Tabelog ratingSichuan to Sake Yuan (四川料理と酒Yuan) offers a modern, restaurant-scale reinterpretation of Sichuan cuisine, served in a tapas-like format. From his open kitchen, a chef with experience in both high-end Kyoto establishments and mainland China executes an inventive menu that has won consistent praise for its precise control of heat and numbing spice (known as ma la).
Guests repeatedly single out several signature dishes: the house 'Yuan-style' prawn chili, a dry preparation unlike the saucy standard; the show-stopping black-vinegar spare ribs; and a definitive mapo tofu. The appetizer platters are also popular, as are the crab fried rice and a delicate annin tofu for dessert. The drinks list, featuring Shaoxing wine variants and a Chenpi mojito, is also well-regarded. The main point of feedback from diners is that portions are modest, designed for sharing; most recommend ordering several plates per person to make a full meal.
Reviewers find the restaurant offers excellent value, describing it as high-end taste at reasonable prices. A typical dinner costs between ¥6,000 and ¥13,000. Recent guest bills show the mapo tofu at ¥1,650, the prawn chili around ¥1,900, a single-person appetizer platter at ¥1,980, and the annin tofu dessert at ¥660.
- Reservations: Booking is strongly recommended. Seats for both weekdays and weekends often sell out. Reservations can be made by phone or via Instagram direct message.
- Location: The restaurant is tucked away at the back of the first floor of the Kagiya Koji Kaikan building. It can be difficult to find, so allow extra time. It's about a 10-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station.
- Payment: Credit cards are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Children: School-age children are welcome.
- Seating: The small space has 19 seats, including a six-seat counter, several small tables, and one private room for up to five guests.
- Service Charge: A 10% service charge is added to bills after 10:00 PM.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
