A hidden gem restaurant specializing in crab during the fall and winter and tempura in the spring and summer has opened in the elegant surroundings of Kyoto's renowned Kodaiji Temple.
Kyoto Kiu
京都きう
KYOTO
/
Sushi, Innovative
Special and Limited Release
A top-secret sushi establishment only accessible through a referral and if privately booked.
- Special and Limited Release
- Counter Seating
Kiu is a unique, referral-only restaurant in Kyoto, meaning its phone number isn’t publicly available, and reservations can’t be made through social media or email.
Founded by Chef Kazuo Hisada, the owner of Sushi Hisada in Okayama, the restaurant wasn’t intended to seek Michelin recognition. Chef Hisada initially trained in Italian cuisine but started working at his uncle’s sushi restaurant after graduating. At just 23, he opened his own sushi restaurant in Okayama, which quickly gained popularity for its use of fresh ingredients from the Seto Sea.
Twenty-five years later, Chef Hisada opened Kiu in Kyoto with a different vision: to offer a fusion of sushi and Italian cuisine in a non-sushi setting. This is reflected in the name “Kiu”, which doesn’t include the kanji for sushi. The referral-only policy and private bookings were designed to create a home-like atmosphere, where guests can relax and enjoy their meal without being surrounded by strangers.
If Chef Hisada’s cuisine could be summarized in a few words, it would be “Sushi Innovation.” His dishes offer a unique experience that surprises diners with something new on every visit.
| Address | 2nd Floor, 230-2 Shinmeicho, Shimogyoku, Kyoto |
|---|---|
| Business hours | 13:00 17:00 20:00 |
| Closed | Irregular |
| Directions | 5 min walk from Karasuma Station of Hankyu Kyoto Line. |
| Price | From ￥66,000 |
| Seating | 5 Seats (Only for private bookings of 2 to 5 guests) |
| Smoking | Prohibited |
| Children | children who can order and eat an adult's course are allowed. |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Language | None (1 guest who speaks Japanese is required in each reservation) |
| Parking | None |
| Dresscode | Smart Casual required. ※ Beach sandals, athletic wear such as sweatpants, T-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, and short pants are not permitted. ※ Guests wearing strong perfume or cologne will be denied entry. |
| Payment method | 【Advance payment for online reservation】 PayPal or Credit Card 【Payment for additional orders at the restaurant】 Cash or Credit Card |
| Cancellation Policy | The terms for cancellations and changes may differ based on the restaurant's policies, reservation date, time, and number of guests. Before making your reservation, please review and agree to the terms and policies listed on the reservation form. |
| Concierge Service Fee | 15％ |
2nd Floor, 230-2 Shinmeicho, Shimogyoku, Kyoto
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