A historic ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) in Kyoto, Japan, with over 450 years of history, holding three MICHELIN Stars. It is celebrated for its exquisite Kaiseki cuisine.
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The name 'Ryotei' typically refers to a high-end traditional Japanese restaurant, rather than a specific chef. However, the term is strongly associated with acclaimed chefs working in such establishments. This...
5
Been coming to Hyotei for 20 years now to enjoy their outstanding Kaiseki and this is without a doubt of one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been too.
Perfectly cooked food and service delivered in a traditional Japanese room. Every course was amazing.
Is it pricey - absolutely. Is it good - it’s incredible.
Worth every penny for the beautiful private setting with so many years of history, the masterful kaiseki cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients, and the wonderful service. This is not the place for a first experience with kaiseki cuisine (as some other reviews show), so learn to appreciate this style of meal before you go!
I was a little worried reading some of the other reviews since this was a bit pricey. My worries were pretty unfounded and I left here really, really confused on how someone could have a bad time.
The service was incredible. The hostesses were two women who would periodically peak in to see if we had dishes to clear, wanted more to drink or the next course was ready. There was time between each course to breath and chat with my guest which felt very luxurious after hurrying through other meals around the city.
The atmosphere is really hard to beat: you are seated at a small table on tatami in the middle of a beautiful garden and koi pond. You can open the windows and it is a truly unique dining experience. I will warn that there were mosquitos when we were there so I'd recommend wearing thick socks and long sleeves and use a little insect repellent if you visit in warmer months.
The food was incredible. Every plate had it's own charm and the presentation was quite excellent. I don't speak great Japanese but the hostess was very patient and explained how to eat each dish in some Japanese, a little English and great pantomimes.
The dishes were masterfully subtle and unique in texture, flavor and presentation.
Hyotei is clearly more about traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki — extremely light seasoning, subtle flavours, and a very understated approach. I can see how some people may appreciate that, but personally I don’t think I’m used to this style, and it just didn’t work for me.
Overall, it may suit people who love very subtle, traditional Kyoto flavours, but for me it wasn’t worth the time or the cost. I wouldn’t return.
Had lunch on sauday at Hyotei bekkan.
It was bento and nor worth 7,000yen plus.
Food was all cold with less than normal taste.
Soba would have been better choice..
This place need improvement.
Not only money, also my time during short trip was so wasted.. Hope I could distinguish this kind of touristic place.
I was the one who suggested this place to have lunch to my friends and I was super embarrased..
I visited hyotei bekkan(guess it is annex) hope hyotei main restaurents is better than this.
