On September 28, 2022, I had lunch at Waka Kaki-san, which opened on Kinkakuji-dori. The evening business is primarily à la carte (although they also offer courses), while lunch consists of a single course priced at 5,500 yen. The concept is described as an unpretentious kaiseki experience, with the chef drawing on years of training, including experience at traditional Japanese inns. The chef mentioned a potential future expansion into bento boxes, highlighting the unique appeal they could offer. The head chef, who is shy, hails from Kakogawa in Hyogo Prefecture, while the friendly proprietress is a true Kyoto native who previously worked in a regular office job and had little interest in the food industry. The conversation turned to the chef's insistence on offering à la carte options, allowing customers to choose their own dishes and drinks, with the restaurant catering to their preferences. This customer-centric approach struck me as genuine and resonated with me. The chef's dedication to this philosophy, despite the current trend of skyrocketing prices at high-end establishments, was commendable. The 5,500 yen lunch course at Waka Kaki-san reflects this commitment to customer satisfaction. The chef mentioned the possibility of adding a higher-priced course in the future, prompting considerations on what changes would be made. Despite the potential for increased profitability, the chef's focus on customer satisfaction and the essence of the restaurant's mission posed challenges. The delicate flavors of the dishes at Waka Kaki-san were truly exceptional, with standout dishes like the grated burdock soup and tempura vegetables showcasing the quality of the ingredients. The sushi course featuring white snapper and golden eye snapper was also a highlight, with unique touches like plum paste and soy-seasoned vinegar rice. The restaurant's emphasis on quality, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere make it a standout in Kyoto's dining scene. Overall, Waka Kaki-san offers a refreshing departure from traditional kaiseki dining, with a focus on customer preferences and a relaxed dining experience.

Daughter and son-in-law and I finally finished work and headed home late in the evening. We decided to stop by a restaurant we had lunch at before, where we heard they serve a dish at night. I was excited to have a drink since my daughter was with me. However, my daughter wasn't feeling well, so I ended up driving. We settled for Perrier instead. It was already late, past the usual dinner time, so the three of us enjoyed a leisurely meal. We started with a colorful spring vegetable salad and a sashimi platter. The aged tuna was delicious. The potato salad, with mentaiko, dried shrimp, and sansho pepper, was just like the ones you find in restaurants. The hot dishes like taro, sea urchin, and nori were hearty. We shared some kujo green onions and clams. The clams were big and juicy. My daughter-in-law had chrysanthemum puree chawanmushi. We were already getting full, but we couldn't resist the rice dish at the end. I had sea bass and kinome sushi, my son-in-law had eel rice bowl, and my daughter had a rice soup with a variety of ingredients. We tasted each other's dishes and ended with a dessert of peach and pineapple from Ishigaki Island. Despite not drinking alcohol, the bill came out to be quite high, mainly because of the rice dish at the end. I'll have to watch my portions next time. We had a great time chatting with the chef and the hostess. The restaurant had convenient parking next to it. I also realized that I can enjoy Japanese cuisine and feel satisfied without drinking alcohol. I might not need to book a hotel next time and just drive back home, although I did feel a bit sleepy on the winding mountain road on the way back, much to my son-in-law's concern. I look forward to visiting this restaurant again for their monthly lunch special.

I visit Kinkaku-ji and Hirano Shrine every week near Mairebi-sama's information. There seems to be a nice lunch spot where you can relax without feeling pressured. I made a reservation right away for lunch. It's convenient to park your car at the Kinkaku-ji parking lot nearby, and there is also a bus stop close by. The restaurant is a small place with only a counter, about eight seats. The lunch course costs 5500 yen and includes dishes like spring chrysanthemum suri-nagashi, chawanmushi, aged tuna, and braised eggplant. There was no tempura, but the beef shabu-shabu with spring vegetables was delicious. The meal ended with a chirashi sushi topped with plenty of thinly sliced egg and fluffy eel. The miso soup and fruit (I chose strawberries) were also very tasty. The neighboring table selected two types of citrus fruits, which looked delicious. Overall, it was a great dining experience with a sincere atmosphere and good value for money. The chef and hostess were very friendly and welcoming. Although the restaurant is a bit away from the city center, it's definitely worth a visit. The review mentioned that even solo female diners feel comfortable there, which I can relate to as I often dine alone. Thank you for recommending this wonderful restaurant!