Kappo Izumi

Everything about Kappo Izumi evokes the spirit of old Kyoto, from the refined washoku dishes on its menu, to the restored machiya townhouse in which it’s situated. Located in central Kyoto, guests seated at its 12-seat counter are transported to another world with a view of “a garden so peaceful you would never think was in the center of a big city.” Their cuisine likewise encapsulates the spirit of Kyoto, with a menu ever-changing to suit the seasons. Their generous course menus are served in the traditional Kappo counter style, with every guest enjoying a view of master chef Yuuki Wakamatsu as he prepares each dish with expert technique. It’s a dining style adjacent to kaiseki, but with a somewhat more relaxed ambiance. In the words of Kappo Izumi, there’s “just enough tension to make you sit up straight.” This atmosphere sets the stage for the meal itself, which invites the diners to savor each locally-sourced ingredient, engage all of their senses and slow their minds to savor the experience as long as possible.