I visited "Kiyoshi" located in Kyoto city. This restaurant, opened in May 2019, operates on a reservation-only basis. It is located just a 1-minute walk from Exit 6 of Karasuma Line Shijo Station, on the main street facing Bukkoji-dori. The beautiful exterior blends in with the streets of Kyoto. Inside, there is a clean white wooden counter with 6 seats. The difficult-to-read restaurant name means "calmly gathering together" in Japanese. Chef Teppei Nishiyama, a native of Kyoto, trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy. The pasta dishes served are made with freshly made pasta prepared in just the right amount for the day. The course menu I had today included: - Cold Carbonara with Shrimp - Steamed Matsutake Mushroom with Whole Wheat Penne - Piadina with Eggplant, Sea Bass, and Wild Greens - Grilled Abalone Risotto with Natural Seaweed - Sea Urchin, Tomato, Paprika, Prosciutto, and Basil Spring Roll - Seasonal Vegetable Plate with various vegetables - Amakusa Daio Chicken with Okra - Spaghetti with Wild Mushrooms - Peach Gelato with Rice Flour Salt, Cookies, and Nuts - Chocolate. I enjoyed a course incorporating seasonal vegetables, getting plenty of vitamins. The penne and cold pasta included in the menu had a great texture and were refreshing. Thank you for the delicious meal.

Kii Kii on Shijo: Located just a short walk from Shijo Station, this hidden gem in a traditional Japanese house offers amazing innovative Italian cuisine in a calm setting with a 6-seat counter. I had the pleasure of stumbling upon this wonderful restaurant in an unfamiliar area. Chef Nishiyama and his wife provided heartfelt service, even to solo diners like myself. The chef's dishes were exceptional, with a focus on over 20 carefully selected vegetables, each prepared differently to showcase their unique flavors. The attention to detail and cooking techniques were top-notch. The abalone was perfectly tender with a delightful texture, and the Ezo deer had a mesmerizing depth of flavor. No compromises were made in terms of ingredients and cooking methods. I was impressed by the chef's dedication to his craft. It was a pleasure to chat with them about the current food scene and I had a truly enjoyable and luxurious experience. Thank you for the extraordinary meal, I will definitely be back.

Today, I visited Kii, a hidden gem located in a narrow alley near Shijo Station in Kyoto, where traditional Kyoto townhouses line the street. This young couple-run restaurant has just opened and has weathered the tough winter times for dining establishments due to the pandemic. The restaurant exudes a calm and exciting atmosphere with its tidy and organized interior. Their dishes are meticulously prepared with a focus on quality, featuring fresh vegetables and tender seafood like abalone, scallops, Tokishirazu, and bonito. The delicate flavors and meticulous presentation of the dishes leave you eagerly anticipating more from Kii. I highly recommend Kii for couples or gatherings like girls' night out. Today's menu is priced at 24,291 yen, and this month's course is 21,780 yen. The menu includes pasta with a sour sauce and sea urchin, Piadina with aged pork, seafood rice bowl, fried abalone, grilled bonito, vegetable salad with marinated onions, Fuji chicken soup, and more. Dessert options include melon gelato, yogurt sorbet, coffee, and homemade chocolate. Enjoy!

The restaurant had a cozy and homey atmosphere with almost full seating at the counter, where the chef and his wife bantered back and forth. We enjoyed top-notch food and drinks, with a focus on Japanese-inspired Italian cuisine and a selection of sake alongside Italian wines. We look forward to returning to enjoy the seasonal menu changes and the couple's engaging conversations.

As delicious as last time, the young and cute landlady warmly welcomed us again. It already feels like home. Once again, we enjoyed the generous portions and quality ingredients, along with pleasant conversations. The dishes were carefully prepared, and the owner explained them in detail. When you listen to the stories behind the ingredients and cooking methods, the taste somehow becomes even better. If you want a cozy and unpretentious Italian meal, this is definitely the place to go. *I think I forgot to take a picture of some dishes.

I've been curious about Nakasho Island for a while. It's hard to get there because it's far away. I finally made a sudden attack. I don't know the exact location. I know this area well, but I don't know where it is! I wrote that the food is Italian, but it's not really like that. It has a relaxed atmosphere. It's a counter-style restaurant with few seats, and because of the eye contact, it's difficult to have intimate conversations between men and women.

Our wedding anniversary in 2021 was celebrated at Ki in Kyoto. After seeing a friend's post on Instagram, I was intrigued and immediately made a reservation. Despite being an Italian restaurant, the interior is unlike any typical Italian restaurant, which is also reflected in the cuisine. The perfect fusion of Japanese and Italian influences creates a miraculous dining experience. For those who love Italian food and have not yet been, I can confidently say that you must visit. The chef and hostess create a friendly atmosphere, and the conversations flow so well that you almost feel like the dinner could turn into an impromptu after-party. The unique experience of dining at the counter adds to the enjoyment. This Italian restaurant in Kyoto is highly recommended.

Why doesn't everyone know about this place?! It's such a great restaurant. The owner and chef are so friendly and make you feel welcome, so it's totally fine to visit alone. We even lost track of time chatting and forgot about picking up our kids haha. They used to have a restaurant in Fushimi, but moved to the city two years ago (during the pandemic). The location is a bit hidden in a back alley, so it might be a little hard to find. I thought the prices were a bit high for Italian food in Kyoto, but considering the quality ingredients and the care put into the dishes, it's actually very reasonable. I was so excited that I forgot to take photos. With things settling down post-COVID, I'm worried that it might become harder to get a reservation as more out-of-town guests start coming in. But before that happens, I definitely want to visit this place again!

Semplice on Nakashima Island has relocated and reopened in the heart of Kyoto. It is just a short walk from Shijo Station, and right next to it is the popular cafe "amairo," known for its Instagram-worthy round taiyaki. This small restaurant only has 6 counter seats and is run by a husband and wife who are flexible with their operating hours. Chef Teppei Nishiyama studied Italian at university and fell in love with Italian cuisine during his study abroad, honing his skills as a chef in Italy. They offer a simple drink menu, but you can also get wine or sake by the glass to pair with your food. The flexibility in portion sizes and pricing, along with the high-quality dishes, make this a great spot for foodies. The menu includes unique dishes like triggerfish, pasta with sea urchin, oysters, mini pizza with shrimp, and more. The main dish is eel from Lake Biwa, which is flavorful and cooked to perfection. The pasta dishes are also delicious, with options like squid and cucumber pasta or pork and tomato pasta. The meal ends with a delightful dessert and tea. The total bill came to 35,000 yen, but for a more typical amount of alcohol consumption, it would likely be under 30,000 yen. This restaurant offers original dishes based on Italian cuisine that focus on maximizing the flavors of the ingredients. It is similar to the dining experience at Shimo Yamitenaeizuru in Sapporo. It's best enjoyed with a group of friends who love good food and drinks.

"A Gathering in Harmony" is the name of this delightful restaurant, which refuses to be easily read. This attitude extends to the owner's philosophy as well – they are not trying to please everyone, but rather want guests to genuinely enjoy the experience. The focus is on coming together over food and having a good time. The set course menu is priced at ¥15,000 and includes dishes like Burdock Root Soup with Venison and Lotus Root Dumplings, Scallop with Yuzu Sauce, Lobster with Fig and Fromage Blanc, Tajima Beef with Carrot and Ginger, and more. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and presented, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

I visited "Kii," which relocated from Nakashima Island this year with a fresh start. The compact restaurant, with only 6 counter seats, is located in a renovated old townhouse in a narrow alley west of Karasuma Bukko-ji Temple. The basic course costs 15,000 yen and includes a bottle of beer, 2 glasses of white wine, and more for my companion who seemed to enjoy their drinks. The menu consisted of various dishes such as burdock root soup, deer and lotus root dumplings, low-temperature cooked oysters with yuzu, aged Ise lobster with dried figs, cheese blanc on buttermilk, Tajima beef and lamb roast salad, ikura pudding with mushrooms, matsutake mushroom soup with ginkgo ravioli, soy-roasted fish with chestnuts and acorns, two types of pasta, pear gelato with compote and crumbly cookies, and small Japanese sweets with red tea. The impression was that the restaurant offers original dishes based on Italian cuisine. Those looking for innovative Italian dishes may be disappointed as the portions are small and there are many dishes served with a good tempo. While the course had a flow and coherence, there were no dishes that left a lasting impression in terms of taste. The cooking style focuses on bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, but unfortunately, it did not resonate with me. Since this dinner was an invitation, I will refrain from giving a rating.

I attended a gourmet gathering with a group of people including a university professor and an editor-in-chief. The restaurant was located about a 5-minute walk from Karasuma. It was a private counter with a stylish owner and his wife, who had trained at Mugartiz. The cuisine was more innovative than traditional Italian, with a selection of both wine and sake. The food was delicious, with the gobo soup leaving a lasting impression. The pasta was also very tasty.

First, there is a restaurant name that is difficult to read, which seems to be in Chinese. It is truly a hidden gem Italian restaurant in Kyoto. The interior of the restaurant has only 6 counter seats. The course menu is priced at 15,000 yen and includes burdock soup, oysters, Ise lobster with fromage blanc, Tajima beef, salad, ikura prine, matsutake mushroom soup, 2 types of pasta, pear gelato, and small sweets. The cuisine is more Italian with a hint of Japanese influence. While there were no standout dishes, the dishes showed the chef's dedication. Since this visit was quite some time ago, I am not aware of the current prices or menu offerings.

<September 2019 Visit> [Content] - Paprika soup with eggplant and sea urchin - Surf clam with cabbage - Squid, blackthroat seaperch, and salmon roe - Tofu with mushroom sauce - Salad with pumpkin cream and red bell pepper sorbet - Tajima beef with matsutake mushrooms - Cucumber-wrapped pasta with conger eel in soup - Spanish mackerel with winter melon and eggplant - Pasta - Muscat gelato with cocoa and milk soup - Fuji Sakura Highland Pilsner beer - Massolino Langhe Chardonnay 2016 - OGRADE Bianco Škerk 2016 [Details] Kobe and Kyoto Tour☆ On the second night in Kyoto, I visited this restaurant for the first time. The restaurant is located near Shijo Station, heading west along Bukkoji Street. It is tucked away in a narrow alley to the south. I was a bit worried if there really was a restaurant there (lol). The interior of the restaurant, however, was a stylish and clean modern space, unlike the outside atmosphere. The restaurant has only 6 counter seats and is run by a handsome chef and two beautiful ladies. It just opened on May 10th this year. Before that, they had been running an Italian restaurant in Fushimi for about 6 years. They came to the city with the desire to cook their favorite dishes without being bound by a specific genre. Now, what kind of dishes will they serve? I'm getting excited. The course meal costs 15,000 yen. There is no specific wine list, so you can choose based on your preferences. We started with a toast with "Fuji Sakura Highland Pilsner" beer! The first dish was the "Paprika soup with eggplant and sea urchin". The cold soup with the sweetness of vegetables was a comforting taste for the body. The sea urchin served as an accent. The next dish was "Surf clam with cabbage". I love the charcoal-grilled surf clam. The balance of the texture and flavor of fermented cabbage was good. The flavor of red shiso added a Japanese touch. A white wine would be good with this... I told the chef my preference and he recommended a white wine from northern Italy, "Massolino Langhe Chardonnay 2016". Oh, it has a mature taste and a noticeable barrel flavor. It's delicious. The next dish was "Squid, blackthroat seaperch, and salmon roe". It looks like salted squid... A dish with finely chopped white squid, aged blackthroat seaperch, and strained salmon roe. Citrus peel adds fragrance to it. The combination of squid, seaperch, and rich salmon roe is delightful. I think this would go well with sake (by the way, they also have a good selection of sake). Next was "Tofu with mushroom sauce". A rare true tofu with a fragrant porcini sauce from Kanagawa Prefecture. Grated long pepper adds a spicy touch. The domestically produced natural porcini mushrooms, with a satisfying size, have a spread of umami. Then, we had "Salad with pumpkin cream and red bell pepper sorbet". A dynamic dish that surprises you... It's not your ordinary salad. Pumpkin cream cheese topped with plenty of red bell pepper sorbet. It's not only visually enjoyable, but also interesting with its refreshing feeling and gentle flavor. It's an innovative and playful dish. The following dishes were meat dishes. Should we go with red wine? The chef recommended a white wine! But the color of the glass was a beautiful transparent red... It's what they call orange wine. "OGRADE Bianco Škerk 2016", indeed, it has a white label. It doesn't have much of a bio-like taste, but it has a refreshing acidity and a good depth. The dish was "Tajima beef with matsutake mushrooms". Aged Tajima beef roast beef. It's topped with a sauce of ginger and matsutake mushrooms. The aroma of matsutake and the umami of Tajima beef blend together deliciously. The dish was "Cucumber-wrapped pasta with conger eel in soup". Ravioli wrapped in grilled cucumber paste and conger eel. It's a collaboration of Japanese and Italian flavors. The whole dish is enveloped in a gentle soup made from Akoya clam broth and strained tomato. Wow, it's a unique taste. The next dish had a different nuance from the previous ones, "Spanish mackerel with winter melon and eggplant". Simply grilled Akashi Spanish mackerel with crispy skin and moist flesh. Dried winter melon and eggplant paste add a sauce with the sweetness of vegetables. The sauce complements the mackerel and eggplant well. The next dish was pasta. For dessert, we had "Muscat gelato with cocoa and milk soup". We also enjoyed Fuji Sakura Highland Pilsner beer, Massolino Langhe Chardonnay 2016, and OGRADE Bianco Škerk 2016.

This was my first time visiting since moving here. I think both the location and the food have been upgraded since the Semprice era. It will probably become a restaurant that is difficult to make reservations at soon, so I want to go as much as possible while I can.

A popular Italian restaurant in Naka-kojima, Fushimi, Kyoto has relocated to the Shijo-Karasuma area and reopened under the name "Kii". The new location is more compact, with a seating capacity of 6 at the counter (7 for private bookings). The menu consists of a single course priced at 15,000 yen (excluding tax). The dishes highlight a variety of ingredients sourced from mountains, seas, and countryside, with a focus on fresh and light flavors. The use of chopsticks and wooden spoons instead of forks and knives adds to the unique dining experience. The chef and his elegant wife serve each dish with finesse, creating a delicate and harmonious culinary journey. The dishes, ranging from spring cabbage ravioli to firefly squid pasta and Tajima beef, showcase the chef's innovative approach to Italian cuisine. The chef mentioned that they do not use traditional Japanese seasonings like dashi, soy sauce, or miso in their cooking. The intimate setting allows diners to witness the meticulous preparation and plating at the counter, while the kitchen is located at the back due to the building's structure. The owner chef explained that the name "Kii" means a feeling of comfort and joy in Chinese, reflecting their desire to continue perfecting their craft without seeking fame. Despite refraining from giving a score, the reviewer enjoyed a memorable dining experience in early May, surrounded by the chef's friends and regular customers. The restaurant operates from 6 pm, offering the 15,000 yen course only. For a unique and enjoyable dining experience, make a reservation and visit "Kii" in Kyoto, a rising star that has moved from Fushimi to the Karasuma area. Note: Photography is allowed, but capturing the chef and his wife's faces is not permitted.

I can't forget the eel.