Mankamerou

Where everything is a work of art. The experience of dining at Mankamerou is almost “other worldly” and you are transported to a totally different world the moment you slip behind the curtains off the otherwise ordinary suburban street in Kyoto. From the moment you are greeted, slipping off your street shoes into the wonderful slippers provided to the end when staff send you off & remain waving on the street till you are out of sight, you are a treasured guest. We were ushered into a beautiful private tatami room which directly looks out into a peaceful Japanese garden. Once the menu was explained, drink orders taken, we started our journey into Japan’s famed omakase of culinary delights & everything we anticipated exceeded our expectations. Dish after dish appeared, each appeared to be a work of art. Beautifully plated and absolutely delicious - everything was delicious and perfectly matched and curated. The service was stellar and somehow the timing of each dish arriving was perfect. The pauses between courses were orchestrated so well. The ladies in their beautiful kimonos serving us made us feel special. It is difficult to pin point which dish stood out from the others as it was the sum of the whole that made this experience sublime. Nothing was rushed, yet it didn’t it feel unnecessarily prolonged or excessive. Expensive? Yes, very. Difficult to book? Yes, you need to reserve well in advance (your hotel can help but a credit card is required to guarantee the booking). Worth it? Absolutely! If you want to experience something truly special - nothing like dining at a well deserved 2 Michelin starred restaurant in Kyoto.

Very hard to describe this place since the experience was outstanding and very unique. The service was very traditional, kind and beautiful. The house is beautiful and very traditional too. All the steps in the tasting menu were superb, no flaws here, with very delicate and beautiful dishes, hard to choose one step as the best. As a foreigner, we could taste very unique Japanese flavors of the Kaiseki cuisine. It’s a must in Kyoto if you are comfortable with the price - totally worth it.

Dining at Mankamerou in Kyoto is not merely a meal; it's an immersive journey into the heart of Japanese culinary artistry and tradition. Yeah… this a two Michelin star worthy adventure, but it differs in every way from the typical commercialized Michelin fare we so often find today. The Kaiseki meal here transcends the boundaries of mere gastronomy, presenting a harmonious blend of flavors, aesthetics, and history that deeply respects the seasonal offerings of nature. What truly sets Mankamerou apart is the exceptional use of the pottery and dinnerware that once graced the Imperial Court, lending each course an air of nobility and reverence. These exquisite pieces, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship, serve as the perfect vessels for the restaurant's culinary creations, enhancing the flavors and the visual appeal of the food. The service at Mankamerou is a meticulous ceremony, reflecting a nearly religious devotion to hospitality and the art of Kaiseki. Staff move with grace and precision, embodying the omotenashi spirit that anticipates and fulfills guests' needs without intrusion. This level of care and attention to detail elevates the dining experience to a meditative ritual, where every bite and every moment invites contemplation and appreciation. Mankamerou is an unforgettable experience, offering not just a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine but a profound connection to the culture, history, and artistry that define Kyoto's culinary landscape. It's a sublime journey that captivates all the senses, leaving diners with a lasting impression of beauty, harmony, and the deep, resonant flavors of Japan.

Choosing Wan Kiro, a Michelin two-star restaurant, proved to be a culinary delight. The attentive service, with servers adorned in traditional kimonos, elevated our dining experience to one of utmost luxury—from the moment we were welcomed until the final farewell. While we didn't have the opportunity to stay in an upscale Japanese-style accommodation, the experience of dining in a traditional private room truly expanded our horizons. The price, approximately 30,000 Japanese Yen, excluding tax, was reflective of the exquisite 10-course meal. The culinary journey consisted of 10 courses, each representing a unique aspect of Japanese cuisine: 1. 先附 (Appetizer) - A sesame tofu base provided a rich and fresh flavor, occasionally complemented by the subtle heat of minced ginger. 2. お椀 (Soup) - The eel was so artfully presented that it was almost unrecognizable. The soup was clear, refreshing, and delicious, but the intense acidity of the plum sauce somewhat overshadowed the overall taste. 3. 天ぷら (Tempura) - Opting for tempura due to the sensitivity to raw fish, the shrimp was a delightful highlight, while the other components were passable. 4. 八寸 (Hassun) - Served on a lotus leaf, this course featured six light dishes. The standout was the unexpectedly delicious fig preparation, although the duck breast had a slightly overpowering gamey taste. 5. 強肴 (Stew) - Freshly ground wasabi provided a mild heat, perfectly complementing the Japanese sea bream (horsehead fish) and enhancing the overall flavor. 6. 焼物 (Grilled Dish) - Mackerel skin was perfectly grilled, adding lemon juice enhanced the tenderness, and the inclusion of lotus root in autumn made for a delightful surprise. 7. 焚合 (Simmered Dish) - Tasteful but conventional; the grilled green pepper seemed to dominate the overall flavor. 8. ご飯・香の物 (Rice with Pickles) - Not particularly memorable; the legendary seaweed soup rice seemed a bit extravagant. 9. 水物 (Clear Soup) - Sweet water pear and Kyoho grapes were exceptionally sweet, truly a delightful treat. 10. お菓子・抹茶 (Dessert with Matcha) - This course left a less lasting impression, perhaps due to a lack of focus on savoring the flavors. Priced at a premium, the symphony of flavors unfolded like a well-composed piece of music. The presentation of dishes, the intricate designs, and the harmonious blend of flavors provided a profound sensory experience. Though we might not have stayed in a luxurious Japanese architectural masterpiece, the culinary journey at Wan Kiro left an indelible mark, allowing us to savor the essence of Japanese gastronomy.

It’s one of those on the lists of Kyoto heavyweight Shinise restaurants that shouldn’t be missed while visiting the city

beautiful setting, gorgeous plating!! food was pretty good but nothing mindblowing

Here is high level traditional restaurant in Kyoto. Unfortunately it’s very hard to visit for not only foreign country people but also another Japanese area’s people.

2 star Michelin restaurant The food isn't just food. It's an art! They have used some plates for more than 100 years. The building has historical values. It is worth visiting just to go to this restaurant in Kyoto.