Restaurant MOTOI

I had the privilege of dining at MOTOI in Kyoto on March 27, 2026, to celebrate my partner Elitsa’s birthday, and the experience was truly unforgettable. Even before our visit, the level of care and attention we received through email communication was remarkable. Although the restaurant offers onl...y tasting menus, the chef went out of his way to create entirely customized menus for us due to our dietary restrictions—I cannot eat raw fish, and Elitsa does not eat meat. This is an exceptionally rare gesture, and honestly something I have never experienced in Europe. What followed was not just a dinner, but a carefully crafted culinary journey. Each dish reflected precision, balance, and deep respect for ingredients. You could feel the thought and intention behind every plate. The service was equally impressive—flawless, highly professional, yet incredibly discreet. The team managed to be present exactly when needed, while preserving the calm and intimate atmosphere of the evening. Thank you for making such an important occasion even more special. This is a memory we will carry with us for a long time, and one that sets a very high standard for hospitality. — Atanas Atanasov

Visited April 2026

This was truly one of the best French dinner I have tasted sourced with Japanese ingredients! Some bold flavor combinations but at the end of the day it was food perfectly executed. Not just a show case of foam and jellies. The grilled mackerel , beef and lobster were flawless. Of all the Michelin p...laces I have visited in last decades, this would definitely be one of the top five.

Visited October 2024

MOTOÏ is a Michelin starred French restaurant in Kyoto. Online reservation is straightforward; all guests must pre-order the same menu and prepay the full amount in advance. While the façade of the restaurant resembles that of a traditional Kyoto mansion, the interior design shows much influence o...f the western culture. The elegantly chic main dining room is spacious and well ventilated. Servers are polite and professional. Owner chef Maeda Motoi-san is also friendly and accommodating. Food is of great quality and reasonably priced. The 10-course “Gourmand” lunch (JPY 16,500/head) might not be as artistically plated as other fancy restaurants, but each dish has its own subtle uniqueness. For example, the perfectly cooked foie gras is paired with the seasonal pacific saury tartare and mandarin orange sauce, an innovative combination that is surprisingly light yet flavourful. It is apparent from his use of local ingredients that Chef Maeda is inspired by his Kyoto roots. The wagyu main course alone is accompanied with 60 kinds of “Kyo-Yasai” (a term referring to vegetables grown in Kyoto). Another highlight of the meal is the refreshing amuse bouche made out of Manganjitougarashi, the king of Japanese chili pepper originated from Kyoto. The vibrant Manganjitougarashi mousse is sweet but not spicy, and is perfectly balanced with the freshness of the scallop and salmon roes. A lovely lunch on a beautiful Sunday!

Visited October 2023

I took my partner for a special birthday dinner and I could not have chosen a better place. The food is amazing, and the service is impeccable; from the moment they took our coats to the moment they walked us to the door. The staff are attentive and nothing feels too hard. Their English is great a...nd you can feel that they want you to have an exceptional experience. To the staff at Motoi, well done, and thank you.

Visited January 2024

I booked this place 2 months in advance as a surprise for my husband for our anniversary! This place didn’t disappoint us at all. The food was very delicious and the service was top notch. Thanks to all the staff who made our day so special.

Visited October 2023