Ryoriya Stephan Pantel

We have eaten here several times over the past few years and find the JPY 6,000 lunch well worth the asking price. Staff and chef are attentive and accommodating. Only the best stemware, plates and utensils are used.

This is it, my favorite of all the finer restaurants in Kyoto. And this includes the trendy ones with quirky differences like wood fired only, or other new specialist efforts. This is fine dining as you would expect. The location and ambience within are superb. The Chef is friendly and precise in execution. This you can see if you sit at the counter. After each prep, the area is completely restored to sparkling. At a table you have a quiet space for just a few. The area is spacious and in the era of Covid it feels comfortable and safe. But best of all is the quality of dishes, the presentation, and each delicious delivery to you table. Top drawer.

My wife and I have been frequenting this restaurant for a couple years now. The staff and service are great and the head chef is extremely accommodating--always making sure to talk with each guest.

The menu is a fixed course and your only options are the drinks, of which there is a rich wine selection. The menu itself only changes every couple months or so. So if you are on vacation and wanted to eat twice during the same trip, I would advise against it.

The food is simply amazing. While the basic concept might be described as French nouvelle cuisine, the use of local ingredients and a Japanese influence gives chef Pantel's food a unique expression.

I highly recommend this restaurant. Just be sure to go hungry. There are normally at least 5 or 6 courses. Don't be in a rush either. Also, try to make reservations before going.