Tagawa

A truly unique experience in the heart of Kyoto. Listen, let me just throw it out there, this is my third Kaiseki ever so I do have experience at this point. You will have an unforgettable experience, but you will absolutely hate some of the dishes just as much as you will love some of them. If you are a foreigner, like myself, our taste buds are not refined enough to understand or appreciate these flavors. Overall, I still thoroughly enjoyed my time and the dishes. Exploring all the new flavors is part of the fun. I would go back in a heart beat. The chef is also a true master and extremely friendly to locals and foreigners. For me, October is maybe not my favorite month for Kaiseki, but I am excited to explore other months if I am lucky.

A Hidden Gem That Feels Like Home Tagawa Japan is a rare find, a place that feels like stepping into a cherished family kitchen in Japan. From the moment you enter, you’re enveloped in warmth and authenticity. The dishes are thoughtfully prepared, rich in traditional flavors, and served with a genuine sense of hospitality. Do You Know? Tagawa is not just a restaurant, it’s a culinary journey. The chef-owner, Yoshifumi Mori, is renowned for his innovative approach to kaiseki dining, blending Japanese techniques with global influences. Each dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully presented in handcrafted lacquerware. It’s a dining experience that transcends mere meals, it’s an art form.

What a special, unique experience! Our first kaiseki meal. Chef Tagawa and his team were wonderful, the food was fresh and expertly prepared, and the restaurant was intimate and beautiful. Watching Tagawa prepare the food was fascinating. Thank you for this amazing experience!

I didnt expect to be treated this way. I felt like I was Tagawa's family member for that evening. I can still picture him closing my taxi door. Every course felt so special and memorable. If you can handle it, I suggest you sit in front of the fire. The charcoal is special and expensive, you will really smell the grill. You will be right in front of Tagawa and he will serve you personally. For the rice course at the end, I urge you to make an exaggerated "Wowww" sound when he shows you the rice. Also take a photo of it. You cannot overdo it, I copied the japanese guests doing this, it is a custom. I still think about this meal every day since. Take caution that the meal costs more than the outdated number on the website. I paid ~35k yen pp with no drinks.

My fiancé and I tried kaiseki for the first time at Tagawa and it was an amazing and u forgettable experience. The intricacies of each dish and the friendliness of the chef and sous-chefs were incredible. Each dish not only tasted incredible but was also plated to perfection. Would highly recommend anyone interested in experiencing kaiseki cuisine to make a reservation at Tagawa.

An open- kitchen style Washoku restaurant. When you seat, you can feel tender warmness on your foot with floor heating system. Foods are amusing and you'll see ingredients you'll going to have, and how they are cooked, and how they are treated. Many seasonal plates make you feel a season. The way to washroom is notable from my experience. The small path and a small garden besides. You'll see and taste you're in Japan, Kyoto. Highly recommended. Note! You better be very hungry stervin before visit here. Otherwise you may not be able to finish all dishes!!

Tagawa is one of the highest rated kaiseki places on Tabelog, and for good reason. Each dish is meticulously prepared and arranged on beautiful dishware, and you can really admire the chefs' knife work. Special shoutout to Nick who did a lovely job explaining each dish and the cultural context behind the ingredients!

Be prepared to leave stuffed!! They give you so much food, and delicious too. A really high value kaiseki with premium ingredients and well worth the cost. Staff are friendly and very skilled. My favorite by far was the seasonal sansho flower wagyu shabu - it was so good. They even gave us the option to have a second serving. Will come back.

One star Michelin Japanese kaiseki. One-set multiple course menu. One of the best one star Michelin restaurant I've ever been. 10 seats, amazing food, friendly service. Strongly recommended.