Sen

Kaiseki restaurant · Kyoto-shi ·

Sen

Kaiseki restaurant · Kyoto-shi ·

Refined kaiseki dining, seasonal ingredients, exceptional fish

Information

Japan, 〒600-8103 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shiogamacho, 379 坂田ビル 379 Get directions

¥10,000+

@michelinguide

47,966 Postcards · 8,013 Cities

"Seasonal notes and playfulness abound in the menu. Simple preparations etch themselves in the memory. During the Gion Festival, SEN displays a replica of the Naginata Boko, the first float in the festival’s parade, reflecting the city’s traditional events and customs. At the close of the meal, choose from an assortment of comfort foods such as mackerel sushi, chazuke and ramen. The chef learned to ‘read the room’ as an apprentice and is known to change ingredients and preparation styles based on guests’ conversation. The spirit of graceful service, expressed in cooking." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/kyoto-region/kyoto/restaurant/sen

Sen

@grubstreet

13,447 Postcards · 1,476 Cities

Neil Patrick Harris’s Grub Street Diet

"We had eaten so many different varieties of Japanese food in Japan, but we still had cravings for our western simple nigiri and sushi sampler plates that we always get from Sen in Sag Harbor. I drank some sake from some sake cups that I procured in Kyoto and we played Codenames and called it a night." - Zach Schiffman, Ryan Inzana

https://www.grubstreet.com/2023/07/neil-patrick-harris-grub-street-diet.html

Sen

Kate

Google

Lunch at Sen was the best kaiseki meal I’ve had in Kyoto. We had the set and it came to ¥49,000 for two. It’s not inexpensive, but the quality and care justify the spend. Every dish, from the opening soup to the final dessert, was so beautifully executed and displayed. Fish is clearly the kitchen’s strength. The eel main, served with taro and ginkgo, was especially memorable: rich, earthy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sauce. Maguro and pacific saury sashimi was a surprise too. No overwork at all, pure flavours! The overall pacing was good, allowing each dish to land without rush. It’s a place for those who appreciate subtlety, seasonal ingredients, and the kind of cooking that speaks softly but lingers. Worth seeking out if you’re in Kyoto and looking for something refined. The restaurant is tucked on a quiet street just a short walk from Gojo Station. While a discreet entrance gives little away, it’s not difficult to find.

ethan C.

Google

Food is fresh and meticulously prepared down to its presentation which followed a theme of boys day, a holiday celebrated in the month of my visit. The host was friendly and welcoming in spite of the fact that I was a foreigner who spoke no Japanese. This was an overall wonderful experience that was well worth the money.

Derek K.

Google

Our dinner at Sen was one of the best culinary experiences I've ever had and I don't say that lightly. I've been to more than 100 Michelin-starred restaurants in many different countries and Sen would easily be one of the top few. . The entire restaurant consists of and 8-seat counter. It's a 2-1/2 hour "experience" that starts with the staff bringing out the live fish before preparation and it's interesting to watch the careful work required to plate some of the dishes. Presentation and taste were phenomenal, portions were generous and the sake pairing was an excellent value. The chef and staff were extremely friendly and helpful throughout. There are really nice and genuine people. Everything has English translations, so no issues whatsoever. Try to visit Sen before they get star #2, because it's bound to happen.

VBR

Google

We were so looking forward to eating here. Unfortunately the whole experience was disappointing. Firstly, if they put you in the private room, refuse it. They forget about you and there is no atmosphere no music no service. It’s a bit like a sensory deprivation chamber. Secondly, the food was mainly broths of all kinds and boiled fish. It all looked very pretty but if you like dry tasteless fish you have come to the right place! Lastly, the waitresses were sweet and kind but poorly trained. They forgot to bring the sake before the dish (we opted for the sake tasting) and didn’t clear our dirty plates before bringing new ones. We certainly won’t be back.

Michelle K.

Google

Our first kaiseki experience. We came for lunch service and were impressed by each dish brought out. The level of service was at a high standard and we felt very welcomed despite being foreigners. Highly recommend Sen if you are looking to experience Kaiseki as a visitor to Japan.

Lorraine L.

Google

By far the best kaiseki we had and best meal in Kyoto. Fine quality, luxurious ingredients. You can taste and feel alot of attention and detail in the food served. Staff was warm and welcoming - we were served by a very hospitable mandarin-speaking staff. Simply awesome and unforgettable culinary experience.

Cathryn Van Der W.

Google

SEN is a magical dining and cultural experience. The attention to detail in each dish, its presentation and collection is spectacular. We are so glad we went - our departure with the farewell from the SEN team will never be forgotten.

Jayant W

Google

Amazing michelin star dinner experience. Enjoyed a lot. Service was top-notch and personalized because of only 9 customers. Food was amazing. Chef was very friendly. He even came to drop us off at taxi.