We thought our stay at the stunning Hotel Higashiyama in Kyoto couldn’t get any better. This magnificent hotel ticked every box for us – elegant architecture and style, the most gorgeous and welcoming staff, superior rooms, and every convenience your heart could desire including exquisite private spas.
Read all the details about this spectacular hotel and our stay here.
But then we dined at Nananoichi – the hotel’s restaurant, and our stay went to another level of unforgettable. Nananoichi is Hotel Higashiyama’s 78-seat, French and Japanese fusion dining space, with a truly unique and magical menu.
From the moment you enter, you are greeted with an ambiance of refined elegance. The restaurant’s interior design is inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, offering a serene environment that enhances the dining experience. Large windows provide picturesque views of the surrounding gardens, adding a touch of nature’s beauty to the setting.
First up during our visit was breakfast, which we enjoyed at length every morning of our stay. For breakfast we had the choice of American or Japanese, with a delicious set menu for each.
The American breakfast included omelette, Kyoto pork sausage, cooked vegetables, salad, yogurt, fresh fruit and freshly baked bread. Our choice of 100% fruit juice (orange, grapefruit, tomato or apple), plus coffee and tea.
The Japanese breakfast included rolled omelette with bonito and kombu dashi, miso-pickled saikyo-yaki grilled fish, rice and side dishes, aka-dashi miso soup, kyo-tsukemono pickled vegetables, and seasonal fruit.
Lunch is also available at Nananoichi, with a dedicated lunchtime menu that featured a pasta lunch, a set menu or a la carte. The menu sounds fantastic – with highlights including smoked duck and spring vegetable salad, grilled japanese beef steak with wasabi, or the Higashiyama burger. We didn’t get the chance on this stay to dine at lunch time, but after seeing the menu we must return!
We did however get to enjoy dinner at Nananoichi – and that is an experience we won’t soon be forgetting! Put simply, it is up there with the absolute best meals we have ever had the privilege of eating.
We opted for one of the multi-course set menus, and every course was an adventure for the tastebuds. Each dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight. The careful arrangement of ingredients and the use of vibrant colours make each course a work of art. Each dish arrived looking so picture perfect it seemed a crime to touch it with your cutlery. But the moment you took your first bite all was forgiven.
Half of the fun was watching each other react to just how delicious every dish was. The flavours are subtle yet complex, showcasing the chef’s expertise in balancing traditional techniques with innovative touches.
Our Kyo-French set menu included the following;
Tuna Carpaccio with Kyoto pickles and tango kotobiki salt jelly
Kyoto duck ravioli with kujo leek étube
Seasonal potage
Poiret of fresh fish in risflette with red wine sauce and grilled eggplant tapenade
Grilled Japanese beef with wasabi
Fresh bread and butter
Patissier’s recommended desserts with coffee
The dining experience at Nananoichi is elevated by the impeccable service. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your meal is perfect. They provide a level of service that is both professional and warm. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality make dining at Nananoichi a truly special experience.
This is more than just a meal. The combination of exquisite food, elegant ambiance, and exceptional service creates an experience that lingers in the memory long after the meal is over. This is an unparalleled dining experience.
For anyone visiting Kyoto, a meal at Nananoichi is a must. It is an opportunity to savour delicate flavours and artistic presentation in a setting that embodies the elegance and tranquility of Kyoto. Make sure to reserve a table and prepare to be enchanted by this exceptional culinary experience.
For more info or to make your dining reservation, visit www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/global/higashiyama-h/restaurant/
