Gion Matsudaya in Kyoto

I think it was a little expensive for what it was. Clearly this man is an artist catering to high end customers. No doubt what he does is impressive. But if you go back to basics as ask yourself "did I have a great meal?" sadly the answer is meh it was Ok. The food was good but for this price I would expect exceptional.

This was the best sushi we had in Japan! Matsuda is an amazing guy, speaks perfect English, very fun and interesting to talk to. He knows KOSHER! Seriously he knows which fish are kosher so you can have a "kosher-style" dinner.There are only 6 seats in the restaurant so it is an intimate experience.Must visit place, if you can get a spot.

Unbelievable experience with a sushi master! Best sushi I've ever had!!

Many foreigners likely to be rich

World class sushi in a relaxing atmosphere

Typical edomae sushi experience. 7 seats in the restaurant, great place!

I am grateful that I was able to respond to poor Japanese well, but the cooking and ingredients classes are different. I will visit again soon

Sushi Matsudaya, Michelin 1 (2010-2015)

This was an exquisite dining experience. It is run by a beautiful family and I could not wipe the smile off my face after eating all the beautifully prepared food.The sashimi simply melts in your mouth and is full of flavour.Much love from Australia.

Sushi heaven. The last time I enjoyed good quality sushi was in Sushi Kashiba Seattle. Since then I always want to go Japan and enjoy the real Japanese sushi. Sushi at this quality, everything feel like melting in your mouth. You can touch the texture of fishes with your tongue. And enjoy the mix of different flavor but well balanced. Fishes are in room temperature here not like other places that only serve cold sushi or sashimi. Highly recommended for any sushi lover! Lifetime changing experience.

Very lovely, memorable dinner.❤️

best sushi ever, unbelievable! Perfect dinner!!!

Amazing sushi experience - 2 hours omakase very well priced with a caring chef and staff who speak English and serve you in the most intimate ambiance. Rare enough in Japan to be noted: the chef knows all about kosher and will in general be very thoughtful and respectful of your dietary restrictions !

Wow. Best sushi ever. Truely a master of sushiGreat English and great conversation, I would go back in a heartbeat. Super personal experience (7 seats in restaurant)

Amazing sushi. The omakase dinner was oishi and done in an intimate setting! It was quite an experience. Definitely a must when you're in Kyoto.

I think it’s very difficult to express my experience because it makes me think of sushi as a philosophical topic... so it’s amazing.

Gorgeous

Star eel and sea urchin sushi are delicious! The female general is very polite. Master is serious but will explain the fish species, eating methods and practices.

A great Sushi restaurant. Possibly and probably the best in Kyoto. I was blown away by the skill and love put into each mouthful. An essential stop and experience when travelling in Japan.

THE best!!!! Have been a huge fan for a decade now.

It was very tasty with the feeling of shari moving in my mouth.The comfort of the shop was relaxed.Thank you very much!

best choice for sushi lover

This was my 2nd time ever trying a Michelin starred sushi restaurant in Japan. My first time was in Tokyo. The location was a little hard to find as it's in a small alley from what I recall. The restaurant is small and only serves 6 guests at a time. I had made some reservations for the Omakase meal a few weeks in advance. The whole meal was about a two hour experience well worth it. The chef was artful and masterful in the way he cut the fish and prepped each piece of sushi for us. Sushi was amazing as well. There were two other servers there, one I believe was his wife and the other girl perhaps his daughter or just a worker but they were very attentive on service and the second my glass of beer was done they'd bring another. One of my favorite parts of Japan is the fresh sushi and this did not disappoint. The meal was expensive with drinks I would say close to $300 USD but when your in Japan I feel like you have to experience this once in your lifetime.

Best Japanese I've ever had! Totally recommended if you are in Kyoto. A most have.

Superb.

An absolutely exquisite experience. Intimate 6-seat bar where you are up close and personal with the chef. Watch as he prepares every single course with grace. I got the 16-piece omakase course and I regret not getting the accompanying side dishes. They looked delectable. Sushi was phenomenal as expected; consume with your eyes and your mouth.

It has very decent sushi.

Best of Kyoto. A fabulous product.

Very good sushi and sake pairing

High quality boutique sushi made by a master. Everything was melt in your mouth tasty. Went through 18 pieces of the most fresh and meticulously prepared sushi ever made. Absolutely no complaints. Make a reservation cause the place only sits 6 per seating. 2 seatings a night.

Waooo Personalized service. Private chef Everything fresh and very rich.

A perfect warm and exceptional sushi experience. The chef is just formal enough that you feel the premium but when he takes breaks from his artful live time sushi making, you can have simple conversation. Every bite was perfect. Best sushi I have ever had. Do it.

If you love sushi, Matsudaya will blow your mind!

Best sushi I have ever tasted. Seafood of exceptional quality. Very nice atmosphere. Unique experience. Highlight for the scallop, sea urchin and shrimp.

Best sushi experience.

The artisan's sushi!

It was an exceptional meal. Dine here if you want to have the best meal of your life.

Nice sushi place with very small seating - 8 pax. The food is good but the chef is serious. Make reservation before you go.

Best sushi restaurant I've been to. Omakase and sake pairing is excellent.

Amazing service and food.

Amazing dinner, spectacular presentation , incredible Chef !!!!

a little bit pricey, but definitely worth it. fish was super fresh, not a hint of any fishy taste at all, very tasty. the chef handled the fish very well, could see everything he did from my seat. entire meal was spread out well, did not come out on one big platter but one by one and you could really appreciate the sushi properly.

Incredible sushi. Best tamago I have ever had. Watching him make sushi was like a show.

Got last minute reservations. The restaurant seats 6 guests. The sushi was impecable and the service and attention were amazing. Would recommend.

Wow. I absolutely loved this place. The chef and his wife were amazingly hospitable. But the star was the sushi. Incredibly fresh and everything just tasted so excellent and unique. From torigai to Kyoto to aburi smapper. Will definitely be coming back here! Maybe tomorrow.

3 hour sushi performance art. The meal was basically perfect, although to a North American palate 2 out of the 20 dishes had a strange texture. The salmon roe dish and smoked Bonito dishes were amazing. Sake was very good and inexpensive-we had 3 different types and beer which was only 3000 yen above the cost of the price fix menu. It’s a once in a lifetime experience- do it.

Fantastic sushi! Nice service.

Excellent Sushi restaurant hiding at the end of a small lane. Chef is very experienced, every course hand prepared in front of you. Best Sushi we had in our life.

Nothing to complain about the sushi and sashimi. Fishes were great but the Uni and Ark shell could be better. However, there is one thing still bugs me. We made a reservation almost 2 months ago via lifestyle manager and we have clearly stated that I was allergic to egg. Though out the meal they gave me something else for the sushi. HOWEVER, for the dessert, they served some steam egg roll and obviously I couldn’t have it. Without giving me any alternatives,the chef just came towards me and said SORRY. That’s it!!!We paid almost 60000yen and all I got was a sorry for my dessert. I was not expecting a deluxe fruit platter. Even if they just give me a mochi I would be fine. The fact is that I told them 2 MONTHS in advance and they prepared nothing :(I am so disappointed.

Sushi. Michelin 1 star