Nishibuchi

Down an unassuming alley near Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine lies this incredibly in-demand restaurant, where Chinese cuisine is approached with Japanese techniques and ingredients. The chef initially stumbled into a life in cooking after getting a part-time job at a Chinese restaurant in his high school days. Little did he know, he would one day go on to become one of Kyoto’s leading authorities on Chinese cuisine. The dishes he prepares at his store include many classic Chinese delicacies prepared with local ingredients, such as shark fin soup, Chinese-style sashimi, and leek sauce with fresh mackerel. This small counter shop is incredibly difficult to land a reservation at, so consider booking well in advance.