Tabelog ratingKushiage Senmon Ten Kotetsu (串揚げ専門店 コテツ) offers a creative take on Kyoto-style kushikatsu from behind a small, U-shaped counter in the city's Sendocho district. The experience is intimate, with the chef frying each skewer to order. The menu features seasonal seafood and vegetables, elevated with inventive touches that set it apart from more traditional kushikatsu spots.
Guests consistently praise the crisp, light batter and the chef's precise frying technique. The omakase sets of five or ten skewers are popular choices, with many reviewers calling the ten-skewer set excellent value. Standout items include a large prawn served with a distinctive pink tartar sauce made with shibazuke pickles, as well as oysters, a tsukune (chicken meatball) with cheese, and a Kujo-negi pork roll. Even the house potato salad receives frequent compliments.
However, the restaurant has significant drawbacks for international visitors. There are multiple, recent reports from English, Spanish, and Chinese-speaking reviewers who claim they were denied entry or told the restaurant serves 'Japanese only'. Other complaints mention the very narrow and cramped space, and a few isolated incidents of billing discrepancies or slightly overcooked skewers.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid around ¥1,800 for a ten-skewer omakase set and ¥900 for five skewers. A draft beer costs about ¥600. Dinner for two with drinks typically falls in the ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 range. While the food is considered great value, this is irrelevant for visitors who may be turned away at the door.
- Important Note: Multiple recent reviews from international visitors state they were refused service. This restaurant presents a significant risk of being turned away.
- Getting There: Located on the ground floor, a 3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station.
- Reservations: Strongly recommended. The small space fills up quickly, and walk-ins are often turned away.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating: 12 counter seats only. The space is very narrow.
- Smoking: Non-smoking inside. An ashtray is provided outside the entrance.
- Parking: No parking available.
