Kikunoi Honten
¥¥¥¥
¥
/ Price RangeKyoto
Japanese: Kaiseki
Kikunoi Honten Description
Located in the serene neighborhood of Higashiyama in Kyoto, Kikunoi Honten is a renowned Japanese restaurant that has been serving exquisite cuisine for over a century. This historic establishment, which was founded in the Taisho era, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. What sets Kikunoi Honten apart is its commitment to preserving the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine while embracing innovation and evolution.
The restaurant's interior exudes a sense of timeless elegance, with its tatami floors, sliding doors, and beautiful garden views. As you step into Kikunoi Honten, you are transported to a world where every detail is carefully curated to create a harmonious dining experience.
At Kikunoi Honten, the master chef, Yoshinobu Murata, is dedicated to showcasing the true essence of Japanese cuisine. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, Murata crafts each dish with meticulous attention to detail, creating a symphony of flavors that delight the senses. The menu offers a variety of options, including the signature kaiseki courses, which are a true culinary journey through the seasons. From delicate sashimi to perfectly grilled seafood, each dish is a work of art that reflects the beauty of nature.
Whether you are a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Kikunoi Honten is a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the rich history and exquisite flavors of this legendary restaurant, and let the masterful creations of Chef Murata transport you to a world of culinary bliss.
The restaurant's interior exudes a sense of timeless elegance, with its tatami floors, sliding doors, and beautiful garden views. As you step into Kikunoi Honten, you are transported to a world where every detail is carefully curated to create a harmonious dining experience.
At Kikunoi Honten, the master chef, Yoshinobu Murata, is dedicated to showcasing the true essence of Japanese cuisine. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, Murata crafts each dish with meticulous attention to detail, creating a symphony of flavors that delight the senses. The menu offers a variety of options, including the signature kaiseki courses, which are a true culinary journey through the seasons. From delicate sashimi to perfectly grilled seafood, each dish is a work of art that reflects the beauty of nature.
Whether you are a connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Kikunoi Honten is a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the rich history and exquisite flavors of this legendary restaurant, and let the masterful creations of Chef Murata transport you to a world of culinary bliss.
Get Inspired By This Cuisine
Kikunoi Honten Overview
Access
Save on your next Japan trip with discounted train travel using the JR Pass!
13 minute walk from Higashiyama Station.
Operating Hours
Sun: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Mon: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Tue: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Wed: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Thur: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Fri: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Sat: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Mon: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Tue: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Wed: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Thur: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Fri: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Sat: 11:30AM-1:00PM, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Payment Methods
Cash, Visa, AMEX, JCB
Restaurant Features
Reservations Accepted
Wine List
Upscale
Private Dining Room
Sake Selection
Kikunoi Honten Reviews
Kikunoi Honten Google Average Rating
4.5
5
Google
As expected with a 3 Michelin star place, the whole experience was top notch. Japanese hospitality at its best. The restaurant is set in a home and can imagine how it was like in the olden days.
Food was impeccable and excellent. Our wait staff was also very attentive, although language was a slight barrier.
Food was impeccable and excellent. Our wait staff was also very attentive, although language was a slight barrier.
5
Google
A quintessential Kyoto kaiseki experience.
Service, food, and atmosphere are all outstanding. Sometimes considered one of the more conservative kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto, Kikunoi’s menus actually tend to be full of clever innovations and modern touches.
The service is gracious and attentive. The meal never feels rushed, and the private rooms with garden views are among the best in the city.
I recommend going for lunch since it can be a long meal and being able to walk around Higashiyama afterwards can be a nice way to wind down after such an elaborate meal.
Service, food, and atmosphere are all outstanding. Sometimes considered one of the more conservative kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto, Kikunoi’s menus actually tend to be full of clever innovations and modern touches.
The service is gracious and attentive. The meal never feels rushed, and the private rooms with garden views are among the best in the city.
I recommend going for lunch since it can be a long meal and being able to walk around Higashiyama afterwards can be a nice way to wind down after such an elaborate meal.
4
Google
For a three star Michelin restaurant, this place had a lot of hype. We had high expectations going in and overall left with mixed feelings.
Service- phenomenal. Period. The private rooms are one of a kind and the wait staff are incredibly professional and almost too respectful (lots of bowing and kowtowing, but that might be more of a cultural discrepancy). It’s a business casual dress code and shoes off in the restaurant. The overall experience for lunch takes 2.5 hours for 10 courses which is on par with the course of fine dining.
Food- this is a mixed bag. Overall, I think the meals definitely challenged and expanded my palate. There were a lot of foods I’ve previously never tried and a lot of textures I personally don’t really like (like the slimy, okra like feeling) the courses all had great presentation but only 3-4 dishes I would eat again. The dishes were certainly original and had a flair of “trying to be unique.” But sometimes pushes past my comfort zone. The portion sizes, dare I say we’re almost too big for 10 courses.
Overall- would recommend only if you have an adventurous palate and time on your hands.
Service- phenomenal. Period. The private rooms are one of a kind and the wait staff are incredibly professional and almost too respectful (lots of bowing and kowtowing, but that might be more of a cultural discrepancy). It’s a business casual dress code and shoes off in the restaurant. The overall experience for lunch takes 2.5 hours for 10 courses which is on par with the course of fine dining.
Food- this is a mixed bag. Overall, I think the meals definitely challenged and expanded my palate. There were a lot of foods I’ve previously never tried and a lot of textures I personally don’t really like (like the slimy, okra like feeling) the courses all had great presentation but only 3-4 dishes I would eat again. The dishes were certainly original and had a flair of “trying to be unique.” But sometimes pushes past my comfort zone. The portion sizes, dare I say we’re almost too big for 10 courses.
Overall- would recommend only if you have an adventurous palate and time on your hands.
Learn More About Kaiseki
Kaiseki vs. Omakase: What's the Difference Between These Japanese Fine Dining Styles?
5 May 2024Tokyo RestaurantsBasic Japanese Dishes
Explore the refined world of Japanese fine dining with our comparison of Kaiseki and Omakase. Uncover the artful presentation, seasonal focus, and cultural significance of these exquisite dining styles. Understand how Kaiseki provides a structured culinary journey, while Omakase delights with chef-driven surprises. Ideal for food enthusiasts keen to grasp the nuances of Japan's premier dining experiences.
Read MoreMore Dining Inspiration
