Droit

The story

Droit, Kyoto: Michelin-Starred French-Japanese Cuisine in Kyoto

Droit

At Droit in Kyoto, owner-chef Nobuyuki Morinaga crafts a precise, elegant dialogue between two great culinary traditions. The guiding philosophy is direct and clear: “Straightforward, careful, beautiful.” With the deepest respect for French gastronomy and profound gratitude for Japan’s ingredients and food culture, Morinaga creates a “sauce” that connects cultures, people, and nations.

Born in Saga Prefecture in 1982 and raised in Osaka, Morinaga entered the world of French cuisine after university. He opened Droit in 2017 near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and in 2026 relocated to the Institut Français Kansai, marking a new chapter. The restaurant has earned a Michelin star for seven consecutive years, a testament to its consistent high quality.

The menu is a seasonal course that changes daily, reflecting the best of what each moment offers. A signature focus is the sauces—each one a study in depth and harmony. Recent creations include a saffron sauce (Sauce au safran), a clam and mint sauce (Sauce palourde à la menthe) paired with lamb, and a complex vermouth sauce (Sauce Vermouth). These are not mere accompaniments; they are the soul of the plate, where French technique meets Japanese sensibility.

The wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement the evolving courses. The atmosphere is one of refined calm, where every detail—from the service to the tableware—serves the guest’s comfort. Droit embodies a subtle, confident elegance, blending French and Japanese cuisine in a way that feels both timeless and entirely of the moment.