Pontochoyakiniku Kiraku

We were searching for a Yakiniku Restaurant in Pontocho street while we find this one! We got in, removed our shoes and went straight ahead inside! The waiter explained very nice the menu and we decided to get the Wagyu and Kobe cuts in total 3 plates! Everything was perfect until the Wagyu came at... the table with oil on it which I forgot to mention that I didn’t want! I accepted that but later I called the waiter and asked not to put oil on Kobe meat! He understood it very clearly and I think he told in the cuisine! But maybe the chef had already put oil on them while I saw him whipping the oil with cuisine paper which was unprofessional for him who told me he was working for 13 years there! The cherry on top of the cake was when I saw him touching the meat with his hands and tasting if there is oil on it!…At least he wiped his hands before licking them…I respected the restaurant, the customers and the people who worked there and I finished my meal and paid for it! But when I’m paying such an amount of money the service has to be perfect and people like this has to be banned! Although here is the photos!

Visited December 2025

Walking along the stone-paved alleys of Pontocho, with lanterns softly glowing, I stumbled upon Yakiniku Kiraku and instantly felt it would be a special night. Inside, the atmosphere was calm and refined, with warm lighting that created a soothing moodtruly a Kyoto-style hidden gem. I tried sever...al cuts of Wagyu, but the Wagyu Steak Trio completely stole the show. The highlight for me was the tenderloin. The rich flavor blossomed the moment it touched my tongue, bringing a bliss so intense that I couldn't help but close my eyes. Sipping sake while listening to the gentle flow of the Kamogawa made the experience feel nothing short of a dream.

Visited August 2025

Wandering through the charming alleys of Pontocho in Kyoto, I stumbled upon a yakiniku spot right by the Kamogawa River. The atmosphere was magical-quiet, romantic, and so full of character. I tried a few different dishes, but the one that truly blew me away was the Super Negi-tongue Shio. A plate... completely covered in lemon slices, hiding a mountain of scallions and juicy tongue underneath. The presentation alone was stunning, but the first bite was even more surprising-the refreshing citrus, the crunch of fresh scallions, and the rich, savory flavor of the beef tongue all came together perfectly. Addictive is an understatement. It was honestly one of those unforgettable bites l'll be talking about for a long time.

Visited August 2025

After being blown away by Yakiniku Kiraku in Susukino, I couldn't resist checking out their Kyoto branch. I've heard they also have locations in Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya, but Kyoto felt extra special. I went at lunchtime and ordered their thick-cut fillet steak, served as a gorgeous whole block. P...erfectly seared on the outside, unbelievably tender inside-each bite felt like pure happiness. What made this experience truly unforgettable was the kawadoko seating-an open-air terrace unique to Kyoto, set right above the river. Eating top-grade wagyu with the sound of the water flowing beneath me... it was magic. Kiraku, you've captured my heart twice now.

Visited August 2025

Walking the narrow streets of Kyoto feels like you're in a movie. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I found this restaurant while strolling around town. I went for lunch and ordered the $15 menu item, which was a surprise. The wagyu beef was incredibly delicious, yet the price was so reasonable.... The interior, which evokes a Kyoto atmosphere, is also wonderful. I'd like to come for dinner as well.

Visited May 2025