I had the most amazing dining and learning experience at Kaburaya Matsui! And it's reasonably priced too. I've joined them twice for cooking lessons - one on the art of plating and preparing shokado bento, second one specifically on sensorial journey with Dashi - colors, aroma, taste, and the pairing combinations.
My most recent favorites are getting to taste the transformation of Dashi across different food items: from yuzu spinach lily root miso sauce with turnip to seabream with avocado wasabi bonito dressing. And roll cake with bonito in it.
The Japanese owners are incredibly thoughtful, friendly, and the wife could communicate well in English. Slowing down with food starting from savoring the thoughtfulness that goes into preparation, understanding the layers of flavors, to tasting the bursts of textures, aromas, and colors is going to change your perspective about food and the warm otomenashi Japanese culture that surrounds it. Highly recommend this restaurant!
Lola Valion
2025-02-13
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I took a cooking class on shokado bento at this restaurant. Stellar experience, a feast for the eyes and belly, I’m already looking forward to signing up for the next one. The owners are so kind and interesting, they are open to answering any of your questions, and the food is simply exquisite. From the precision and attention to detail, to the historical significance, learning about the preparation of this meal and then getting to enjoy it was a treat times 10. My favorites were the teriyaki pork with Asian pear and marinated hard boiled egg (I’ve never eaten a more delicious hard boiled egg—I’m still in shock). And the real fresh wasabi!!! Completely different from what comes out of the tubes. Everything here was top notch. If you are interested in authentic Japanese cuisine, you can’t miss this spot.
EDIT: their lunchtime menu is under ¥4000!! Please make a reservation to go for lunch (can do so by calling or via Instagram) if the dinner price tag isn’t within budget. The beauty of the culinary experience is not one to pass up
Marta Caliandro
2025-02-11
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Riichiro e Mika sono due persone splendide e ci hanno accolti a braccia aperte nel loro ristorante (che hanno aperto solo per noi nel loro giorno di riposo per poter esaudire il nostro desiderio di cenare da loro). L’esperienza kaiseki è stata deliziosa, un percorso in accordo con la stagione per esplorare tecniche e sapori della cucina giapponese.
Speriamo di poter tornare presto!
Kaiseki course…it’s not only about flavours but the whole story is amazing. Every ingredient that you eat is there for a reason
Plus the chef and his wife are lovely people.
Definitely the best gastronomic experience of my life.
배준
2025-02-03
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인생에 한번은 먹어봐야할 음식이라 말하고 싶다. 일식요리의 자부심과 요리 하나하나에 담은 스토리와 정성 이것은 값으로 살수없는 멋진 경험이였다. 식당휴일에 우리 가족을 위해 요리를 해주셔서 진심으로 감사드리고 교토에서의 잊지못할 추억을 만들어주신 두분께 다시한번 진심으로 감사의 말씀 전합니다.
We had a lovely intimate dinner watching chef as he prepared and presented the delicious dishes. We enjoyed hearing and learning details of Japanese culture and traditions in each dish and the amazing experiences of both chef and his wife. My teenager loved the experience! Thank you to chef and his wife!
Gabby Arias
2025-01-13
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My husband and I had the most wonderful lunch at Kaburaya Matsui, and it was by far the best meal we’ve had in Japan. Each dish was very carefully crafted — including a homemade ponzu — and the ingredients were super fresh. If you can, sit at the counter — we were lucky enough to have the whole restaurant to ourselves, and the chef and his wife explained each dish along with the history behind the food or the region where an ingredient came from. They were even kind enough to write down a few recommendations for places to shop in Kyoto.
I would highly recommend that anyone add this restaurant to their list when visiting Kyoto. Thank you for the delicious meal and warm hospitality!