF WARNING: He gave us a plate of salad and small portion of pork. Food's bland and rather mediocre beside of bad hygiene. We politely asked him we will have no more and asked the price, he seemed to put numbers on a calculator meaningless times and asked us to pay ¥5000 for a salad and small pork dish. We told him to check again. Then he said "sorry my mistake my mistake". Explained us salad was 1600 small pork was 500. And gave us back 2000 as a change as if he was giving us 100yen more. After we came to our hotel we found out he gave us 900 less. Such a cheap trick ripping off. His act ruined good memories of Kyoto. Shame on you Akira. You call this a mistake? It was never a mistake if it happens twice, it's a TRICK. _____________________ I asked you politely again and you didn't give me a reasonable explanation for how you overcharged that, rather blame me for a greed and block my account? How mean you are. Nice one 😅👍👍

An incredibly unique and tasty experience! I messaged Akira on Facebook ahead of time and let him know the number of people who were coming and any dietary needs. When we got there, he said he spent 2 days thinking of what to make us which shows his care and enthusiasm for what he does! You can pay anywhere from like 2,500 yen + and he'll add in extra food depending on how much extra you pay. We paid 3000 yen and what entailed was a very homey and a singularly delightful hour of Akira whipping up 3 courses of food for us and a bit of conversation in English. (He added in some pieces of sashimi for our meal) the food was fresh, cozy, and very thoughtfully crafted. Highly recommend for a special experience after visiting Kinkaku-Ji.

Delicious food, charming athomsphere and very friendly chef. A truly unique experience. We loved it and will make sure to pay a visit, when traveling to Kyoto once again!

Fantastic food, especially if you get the chefs choice. Akira is super fun to talk with. He will also adjust to menu dietary restrictions. Very fun intimate experience in an off beat neighborhood in Kyoto.

We were extremely glad to find this restaurant. Apart from being a superb chef, Akira is such a kind, funny, and welcoming person. We highly suggest to let him take the lead and serve you whatever inspires him. You will not be disappointed. We will most certainly return our next time around in Kyoto!

Incredible food! All made right in front of you and friendly for vegans and vegetarians. Chef is really nice guy to have a chat with and speaks good English :)

Truly a special dining experience, Akira cooks a variety of wonderful foods right in front of you.

Had a great time and the food was very delicious. I ate vegetarian, but he can make you the food how ever you want.

Try his Chef's special and he'll surprise you with his magic and whatever ingredients he have in his kitchen.. totally enjoyed my foods and had a great experience too! Worth the visit :-)

Akira is a great chef and a generous host. He invites you into his home and cooks up a meal with fresh ingredients from the market. The whole meal is an experience - a Kyoto must!

We had dinner here today, it was my favorite meal in Japan! Akira was very nice and it was fun to have him cook a meal right in front of us. The restaurant has a very unique atmosphere and Akira has good taste in music, which can be heard playing in the background. Better than any michelin star restaurant I’ve been to in Japan!