I met the owner chef, Mr. Ippou, 16 years ago when he was still training in Venice, at a local supermarket. We have kept in touch since then, and I was thrilled when this restaurant opened 10 years ago, but I never had the opportunity to visit. Finally, I had the chance to visit almost a year after the renovation. I had a blissful and delightful time. The space is located next to Maruyama Park, and it is surprising to find an Italian restaurant here among the traditional Japanese establishments. You can enter with your shoes on, coming up from the earthen floor, which may feel a bit hesitant at first but it's just a matter of getting used to it. The beautiful single plank counter and spacious four-person table divide the space mainly into these two areas. The first appetizer was a combination of cherry salmon and cheese, and shrimp made into a thin paste and fried. It was incredibly light and fluffy. The second dish was a "borobu" soup made with beaten eggs, finely chopped vegetables, and fragrant olive oil. It is a rustic dish from Italy, and he was able to reproduce it due to his unique experiences. Next, we had three ways of enjoying new onions: grated, chopped, and fried, sprinkled with powdered form and served with jelly. It was an exceptional dish. Then, we had half-cooked fried mackerel. It was served with a marmalade-like sauce made from blood oranges, which added a unique spicy flavor. Additionally, a dish with scallop foam on top of a gastronomic bag containing salmon roe and pumpkin paste was served. It was a surprising and delightful combination of flavors. Furthermore, we had a remarkable dish with asparagus, where asparagus juice was gastronomically processed and served with sausage and a half-cooked quail egg. The tenderness of the asparagus and the flavor of the sausage complemented each other perfectly. All of these were just the appetizers! We then had a plate of homemade pasta, tagliolini, with fava beans and large clams, topped with homemade karasumi. The combination was exquisite. By this point, we were already on our third glass of wine. The fish dish was red snapper, served with two different sauces: one made from snapper extract and the other without. The zucchini and young corn served with the dish were also prepared with gastronomic bags, enhancing the luxurious taste of the snapper. The meat dish was a slow-cooked Aguu pork, incredibly tender and juicy, even without sauce. It was accompanied by bamboo shoots with a ragout sauce, which was also delicious on its own. Finally, we enjoyed a dessert of strawberries soaked in a basil and thyme sauce with panna cotta. The balance of flavors was exquisite. Each dish was exceptional. We discussed that the price was too low considering the quality of the food, and we agreed that it should be higher. As I left the restaurant, I was bid farewell by him, who was joyfully pursuing his dream of creating dishes and running his dream restaurant. I will definitely visit again. This time, much sooner. Thank you. I truly enjoyed every moment.

I found a restaurant in a traditional Japanese house while strolling through Maruyama Park. Although it was closed at the time, I was drawn to its appearance and decided to make a trip to Kyoto just to visit it. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food filled both my heart and stomach during a wonderful time with close friends. Every dish was carefully prepared, showing the chef's skill and dedication. Despite the chef handling everything alone that day (as I recall the staff was off), things were a bit hectic. Nonetheless, it was a place I would love to visit again. Also, the service during phone reservations was excellent!

I made a reservation for dinner on a Sunday about a month and a half ago. As you walk from the bustling Yasaka Shrine to Maruyama Park, the crowd suddenly disappears and it becomes quiet. Following the map into the alleyways, you will find a row of traditional Kyoto-style restaurants, among which stands out the unassuming Zuccadavino with a white curtain. The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from a 100-year-old machiya, is a surprisingly lovely and calm space that you wouldn't expect from the exterior. When you slide open the door, you are greeted by a splendid earthen floored entrance. Although you feel like taking off your shoes, you are allowed to enter with your shoes on. The restaurant has one table for up to six people and a large counter with 8 seats. It was fully booked with four groups on the day I visited. The counter had three groups, but they left a seat between each group, so there was plenty of space. The menu is only available by reservation for an omakase course, with prices ranging from 7800 yen including tax. The meal included appetizers, a variety of vegetables with bagna cauda, a trio of appetizers including sazae and buri, terrine of Yamato pork, sautéed oysters and risotto, tomato and mint pasta, sawara fish, Yamato pork, and black bean panna cotta for dessert. The dishes were all prepared with a subtle flavor that brought out the natural taste of the ingredients. The restaurant has a Kyoto-style ambiance with a touch of luxury, and the chef and madam's service was excellent. The timing of the dishes was also well-paced, allowing us to enjoy the meal for about 2 and a half hours without getting bored. The restaurant had a rating of 3.08 on Tabelog in late January 2019, with 11 reviews all giving high ratings of 4.00 or above. However, on ikkyu.com, it has received the highest rank with over 300 reviews. One improvement could be to offer a selection of glass wines or a wine pairing option. It would also be nice to have menu cards as a keepsake. The total bill for four glasses of wine was just over 19,000 yen, which was quite reasonable. I would definitely recommend visiting Kyoto to dine at Zuccadavino!

This restaurant is located next to Imobou Hirano-ya in Maruyama Park. The entrance may be a bit hard to find, but the interior is stylish and calming with indirect lighting. In conclusion, the best part of this Kyoto trip was dining at this restaurant! The use of aroma and spices in the dishes was excellent, and you can tell that each dish was carefully prepared. The only downside was that there was no wine pairing available. They had a good selection of wines, but having a wine that perfectly complemented the fantastic dishes would have been amazing. However, even without the pairing, I was completely satisfied. The cost performance was also great! Thank you for the memorable experience. The meal included vegetable bagna cauda sauce, herb-grilled turban shell, delicious pate de campagne with mustard sauce, sautéed oysters and chrysanthemum risotto, two types of pasta, fish dish, meat dish, and grappa sorbet for dessert. The white wine was Bortoluzzi Chardonnay from Friuli, Italy, and the red wine was Luna Argento Nero d'Avola 80% from Sicily, Italy.

I celebrated my birthday here. Despite the price of 4500 yen, I was able to enjoy 3 appetizers, pasta, meat, fish, dessert, and coffee or tea. The ingredients were carefully selected and all the dishes were delicious. It was a leisurely course that lasted just under 2 hours. The restaurant is run by a couple and operates by reservation only. It is located in a hidden spot near Maruyama Park. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, not what you would expect from an Italian restaurant. Thank you very much.

I thought it was wonderful how they use different utensils appropriately and make an effort when serving warm and cold dishes together. The food in general is quite delicious.

It's been a year and a half since I last visited at night, and this time I tried the chef's recommended lunch course! The dishes looked beautiful and tasted delicious! The lunch course seemed to offer a similar amount of food as dinner. It was a great deal! The course included 25 types of vegetable appetizers, 2 types of fish and meat appetizers, squid ink pasta and the chef's recommended original pasta, fish and meat mains, and panna cotta for dessert. Everything was delicious without any complaints! The sauces with herbs had a unique Italian flavor that I wasn't used to, but it was delicious. Also, I mentioned it was my birthday when making the reservation, and they wrote "Happy Birthday" in Italian on a plate for me, which made me happy.

I visited at night and arrived while slightly lost! The park was dark, so it was a bit confusing. The entrance had an old house vibe, with a draft coming through the gaps (laughs). There were heaters under the tables, which was nice. The atmosphere was dim, making the food look blurry! I wanted to see it clearly in a brighter place! The dishes had colorful and beautiful presentations. I feel it would be rude for me to comment on the taste... but having trained in Italy, it was clear they had a lot of originality and it was incredibly delicious. I have a small appetite, so I often end up feeling too full at dinner and can't fully enjoy the taste. I heard even men can get really full with the dinner portion here (laughs). I'd like to visit for lunch next time!

---2016/12 2nd visit--- Let's go to Kyoto to taste that flavor again, so it's my second visit. Last time it was in summer, so this time I chose winter. It was a Friday night, and the restaurant was almost full with 3 groups. We had: - Pear potage (looks cold but is actually warm, a bisque with pear flavor) - Kyoto vegetables with ginkgo nut sauce - Conger eel and sea urchin matsutake paste - Matsuba crab and tonguefish tartare (tastes amazing with bread) - Abalone cutlet with liver sauce - Smoked yellowtail and amberjack - Turban shell with coriander sauce - Potato and black truffle souffle (cheese and black truffle aroma is amazing!!) - Oyster pasta with porcini paste - Squid ink risotto (shrimp and tomato paste go well with squid ink risotto) - Vanilla and mint amatriciana (surprising technique of using ice cream flavors in a pasta dish) - Chibi sea bream sauté (even the skin is delicious) - Beef fillet grille - Persimmon tiramisu (the best tiramisu I've ever had) As expected, I was completely satisfied with the dinner this time too! ---2015/08 First visit--- During my Kyoto sightseeing, I visited on a Monday night. Reservations are required by the day before as it is completely reservation-only for lunch and dinner. The location is a bit hard to find and they don't advertise much, so there are not many customers at night. We unintentionally had the place to ourselves, which created a nice atmosphere for enjoying the meal. With refined service, detailed explanations of the dishes, meticulous care, and impeccable service, everything was perfect. I requested "around 10,000 yen per person for the meal" when making the reservation, and the chef put together a great course for us. The course included: - Caprese and takoyaki zepolino - Kyoto vegetables with garlic sauce - Conger eel tomato paste (resembling plum meat) - Peach and biwa trout roe - Abalone cutlet with liver sauce - Saury with foam sauce - Turban shell with Genovese - Foie gras and konjac pink pepper balsamic sauce - Sea urchin and cheese capellini - Suppon turtle risotto wrapped in zucchini - Cheese and summer truffle kitara - Sea bass and clam with grilled cucumber - Veal fillet and baby potato fritters - Watermelon ice cream with watermelon and sea water jelly and lemon foam sauce The level of cooking is very high. Each ingredient has been delicately crafted, resulting in a well-rounded flavor overall. The only downside was the dessert, where the watermelon ice cream was paired with sea water jelly and lemon foam sauce, creating a strong saltiness when combined. Personally, I'm not a fan of adding salt to watermelon, so the sea water jelly felt unnecessary. However, all the other dishes were impressively delicious. Although it is not cheap, if this quality of food costs 10,000 yen, it is actually quite reasonable. I would like to come back in a different season and see how the chef prepares the ingredients of that time. Let's go to Kyoto to taste that flavor again...!

This is a stylish restaurant located very close to Maruyama Park. As soon as I entered, I could smell a pleasant aroma that I couldn't quite describe. The black plate with two dishes - pork rillette and pear potage with a hint of smoked oil - was delicious. The appetizer platter with duck and ginkgo terrine, onion gratin, red shrimp and avocado, smoked amberjack with apple pickles, and black pork loin salad, each had a unique and delicious flavor. The swordtip squid pasta in tomato sauce was a bit lukewarm, but still tasty. The bamboo shoot and sausage risotto was a favorite with its great texture and flavor. The main dish, pan-fried sea bass from Akashi, had perfectly crispy skin and a subtle white sauce. The dessert of mascarpone and strawberry mousse was also delicious. Overall, the satisfaction from this 3200 yen course was incredible! I also tried white sangria for the first time, which was sweet and easy to drink with lemon and pineapple.

I made a reservation at this restaurant in Kyoto for lunch during a day trip. It is located inside Maruyama Park, a bit hard to find, but the renovated old house has a very charming atmosphere. I arrived about 20 minutes before opening, but they kindly let me in early and provided very polite service. The interior also has a refined and calming feel. The attention to detail is not only in the service but also in the food. I was particularly impressed by the finely crafted appetizers. The grilled vegetables for the bagna cauda, as well as the rich ayu and amberjack, were skillfully combined with Italian flavors while showcasing the quality of the ingredients. The handmade pasta, meat, and fish, all brought out the goodness of Japanese cuisine in a unique Kyoto-style Italian way. Above all, the fact that the restaurant is run by a couple (probably) adds to its charm, with their sense of style evident in the cozy little establishment. I definitely want to visit again.

I visited this restaurant for the first time and was impressed by everything that was served. The variety of appetizers was overwhelming, and I felt happy to be able to try so many different dishes. Despite not being able to eat a lot, I took my time and managed to finish everything over a span of two hours. There wasn't a single dish that made me think "hmm?" - they were all delicious. The chef may not be very talkative, but he did come out to bid us farewell and even had a chat with us. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also very pleasant, and I am looking forward to bringing my mother here next time.

When I visited, the restaurant had been open for 2 years and had 6 reviews, but no ratings displayed. I wondered if it was a hidden gem or a potential disappointment. Located near Hinoya in Maruyama Park, the restaurant had a humble exterior with no Italian flag, which I found charming. Reservations were required in advance, and a no-show would result in 100% payment, making lunch prices starting from 3200 yen a good deal. The entrance felt hesitant to enter with shoes on, but once inside, the old Japanese house had been transformed into a clean and stylish Italian interior. The meal started with a gazpacho made with American cherries and a zeporini with octopus from Akashi, which was delightful. The appetizers were fun and delicious, with a variety of vegetables like Kamo eggplant and onions. The fish dishes, such as sea bream with sea urchin sauce and bonito tataki, had a Japanese twist but were tasty. The spaghetti, risotto, and main meat dish were all well-prepared, especially the perfectly cooked chicken with sansho pepper sauce. The dessert was simple yet satisfying, and the coffee cup was charming. The option to skip the bread (which was extra) was appreciated for light eaters like myself. The prices were reasonable for the location, making it a convenient and enjoyable dining experience. The menu changes slightly depending on the season. Overall, it was a better experience than expected, and I am considering visiting again next month.

I walked from Gion to Maruyama Park and entered the restaurant. It was a quiet day with not many tourists around. The interior was dimly lit, and the kitchen was not visible from the dining area, which made me a bit uneasy at first. I ordered the Pranzo B set menu for 3,200 yen. They had recently revised their lunch menu options to 3,200 yen, 4,500 yen, and 5,800 yen onwards, catering to different budgets. It seems they no longer offer the option to swap dessert for wine or beer, which was a bit disappointing. However, they now allow you to choose between pasta and risotto for two pasta dishes, which was a nice change. The amuse-bouche and assorted appetizers were delicious, featuring seasonal ingredients like conger eel and fish. The first pasta dish was a refreshing cold pasta with basil, while the second pasta dish was a rich squid ink pasta that paired well with wine. The main course was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I opted for wine instead of dessert, which was a nice touch. Overall, the dishes had a good balance of flavors and textures. I enjoyed my meal and would like to visit again in the spring. Reservations are required at this restaurant, so make sure to book in advance.

We heard that a new Italian restaurant opened on March 4th, so we went there with a friend. As we walked towards the Maruyama Park from Yasaka Shrine, we spotted the Italian flag on the left. The traditional old townhouse atmosphere is common in this area, but surprisingly easy to find. Upon opening the sliding door, we noticed a step in the entrance, wondering if we should take off our shoes. However, we were welcomed in with our shoes on and guided by a polite woman. Inside, there were tables for four and two on the left, with a wine cellar in between. We chose to sit at the counter, which had a simple wooden interior and a calm atmosphere enhanced by the soft lighting. The restaurant had a new smell from the recent renovation. There was only one group of women in their 40s inside, so we were given the choice of sitting at a table or the counter. We chose the counter, which offered a view of a small garden and allowed sunlight to filter in. The chef and the server seemed to be the only staff, and they asked us about the course we wanted when we made a reservation, so it's good to decide beforehand. We ordered the lunch course Pranzo A for 2000 yen (tax included), with an additional 500 yen for pasta as the risotto was unavailable. The course included a selection of six appetizers, a lamb dish, pasta, dessert, and coffee. The appetizers were beautifully presented and delicious, the lamb was tender and slightly spicy, the pasta was thick and chewy, and the dessert was creamy. Overall, the meal was well-balanced, and the atmosphere was calm and cozy, making us want to stay longer. Compared to more famous and bustling restaurants, this one offered a discreet and relaxing experience. Its location near Maruyama Park makes it a perfect spot for enjoying cherry blossom viewing in the upcoming season. I would like to try the B course next time. They have a Facebook page where you can check for more information.

During a gathering with my study abroad classmates and our spouses, we enjoyed a meal at a small, cozy restaurant in a building that used to be a separate annex of a ryokan across from Imobou in Maruyama Park. The atmosphere was calm, with only the chef and a lady working there. We opted for the 6,800 yen course with an additional 500 yen for the recommended sea bream dish. The presentation of the amuse-bouche was clean and fresh. The following course was beautifully arranged, with the front row using chopsticks and the back row using spoons to enjoy. The flavors were clean, elegant, and skillfully prepared, with attention to detail in serving temperature and eating technique. The Italian dishes were surprisingly delicious, and the wine flowed freely, leading to lively conversations among us. Standout dishes included the tomato mousse in the eight-course meal, the spaghetti with bisque ragout sauce and vanilla-mint, and the minute steak with a perfect blend of meat, sauce, and cheese. Despite indulging in a hearty meal, we felt refreshed and satisfied. This restaurant left a lasting impression, and we are already planning a return visit. It's a hidden gem worth checking out, especially as it's not too crowded at the moment.

Lunch at this place is incredibly luxurious, with only three groups per day. The food is delicious, especially the dishes made by Kazu-chan.

Even during the pandemic, they have solid infection prevention measures in place, and the creative Italian cuisine is incredibly delicious once again. I've only just started eating, but everything from the appetizers is delicious! Cheers!