Shunsai Imari

I wanted to try a Japanese breakfast and this place was recommended. I made a booking and sat on a long counter facing the chefs. It was the last sitting for the morning at 10 am. The food was absolutely delicious and well worth Yen 1700. The only thing I didn't like was that I felt a bit hurried. T...he bill was presented half way through my meal. It's a simple Japanese kitchen restaurant which is charming. When I complimented the chef he kindly walked me to the door when I was leaving. I would recommend to go for the breakfast but book ahead.

Visited May 2023

This was fabulous, one of our best meals. Don’t let the exterior fool you - it is immaculate, delicious food. Many authentic and perfect Kyoto foods that added variety from the traditional sushi/tempura or beef places elsewhere. Service was lovely, easy to speak English. This is not a tourist spot a...nd has only a few tables, so you will have better luck if you call to reserve time in the morning.

Visited June 2019

Our hotel recommended a few restaurants in Kyoto. This one was about 50 metres away so was and easy choice. Also adding to our decision were TA recommendations and the English menu. You had a choice of a table or sitting at the counter. Luckily we had a waiter with very good English although the ...menu was fairly self explanatory and we could of just pointed to items we wanted. I enjoyed the atmosphere with jazz being piped through the restaurant. Each table had a little bell to get servers attention if you need them. Menu featured Kyoto delicacies with a few other specialties. We particularly enjoyed the little starting plates of different dishes. Vegetable tempura was tasty and our Sukiyaki and roasted chicken was delicious. We decided to have desert of Soy bean pudding and Jelly of fruit. Overall the food was excellent. The red wine was a bit warm and service was friendly helpful but could of been a bit more more attentive, but we had our bell🤗 Value for money was extraordinary, cost us only about $80aud (¥7000) for entree, mains, desert and wine. Shunsai Imari can be found on Rokkaku Dori.

Visited August 2018

We were recommended to come here by a local who owns a print / picture and frame store. After purchasing a print I asked the owner where do the locals dine as my wife and I would like to experience authentic Kyoto style food in a small, well presented stylish restaurant. His English poor tho he gave... us an old business card for Imari and as it was only a couple of blocks away in the back streets we decided to make our way there to get a reservation for this evening. Found the place easy enough, tho they were actually closed for the afternoon and reopening around 6pm. Enquired, however they were fully booked for the evening (good small places usually are). I managed to communicate with the young waiter to secure a spot for two the following day. So we arrive next day at 6:30pm to find that we have great seats at the counter right where the action is as it’s typical for food the be prepared right in front of you .... Comms not so easy as they spoke limited English with my Japanese restricted to a few simple phrases .... no English menu .... a real good sign. Decided to enter ... ‘may we please have a selection of your signature dishes please’ into google translator and hey presto we had our kanji characters appear so I handed my smart phone to the chef who had a bit of giggle and said .... me choose ok - which we nodded and then waited in eager anticipation .... I think it was like seven or so courses maybe more with beer wine and Sake .... was absolutely sensational from a presentation and flavour perspective. We had no idea what we were going to receive next nor how much this exquisite culinary experience was going to cost us as we never asked .... we were enjoying it so much we didn’t care what the $$ will be. Each course was ample in quantity and exceptional quality, presentation superb and with some of the most impressive flavours, service was at the usual very high Japanese standard. We grazed for some 3 hours in total while taking in the ambiance of this wonderful find. For those interested to know the bill ended up being a tad less than $100AUD which we thought was very good value for money all considered. We would certainly have to pay more and receive less here in Sydney Should you visit Kyoto and prepared to be a little more adventurous, this is a must do stop, Tip -! don’t forget to make a reservation first

Visited January 2018

The super friendly staff and guests made it for a super fun night. Food was typical Kyoto cuisine. Highly reccomend it, I was the only foreigner and yet they made me feel at home. They have an English menu and speak good English too.

Visited March 2016