Ogawa
おが和

Ogawa, originally founded in Gion and now relocated to a standalone building in Karasuma Oike, is the establishment of Chef Yosuke Ogawa.

After honing his skills for 15 years at two of Kyoto’s most renowned Michelin 3-starred restaurants, Kyoto Kitcho for 6-and-a-half years and Gion Sasaki for 8-and-a-half years, Chef Ogawa mastered the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine and opened his own establishment in 2010.

In an era where the culinary world often highlights luxury ingredients sourced from across the world and elaborate chef performances, Chef Ogawa questioned whether this approach truly represents Kyoto cuisine.
His answer was to create simple Japanese dishes which harmonize Kyoto vegetables with traditional dashi, allowing his guests to experience the essence of Kyoto through its high-quality produce and traditions.

To enhance the sense of Kyoto, Chef Ogawa incorporates many local vegetables into each dish, creating a narrative that connects the ingredients to the land and culture. Even the seasonings and Japanese sake are both carefully selected from the nearby regions, and this reflects his commitment to offer an authentic Kyoto dining experience.

In 2023, Ogawa earned a Michelin star, cementing its reputation. The restaurant’s lunch service, in which rice is the centerpiece, becomes fully booked months in advance.

The spacious L-shaped counter seats 10 guests, offering a full view of the kitchen and this allows those seated there to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of a kappo-style restaurant.

Chef Ogawa’s gentle demeanor is a stark contrast to his serious commitment to his craft and cuisine. He embodies the responsibility of carrying the tradition of Kyoto cuisine forward into the future.