Kyoto Restaurant Recommendations from a Global Kaiseki Master
Meet one of the few authentic Kaiseki chefs outside Japan
The Relisher is the place where the world’s top chefs reveal their favorite spots in their home cities. This week, we met with Chef Daisuke Hayashi, a globally acclaimed master of Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course cuisine. Chef Hayashi is the chef and owner behind Roketsu in London, one of the few authentic Kaiseki restaurants outside Japan.
Chef Daisuke honed his craft under the mentorship of Japan's leading Kaiseki master at the three-Michelin-starred Kikunoi Honten in Kyoto. His exceptional talent and dedication to Japanese culinary arts were recognized in 2022 when he received the prestigious Minister's Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food from the Japanese government — one of the highest honors for individuals showcasing Japanese culture abroad.
Today, Chef Daisuke also serves as the appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese cuisine in the UK. Below, the highly celebrated Japanese chef shares his favorite places in Kyoto. (Note: A Google Map with all locations listed is provided at the end of the interview.)
Finest Sushi: Tokyo-style, Kyoto-style, and Kaiseki Fusion
Before sharing my favorite sushi restaurants, it's important to understand some key facts about sushi that many people might not know.
Sushi originated in Tokyo (formerly Edo) as street food, catering to the workers who lived there. At that time, Kyoto was the capital and home to the royal family, nobles, and aristocrats. This historical context explains the development of various sushi types. The most common is Edomae sushi (or Tokyo-style sushi), which uses ingredients, techniques, and traditions that differ from Kyoto-style sushi.
With this background in mind, the first best sushi restaurant that comes to mind is Sushi restaurant Nakaichi. Nakaichi is one of Kyoto's most traditional sushi restaurants, specializing in Kyoto-style sushi served omakase — this is why you’ll find many locals dining here. Adding to its charm, Nakaichi is a historical restaurant that has been around for over 50 years, nestled in the heart of Gion (Kyoto's famed geisha district). While Nakaichi offers a set menu, I recommend trying two of my favorite seasonal fish when available: ayu (commonly known as sweetfish) and hamo (similar to eel).