Tabelog ratingIn a renovated 100-year-old machiya townhouse, complete with an inner garden, MOTOI (モトイ) offers a singular dining experience that blends French culinary technique with Chinese seasonings and the best of Kyoto's local produce. Chef Hajime Maeda's vision is showcased in multi-course tasting menus that have earned the restaurant consistent acclaim.
Guests consistently praise the restaurant's signature dishes. The most famous is the white, creamy “MOTOI Mapo Tofu,” a sophisticated reinterpretation of the Szechuan classic. Another highlight is the “condensé,” a complex plate featuring 50 to 60 different local vegetables prepared in a multitude of ways. Reviewers also rave about perfectly cooked fish like sea bream, luxurious courses of abalone or foie gras, and inventive desserts such as a blood-orange baba. The wine and Japanese tea pairings are considered exceptional.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews note minor inconsistencies, such as a dish being underseasoned or a texture being slightly off. The meal is a long affair, typically lasting two to three hours, which some find very formal. Infrequent service issues, like a missed dietary substitution, have been reported but are not a common theme.
Most diners find MOTOI offers excellent value for a destination meal. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported lunch courses costing around ¥13,200–¥14,520, while dinner menus like the “Creation” course were priced at about ¥25,300. An 8-glass wine pairing was noted at ¥16,500, and a Japanese tea pairing at ¥3,500.
- Booking: Reservations are essential and must be made in advance. Online booking may require prepayment and for the entire party to select the same menu.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the subway Karasuma Line.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners, UnionPay) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 10% service charge is added to the bill.
- Age Restriction: Children under the age of 13 are not permitted.
- Dress Code: Extremely casual attire like shorts and sandals is not permitted. Guests are also asked to refrain from wearing strong perfume.
- Seating: The restaurant has 32 seats, including private rooms that can accommodate 2 to 8 guests.
- Service: English is spoken by some staff, and an English menu is available. Communicate any dietary restrictions well in advance when booking.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking.
