Tabelog ratingcenci is the vision of chef Ken Sakamoto, offering a striking fusion of Italian culinary craft and the finest seasonal produce from Kyoto. The setting is a semi-subterranean, renovated machiya (traditional townhouse) near the Heian Shrine, where brick, timber, and an intimate atmosphere set the stage for a memorable meal. Chef Sakamoto is known for personally greeting and seeing off his guests, adding a personal touch to the highly polished experience.
The multi-course tasting menus are a showcase of creativity and technical skill. Guests consistently praise the house-made 24-month prosciutto served with focaccia, the delicate hand-made pasta courses like tagliolini, and the seasonal risotto, which is often available as an optional add-on. Other highlights frequently mentioned include dishes featuring local ingredients like ayu (sweetfish), mountain vegetables, and morilles. The wine and tea pairings are also well-regarded for complementing the unique flavours of the cuisine.
While the vast majority of reviews are glowing, some diners find the cuisine's liberal use of herbs and spices to be too idiosyncratic for Italian purists. A few reports mention minor service inconsistencies or find the table spacing a bit tight. However, most describe the service as professional and English-friendly.
For dinner, reviewers in 2024-2026 typically paid between ¥20,000 and ¥25,000 for the tasting menu, with one noting a ¥24,200 course. Lunch is more accessible, with sets reported around ¥12,000. An optional risotto course can add ¥1,500–¥3,000. Most guests feel the price represents excellent value for a destination dining experience of this calibre.
- Reservations: Essential. The restaurant is by reservation only, and seats often book out weeks or months in advance. Bookings open two months prior.
- Getting There: Located in the Okazaki area, cenci is a 12-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station or a 15-minute walk from Higashiyama Station.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 10% service charge applies.
- Children: For dinner, guests must be 12 or older. For lunch, children aged 6 and up are welcome but must be seated in a private room. Please inquire by phone when booking with children.
- Dress Code: Smart casual. Overly casual attire such as sandals is discouraged.
- Seating: The restaurant has 26 seats, including a chef's counter and tables. A private room for groups of 5 or more is available.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Not available. Nearby paid parking is recommended.
