anpeiji

We dined as a party of four in the private room and were warmly welcomed by the maître d’. Every dish that arrived at the table was not only plated with extraordinary precision, but truly felt like a work of art. The flavors were beautifully balanced, showcasing exceptional ingredients and thoughtful composition. One highlight for me was the flounder in dill marinade—the delicate dots of kaffir lime oil were the perfect, aromatic counterpoint to the fish. After each course, we found ourselves wishing for just one more bite. The sauces in particular showed remarkable refinement and finesse. What made the experience even more memorable was the chef himself. Despite his busy schedule, he generously took the time to speak with me in French—something I deeply appreciated. He shared that he had spent many years studying in France, and his mastery of both the cuisine and the language truly shone through. This is a restaurant I will return to every time I visit Kyoto. Among all the Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve tried, this one stands out as my favorite. I’m genuinely surprised it has only one star.

My husband and I reserved a private room. The gentleman who served us explained each dish so well and provided excellent service. We’ve been to several Michelin restaurants here and there. But honestly, this place was one of the best one michelin spots. The owner chef also walked us out after the meal which made us feel really special.

The presentation, flavors, freshness, inventiveness, and the whole experience is off the charts. Comparable to Michelin 3-star restaurants. One of those places you’ll never forget. This was my second time here and I’ll be back!

Very enjoyable dinner. The ambience of the restaurant was excellent. Plating and taste of food were spectacular. Really worth taking a 20 minutes ride from Central Kyoto.

Over the last 36 years, my wife and I have dined at some of the finest restaurants in the world, including a substantial number of Michelin starred restaurants. We recently returned from a trip to South Korea and Japan, where we dined at 16 separate Michelin starred restaurants. Anpeiji was by far the best restaurant we visited during this trip, and more importantly, is one of the finest restaurants we have patronized anywhere. There was not a single flaw in our dining experience at Anpeiji. The flavors were impeccable and sophisticated. The presentations were perfect. The service was flawless. The ambiance was very peaceful, comfortable and stylish. Chef Masashi Ampeiji is an absolute master artisan and perfectionist, who takes great pride in his craft. Anpeiji easily deserves three Michelin stars, and is equal to or superior to any other three star Michelin restaurant we have patronized anywhere in the world. I have never provided a restaurant review before, but was driven to do so in the case of Anpeiji, given the awe inspiring meal we enjoyed at this astonishing restaurant!

The restaurant may not be located in the center of Kyoto, but it is absolutely worth the trip. I had an incredible dining experience with my wife from start to finish. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted, from the beautiful presentation of each dish to the perfect balance of flavors. The attention to detail in both the plating and the harmony of the food truly stood out. We had a memorable and delightful experience and hopefully will be able to come back!

I’ve been fortunate to have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world over the past 40 years, and I’ve never before had a meal so exquisite — or beautifully presented. Truly special. Highly recommend for foodies…

In summary, the team at anpeiji created an evening that was more special than we ever could have imagined! Using the Michelin guide, we chose this restaurant to celebrate our honeymoon and a birthday. The service was amazing starting from being greeted at the door. The space was elegant and modern with an open kitchen to watch the master chefs at work. We ordered the wine pairing and are so glad we did, really excellent choices. On to the food - The dishes were the most delicious and beautiful we have ever eaten… any description will not do justice to how incredible this food was. Look at the pictures to get an idea. Standouts included the seabass and beef dishes, as well as the lemon tart dessert. We had a conversation with the French-trained Japanese chef, anpeiji, at the end of the meal and it was clear how much time and effort goes into his creations. We strongly recommend this Kyoto culinary experience. Do not miss it! Book now!