Gion Rikichi

Once an award-winning bowler, the chef-owner of this restaurant stopped his former career due to an injury that involved a slight bent in his fingers. He is now a top chef at one of Japan’s famous restaurants, so spectacular that it was awarded a Michelin star in 2020 and 2021. Gion Rikichi takes on a Showa-style interior, and everything about the restaurant is simple and classic — except for maybe the chef’s boundless creativity in putting together a delicious omakase menu every day. Gion Rikichi has a history of 30 years, preparing simple yet tasty traditional Japanese dishes with a focus on Kyoto ingredients. The signature dish is none other than the miso soup that goes perfectly with every dish in the course. The daikon at this restaurant is arguably the best in the whole town. Every guest who’s ever been here has praised the chef for his warm hospitality on top of the exquisite skills in preparing the top quality local ingredients. Every day is a different experience as the menu changes each day, so no two visits to Gion Rikichi are ever the exact same. Michelin Guide: 2020, 2021 - 1 Michelin Star