Gion Hanamai

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 2, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Amazing. Incredibly special event — the servings were creative, outstanding, so artfully presented. Host was engaging! Would recommend it highly.

   Gion HanamaiResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you for coming to our store the other day. We are delighted to hear your kind words. We look forward to seeing you again when the opportunity arises.

   Report
2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 31, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Una cena indimenticabile Bellissima oltre che buonissima Chef e staff estremamente disponibili e simpatico Assolutamente consigliatissima!

   Gion HanamaiResponded on January 3, 2023Thank you for coming to our store the other day. I am glad that you enjoyed your meal. We look forward to seeing you again when the opportunity arises.

   Report
3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 30, 2022

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   We truly enjoyed the food. Very delicate taste with friendly chef and staff. Yes, it is expensive but for me it was a valuable experience.

   Gion HanamaiResponded on January 4, 2023Thank you for visiting us the other day. We are also very pleased to receive your valuable opinions. We look forward to meeting you.

   Report
4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 16, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The Kaiseki meal is incredible. The chef knows everything about Kaiseki. He is very humorous and friendly. I definitely recommend people to try when they visit Kyoto!

   Gion HanamaiResponded on December 16, 2022Thank you for visiting us today. 　We hope you enjoyed it and we are glad to hear your kind words. 　We look forward to seeing you again when we have the opportunity.

   Report
5. NB

   NghiemB

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 15, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   What a delightful experience! From the diverse and carefully crafted dishes to the sincere and professional service, there’s no doubt this place deserves all the adoration possible. My partner and I celebrated an important date here and it will forever be remembered. Thank you, Gion Hanamai and Shigehiro!

   Gion HanamaiResponded on December 16, 2022Thank you for visiting us this time. We are also very honored that you chose our restaurant for your precious day. I wish you both happiness from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to seeing you again when I have a chance.

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on December 4, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excelente todo, inmejorable atención y la mejor calidad de comida que he probado en Kyoto! El chef es una bella persona y sabe preparar muy bien la langosta, Muchas felicidades.

   Gion HanamaiResponded on December 4, 2022Gracias por venir a nuestra tienda hoy. Estamos muy contentos de saber que disfrutó de su estadía con nosotros. Estamos deseando verte de nuevo.

   Report
7. ID

   IndyDavid

   New York Area

   23 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   23 reviews

   Dined on December 1, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We only tried this place because it had so many rave reviews here on OpenTable. The reviews were right! It was truly a spectacular evening. So welcoming of foreigners. So delicious. So traditional. So elevated. So subtle. So personal. So exquisite. So delicate. Highest possible kaiseki recommendation.

   Gion HanamaiResponded on December 1, 2022Thank you for visiting us. We are delighted to receive your kind words. Also, we had a great time. Thank you very much.

   Report
8. s

   sayanparia

   Nashville

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 21, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   This was easily one of the best meals and coolest experiences I’ve ever had. It was intimate, the food was prepared in such a unique way, the mix of authentic Japanese flavors with technical preparation was amazing. I cannot recommend this place enough.

   Gion HanamaiResponded on November 22, 2022Thank you for visiting us. Also, I am very happy to receive your kind words. Thank you for the opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting you.

   Report
9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   3 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 21, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We loved our experience at Gion Hanamai. The food, the creativity and the humor of our chef has made our experience unforgettable. Recommend to anyone who visit Kyoto!

   Gion HanamaiResponded on December 3, 2022Thank you for visiting us. We are very happy to receive your kind words. If there is an opportunity, I am looking forward to seeing you again.

   Report
10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent experience

    Gion HanamaiResponded on November 22, 2022Thank you for visiting us this time. I am also happy to receive your comments.

    Report
11. GC

    GaetanoC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We spent a beautiful evening at the Gion Hanamai, and we were absolutely mesmerized by how incredible the food was. Each dish kept on getting better and better. The place is serene, traditional and beautiful. It was lovely getting to chat w the friendliest chef we’ve met in Japan. It’s definitely an experience i will remember, would recommend to all.

    Gion HanamaiResponded on November 22, 2022Thank you for visiting us. I am very happy that you enjoyed your meal. Thank you very much.

    Report
12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is an absolute hidden gem- we know it’s going to become one of the most sought after reservations in town at some point. The chef was incredibly welcoming and a true talent. We felt honored to talk with him and eat his creations. The ingredients were delicious, fresh and so well crafted. If we are ever in Kyoto again we will absolutely be coming back again. In fact, we had dinner at a Michelin star restaurant two nights after our meal and Gion Hanamai and agreed that we enjoyed Gion Hanamai more. Must try!

    Gion HanamaiResponded on November 18, 2022Thank you for coming to our store the other day. Thank you again for your kind words and evaluation. We are looking forward to seeing you again if you have another chance.

    Report
13. RI

    RIGS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an amazing night at Gion Hanamai. Luckily we were the only clients that night and had a wonderful time one to one with the Chef, who was cooking & preparing dished right in front of us. The food is very refined and tasting very good, with a beautiful presentation. They also serve sake wine in beautiful small cristal glasses that you can choose. Overall, this place is hihgly recommended if you want to experience a real authentic Kaiseki place in Kyoto with a very welcoming & passionate Chef. Thank you again!

    Gion HanamaiResponded on November 4, 2022Thank you for coming to our store the other day. Thank you again for your kind words and evaluation. We are looking forward to seeing you again if you have another chance.

    Report
14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Delicious freshly prepared food. Attentive service. Location on a small street meant the taxi driver initially didn’t know it, but we had the hotel write the address and phone number down on paper and the driver called the restaurant and got instructions, so all was good.

    Gion HanamaiResponded on October 15, 2022Thank you for coming to our store the other day. I would also like to thank you for your kind comments. If you have another chance, we are waiting for you to visit us.

    Report
15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tallahassee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a stunning dining experience!! My husband and I have lived in Japan for 1 year and a half, and this was one of our favorite dinners thus far. We were able to share this experience with family, which made it even more special. We had a private dinner and were sat at the counter, so we could watch our courses being prepared. The food and ingredients were all fresh and delicious, the service was impeccable, and overall it was an amazing and memorable dinner. Highly recommend!!!

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    ちょうどキャンセルが出たようで、GWに予約する事ができました。 お料理全て美味しかったです。 見た目も美しいですが、料理人の技がつまった、とても手の込んだ仕込みがうかがえます。 また、来たいと思うお店です。 ありがとうございました。

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Superb Kaiseki lunch in Kyoto. The food was excellent (presentation, taste, variety etc) and the service was truly memorable. Highly recommend a visit!

    Report
18. D

    Diningdeluxe

    Edmonton

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    YOU MUST EAT HERE! We stumbled upon this restaurant at the last minute and we are so lucky there was a time slot available on our last night in Kyoto. We booked a counter seat but were pleasantly surprised to be seated in a private room. A menu printed in English was waiting for us and it certainly whet our appetites. Course after course was served with beautiful presentation and tasted phenomenal, and served by a very sweet lady in traditional Japanese attire. Our night was capped off with handshakes from the chef (we were the last to leave but did not feel hurried from the restaurant) and they stood at the door and waited as we walked to the end of the street at which point we turned and all bowed deeply to each other. If you are in Kyoto, you MUST eat here. We have eaten at many amazing restaurants and Michelin Star restaurants as well and this was by far one of the best meals of our lives! Arigato gozaimashita!!!!

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19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    記念日に美味しいものをいただきたくてお邪魔しました。 料理ひとつひとつ丁寧に説明いただき、パフォーマンスもお料理もホスピタリティも大満足の一夜でした。ありがとうございました。また、京都旅行の際にお邪魔させていただきます。

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20. KS

    KailaS

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful meal that takes you on a lovely journey of sights, smells, textures, and tastes. The serving dishes and glasses are all locally made in Kyoto (and are a joy to admire). The chef will show you all the details of the dish he is preparing for you while the ingredients are explained to you when it is served. All of your senses are stimulated throughout the meal, and your host and hostess are very kind and welcoming. Their sake recommendations are on point as well! Their private room also looks like it would be an incredible experience. I had an allergy to an ingredient and they were more than happy to find me a substitute (which was of course delicious). If you are looking for an intimate and delicious kaiseki experience, look no further.

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21. KT

    KevinT

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    As 2 dumb Americans we were at first anxious to discover we were the only guests on that quiet Tuesday night. Our chef Shigehiro was an utmost professional, and once it became clear we were nervous, he and our kind server Tomo made sure to explain and tell anecdotes about every dish, even by Google translate when necessary. They really went above and beyond, and we received a warm welcome and cultural experience that was a highlight of the trip. Shigehiro was rightfully proud of his specialty - grilling and treating meat. His Ōmi beef with sansho reduction was the finest I've had. His grilled and hot pot hamo were incredible too. He shared with us his aspirations to improve his mastery of Kyo-ryori and told us about his hometown. All in all we had such a warm experience here – despite huge language gaps – that we left grinning ear to ear. I wanted to write here to thank Tomo and Shigehiro for taking care of and welcoming 2 Americans with such open arms on a quiet, beautiful weeknight.

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful experience at Gion Hanamai. Our server was so attentive and the food was exceptional.

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23. K

    Katja

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an absolutely phenomenal meal at Gion Hanamai. The courses were prepared before our eyes and the service was very attentive. Each course was beautiful and plated exquisitely. Highly recommend for a uniquely modern kaiseki experience.

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24. SL

    SarahL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I booked a lunch for 3 people at Gion Hanamai. The kaiseki meal was fantastic and beautiful! Though we did not speak Japanese, chef Shigehiro Maeda and the woman who assisted with serving were extremely friendly, humorous, and made us feel comfortable. I would definitely recommend anyone to come to this restaurant. The quality, presentation, and ability to watch the preparation process of food is well worth the price. When I return to Kyoto in the future, I fully intend to book another reservation.

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25. MS

    MelanieS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Gion Hanamai was outstanding. The chef was wonderful and, despite the language barrier, we were able to have a lovely conversation with him. The food was fantastic--everything was so light and fresh. The bonito, tempura (best tempura I've ever had), and mango pudding were standouts for me. The woman who waited on us was also lovely. Highly recommended for a wonderful kaiseki experience in Kyoto!

    Report
26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An absolute sensational kaiseki restaurant that you must visit. We had an purely amazing experience at Gion Hanamai. The Chef was not only very humorous but also makes indescribably delicious food. The lady helping to serve us was very gentle and kind, who also speaks fluent English. We ordered the most premium course and it was worth every dollar of the price. We had the best ever ‘special beef’ that words cannot describe. I have tried many wagyu beef before and this is definitely the king of all. I have visited many Michelin restaurants and I am a food lover myself. This is definitely the most satisfying dining experience by far. I have wholeheartedly recommended here to my friends and would definitely visit again. Thank you again for this memorizing meal at Kyoto!

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27. AD

    AndreaD

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The meal, service and experience were all outstanding! Highly recommended.

    Report
28. H

    Hannah

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The design and presentation of food were so elegant just as what we were expecting for Kaiseki Royri. Dishes were excellently cooked and balanced. And the service were so delectable. It was beyond our expectations. Chef Shigehiro Maeda san is not only talanted with food but also humorous. All in all, Hanamai is highly recommended.

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29. n

    niko

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and presentation. The service was superb. I will return to Hana Mai next time I return to Kyoto.

    Report
30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Unbelievable meal. The quality of the ingredients were mind blowing...each plate was like a work of delicious art. Amazing service....incredibly hospitable and friendly!

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31. c

    chiicyan

    Kyoto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    １月１３日に伺いました。お正月らしく羽子板の食器や根引き松をあしらったお料理など、どれも目に美しく、口にも美味しかったです。主人の誕生日でしたが、サプライズでケーキを用意してくれていて、感動しました。大将、女将さんの対応もフレンドリーで良かったです。また行きたいと思います。

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32. A

    Amazing

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything about the meal felt artful and special. Each course brought a new flavor or texture. The service was wonderful. A truly unique dining experience.

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33. JF

    JulienF

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolutely fantastic food and service. Thank you so much!!

    Report
34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our lunch there was absolutely fantastic, and the service was probably the best experience I've had in a restaurant. 100% recommend if you are travelling in Kyoto!

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Boom! Bang! Pow! Superlatives galore! This place gave us an absolutely phenomenal Kaiseki dinner. Not only that, every dish was a visual work of art, as presented. I appreciate the ease of making a reservation on open table too. This place is such a winner that we are thinking about trying to return for a second meal before leaving Kyoto.

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36. SE

    SERGIOS

    Mexico City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great experience! The food was amazing and they treated us perfectly. I would recommend 100% to visit this place during your visit to Kyoto. Not as expensive as a Michellin guide restaurant, but you may not find differences.

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tokyo

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    肩肘張らずにアート的な日本料理が食べれました！ 料理も１つ１つ説明頂き、季節の食材を目で楽しみ、また舌でも楽しむことができました。

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38. d

    diannag

    Los Angeles

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Husband and I were staying in Nara and took a train into Kyoto just for this dinner. We were not disappointed. The meal was amazing. The chef is an artist. The service was warm and personal. This tingly restaurant is completely organized to make sure guests have a wonderful and memorable experience. Even my one food accommodation was graciously met. A truly memorable experience.

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39. JC

    JezC

    Berkshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Gion Hanami was simply fantastic. Set within a quiet secluded street within Gion, this restaurant offers delightful and delicious food, painstakingly crafted into works of art. We had the dinner menu and were treated to an exceptional kaiseki experience over the course of two hours. The staff were fantastic, although their English was limited, they made every effort to explain the food and constituent ingredients. We would definitely visit Gion Hanami again!

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40. WB

    WayneB

    Hong Kong Islan

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    This simply the best serviced restaurant I have ever been to, period. We were the only two guests for the evening, and the crew of four made us felt like royalty. If I really have to be picky, I can say the lighting in the restaurant is a bit on the bright side. But other than that, everything was just so perfect. The dishes were so painstakingly prepared, and every course was just a piece of art. We also were very delighted to enjoy the complexity in tastes, which are only commonly find in those sophisticated French dishes. Reservation is a must, and you won't regret it. Last but not least, don't show up too early, as the restaurant might not even have the sign up, and it might be difficult to find. In our case, we showed up one hour early, and had to wait for a good half hour before we could enter.

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