Tabelog ratingIn a historic house dating to the 19th century, Morita Ya Kiya machi ten (モリタ屋 木屋町店) offers a quintessential Kyoto dining experience: classic Kansai-style sukiyaki with a view. Unlike other styles, here staff cook everything at your table, starting by searing large, marbled slices of beef in an iron pan with coarse zarame sugar before adding the rich broth. The restaurant sources high-grade black-haired wagyu from its own supply, ensuring exceptional quality.
Guests consistently praise the beef, particularly the premium A5 and Tokusen (special selection) cuts, for its tenderness and flavour. The multi-course menus are a popular choice, allowing diners to sample seasonal appetisers, which might include abalone or scallops, alongside the main sukiyaki event. When the service is on point, the attentive tableside cooking and the atmosphere of the private tatami rooms or seasonal riverside terrace (kawadoko) make for a memorable meal.
However, many reviews mention inconsistent service. Some diners felt rushed to finish their meal, while others encountered staff who were brusque or made errors with orders. There are also isolated reports of confusion over reservations leading to waits or being turned away. Despite this, most consider it good value for the quality of the wagyu and the unique setting, especially for a special-occasion lunch or dinner.
Typical lunch spend is around ¥6,000–¥8,000, while dinner is higher. Reviewers recently paid around ¥8,800 for the 'Matsu' course and ¥10,450 for the premium 'Tokusen' course, with other sets ranging from ¥7,700 to over ¥17,000.
- Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and for the seasonal riverside seating. Walk-ins may be possible at lunch but are not guaranteed. Bookings can be made via the official website.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 2-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Keihan Line, Exit 1) or a 3-minute walk from Keihan Sanjo Station (Tozai Subway Line).
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and PayPay are accepted. Other forms of electronic money are not. A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Seating: Private tatami rooms are available, which require removing your shoes. The riverside kawadoko terrace is open seasonally, may incur an extra charge, and is weather-dependent.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in the dining areas but a designated smoking space is provided.
- Parking: No parking is available.
