If you're looking for something a little different in Kyoto, try this high-end but casual little restaurant, which serves a tasting menu only fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine (I would describe it as modern Japanese and local ingredients, prepared with a very heavy and obvious Italian influence). Very tasty and unique food in a comfortable and friendly environment, with a super-friendly young chef (he speaks limited English, but he makes an effort to engage with tourists, and you can tell he's a cool/nice/happy guy). Highly recommended!

We thoroughly enjoyed the innovative young chefs' dishes which blended Italian with Japanese subtle tastes. We were not sure about spending our last night in Kyoto in an Italian restaurant but were blown away with the very well prepared dishes. Because the chef was trained in Italy and Japan, he prepared unique dishes from scratch. Unique dishes such as white balsamic vinegar balls made by the chef to enhance the dish or smoke filled dish. We certainly were rewarded for taking a chance for our last meal in Kyoto.

Our dinner here was absolutely fantastic, innovative cooking and a brilliant e experience watching the friendly and talented chef cooking each course. Definitely get a table at the bar! We came slightly later than the other guests which meant we got a sneak preview into what was coming which made it even more exciting!

Enjoyed a great dining experience with first class food, service and atmosphere. Reservations only, so plan ahead as the chef/owner prepares a pre selected menu that changes every month based on available ingredients per season. Beautiful presentations are accompanied by excellent flavors....

This was exceptional cooking, the chef is the real deal. I would say it was Kaseiki influence on European cooking, the chef having spent a year working in various parts of Europe.
You sit at a small counter, maximum 8 to 10 people. He and one assistant do everything in front of the diners.
It was fascinating to watch him cook and the two of them assemble each dish. It seems from reading previous reviews that he never serves quite the same dish though it may have a common base. Vegetable salad was tasty and a lot more than its name suggests, his signature Japanese curry just before dessert was hot. Portions are not huge but why would you want this when you have 8 or 9 courses to get through, all intricate and perfect? Oh and coffee or tea is included too.
It is difficult to describe each dish precisely but chef does seem to excel at marrying flavours, (mimolette cheese and orange dust sprinkled on hot thin pasta and meat stuffed Brussels sprouts for example) and is a very agreeable person, so is his assistant. Do give it a go, you will not regret the experience. The price is a steal, I like the fact that, contrary to European experience, especially at this level of cooking, there is no push to drink alcohol or buy bottled water.