KYOUMACHIYAFURENCHITOWAIN'EPISU

We went with a friend to Epice, a French restaurant with a Japanese twist. The food was superb. We had a multi-course tasting menu and every course was so delicious. The restaurant is not large and we sat at the bar which gave us an excellent view of the food as it was being prepared. The che...f himself explained every dish (mostly in Japanese which our friend translated and explained to us). There was a choice of two main courses and we all had the lamb which was very very good. The dessert was very good too with expresso ice cream and a delicate pastry. I took a lot of photos and have attached some of them to this review. The meal was very memorable and I highly recommend this place.

Visited April 2016

Overall this was a great experience for about 6000 Yen per person with one drink. I will say the atmosphere was mixed as the decor was eclectic. However, the biggest issue was the service, particularly from the Chef. I don't drink because of an allergy and he certainly displayed his annoyance wit...h this and demanded a 'one drink' minimum. That is standard in many Japanese establishments but usually when you go to higher end restaurants, particularly one where you will be having the tasting course, this is not customary. Certainly his attitude was not welcoming. It is sad when what prevents a restaurant from true excellence is the chef's demeanor. I hope to see a change and then I would certainly return.

Visited April 2016

We were very fortunate to be taken to this restaurant by colleagues during a recent visit to Japan - it is a gem in a city of classy restaurants. We happily sat back and allowed the chef to present a variety of dishes with matching wines. The food was delightful to all the senses, the ambience of th...e restaurant wonderful. If you love intrigue in food this is a 'must do' food experience

Visited April 2015

On a recent trip to Kyoto, I stumbled across a traditional building -the home of a French restaurant with a Japanese touch. The food was absolutely divine, both the taste and the way it was presented. The service was excellent and the atmosphere - a mixture a French and Japanese - was quietly eleg...ant. It was a pleasure to dine there. We ate a set-course dinner for about ￥5,000 each. The chef gave us individual attention and explained each course in detail (in a mixture of French, Japanese and English). We had 2 glasses of wine each and the total bill per person came to about ￥7,000 each. I will definitely go back there next time I am in Kyoto!

Visited July 2014

Epice is in a traditional building in Kyoto - very beautiful. The inside is also decorated to a high standard. We sat at the kitchen bar, and could watch the chefs prepare the food. Cutlery at the bar is stored ingeniously! We had lunch there and went for the cheaper 3-course option. The food i...s very tasty and extremely well presented. It is sold as "French", and whilst the menu was European in style and presentation, the food is not traditionally French. The seafood and vegetables were delicious and locally sourced. There is a good (for Japan) wine list. 2 glasses of wine, and 2 three-course lunches came to about £50, or ¥7,500.

Visited March 2013