The story
Just steps from Shijo Station, Wagokoro Izumi sits quietly within the city’s vibrant heart. Here, owner-chef Masaki Izumi carries forward the spirit of the renowned restaurant “Sakurada,” layering tradition with a fresh vitality. The result is a Michelin 1-Star restaurant, recognized in 2026 for its high-quality cooking.
The kitchen is driven by a deep respect for ingredients. Chef Izumi personally visits the source, selecting only the finest materials—Rishiri kelp and honkarebushi (dried bonito flakes) form the base of a broth that is both gentle and profound. Each seasonal ingredient is handled with care and restraint, its essence drawn out through precise craftsmanship.
The menu, available for both lunch and dinner, is an omakase course. The dinner offering presents a 12-course journey through the seasons, featuring classic elements of Japanese cuisine: hassun (seasonal appetizers), sashimi, grilled dishes, premium sushi, palate cleansers, soup, and dessert. Standout dishes include the gently sweet Tamago Castella and the fragrant Ayu no Shioyaki (salt-grilled sweetfish), a perfect balance of sincerity and playful creativity.
Dining at Wagokoro Izumi is an experience of refined calm. The counter seating allows for a direct view of the chef’s work, while the space itself—a quiet Kyoto townhouse—invites you to slow down. Served on exquisite Kyoto tableware and paired with sake crafted in collaboration with local breweries, each dish is a moment of pure, seasonal flavor.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
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