FUSION OF FRENCH AESTHETICS AND TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CUISINE IN SANJO, KYOTO
After over four hours of non-stop sightseeing in Kyoto, I was more than ready for a relaxing dinner. Prior to the trip, I had tasked my husband with finding a restaurant that met specific criteria: a place that epitomizes Kyoto, creates a unique ambiance, and blends tradition with a modern culinary approach.
His choices have always been impeccable, and this time was no different. In fact, it totally exceeded my expectations!
"YAMAHEI" is the name of the restaurant, located in the Sanjo area of Kyoto, less than a ten-minute walk from Nijo-jo Metro Station. Located on a quiet residential street, it’s not the kind of place you’d walk in by chance.
Owned and run by brothers—the elder a Japanese chef and the younger specializing in French cuisine—YAMAHEI achieves a perfect harmony between two distinct culinary aesthetics in a remarkably natural way. I later learned that the restaurant was established in 1863, so that’s over 160 years of history. Truly amazing.
It can be difficult to find a luxury restaurant with true coziness, but YAMAHEI delivered just that. The service at the counter was intimate, with the chef just a step away, allowing for a personal and engaging dining experience without being overwhelming. I felt completely at home.
Our nine-course meal began with a French-Japonesque vegetable dish, followed by Japanese "Owan" (clear soup), sashimi, French-style scallop, and sweetfish from Biwa Lake. A small portion of sorbet preceded slices of Grade 15 Ohimi Beef. The meal concluded with ginger-flavored "donabe" rice, served in an earthen pot, and finally, an assorted dessert plate.
The drink menu leaned more towards Japanese sake than wine. One standout was the premium green teas, served in wine glasses. We sampled all three flavors, and this green tea tasting was a revelation. The hard truth: I discovered that I hadn't truly known the taste of green tea until that moment.
The counter seats were full that Saturday night, accommodating about eight guests. There is also a table for four overlooking a miniature Kyoto garden, and a couple of private rooms on the second floor.
YAMAHEI offers three courses for both lunch and dinner, varying in price. We chose the least expensive 9,000 yen course but were greatly satisfied with every aspect of our evening.
For those seeking a non-touristy, secluded, luxurious yet unpretentious dining experience, I highly recommend YAMAHEI!
