Kyoto, Japan｜Misato

Very tasty Italian food in a unique Japanese setting. Despite its appearance, the lunch course was quite cheap and very tasty.

In Kyoto just after New Year's and a lot of places we wanted to try were closed or full. Called at this place specializing in northern Italian food with a Kyoto twist at 6 and got a table for 7:30. Knew from the website it would not be cheap -- courses for 6500, 8000, 10000 yen plus 10% charge. It is very out of the way in a renovated townhouse with courtyard garden, very warm and relaxed space -- no need to dress up too much. From our first step inside the service was impeccable -- like one of the best in my life. The 6500 course was varied and totally worth it -- many small dishes, but was completely stuffed by the end and they ask about preferences too. We did the wine pairing which was 4 glasses of various Italian wines and ended up being about 4000 per person. For a special dinner, this was up there with the best, and not too expensive considering touristy kaiseki can go for much more. In my opinion, you're still getting a 100% Kyoto experience here even though the food is nominally Italian. Not sure about English service though ...

Incredible service (best I have ever had) and great food! Me and my fiance's family were in Kyoto this past January and stayed at an Air BnB near this restaurant. When we first arrived we were dropped off in front of Misato, two servers who were standing in front were a huge help in locating our AirBnb. The following night we went to Misato for dinner were we had an incredible experience, the service was the best I have ever had and the food was excellent. After dinner we walked back to our Air BnB and as we walked in a server came running up with my fiance's glove that she had forgotten. The food alone would have been worth 5 stars, but the service was what made it an awesome experience. I cannot recommend this place enough.