Sojiki Nakahigashi

This may be the best restaurant I have ever experienced. It was beyond a privilege to be part of this experience. We were the only foreigners but everyone made us feel welcome. The chef tried to teach my son to count in Japanese but my son already knew so he kept counting. Knowing a few words in Jap...anese goes a long way. The amount of food was too much for me, but my son managed just fine, though he said he was about to burst after. Don’t eat for a while before you go! The food was magnificent, unique and had tons of flavors and textures. Every bite was so satisfying. The chef walked us to our taxi and handed my son a gift. It was beyond special and forever an amazing memory. The staff were all so kind and friendly. The guests were too. The language barrier didn’t hurt our experience at all.

Visited June 2026

What a fabulous chef, his warmth, humour, and culinary skills second to none, as if we were guests in his home. As non-Japanese speakers, we were a novelty, but we were made to feel special and part of his culture due to the intimate setting. We will never forget him.

Visited March 2024

I speak Japanese and live in Japan. They confirmed they had space in April 2020, but prior to accepting my booking, asked: "are you gaikokujin (foreigner)?" Upon confirming I was, but that I live in Japan, they responded - shockingly - "sorry, but we cannot serve you; due to corona, other customer...s will become nervous and uncomfortable if they see you”. I am a mega foodie and eat at a lot of Michelins and other high end spots (at least once a week), mostly in Tokyo but also throughout Japan; not once have I been turned away because of my nationality, including during the Corona outbreak -- until Sojiki Nakahigashi.

Visited April 2020

Nakahigashi is a great little Kaiseki restaurant with a very friendly Owner-chef Hisao Nakahigashi, who serves guests personally at the counter with real heart. The cuisine highlights many of the local vegetables as well as seasonal fish, seafood, and meats, and there is extra helpings of the 'cris...py rice' at the end if you feel you need a bit more - served with Malden salt and a homemade sansho oil (the portions may look small but they are very filling). We had some great dishes - the white miso soup was amazing - and the whole meal was an experience. If you're in Kyoto and you want something a bit special -this is a first rate choice.

Visited July 2019

Always good. Always amazing. It’s very difficult to make a reservation, but it was my lucky day. They got sudden cancellation. In this season, many Japanese restaurants are serving Grilled Ayu, but This Ayu is Best of the Best. They grilled the head parts well done, and body part is still fluffy an...d flavorful. Also don’t miss out their speciality dish. Their specialty is white rice. You will understand how different between their white rice and others. One of best restaurant in Kyoto or Japan.

Visited May 2018