Must-Try Kyoto Restaurants: Wagyu Feasts and Flavorful Duck Dishes

In Kyoto, I had the pleasure of dining at two exceptional restaurants located near the Kamo River. One of them, Wagyu Volcano OAGARI (肉の隠れ家 おあがり), is an absolute must-try for anyone visiting Kyoto!

Wagyu Volcano OAGARI (肉の隠れ家 おあがり)

📍 〒605-0074 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Minamigawa, 537-2 祇園ヒロビル 3F (Google Maps)

The entrance to this restaurant is rather inconspicuous. Once you reach the navigation point, simply follow the stairs up. They do not accept reservations, so you will need to take a number and wait. You can receive a text notification when it's your turn. If the wait is long, explore nearby attractions like Gion (Kyoto's geisha district) and Yasaka-jinja Shrine. As one of the top-rated eateries in the area, queues can be long, so I recommend avoiding the initial rush after opening. I arrived around 11:30 AM, took a number, and was seated within half an hour—a reasonable wait.

Their signature dishes are Wagyu Volcano (Volcano wagyu rice) and A5 Premium Wagyu Steak (A5 wagyu rice). The Wagyu Volcano is named for its unique presentation, with wagyu beef shaped like a miniature mountain and an egg yolk flowing like lava. Although the restaurant only offers these two main courses, you can customize your dish with over a dozen additional ingredients like scallops, sea urchin, salmon, and grilled eel. This creates a truly unique and personal dining experience.

I savored the Wagyu Volcano, and from the first bite, I was enveloped in sheer bliss and satisfaction. The rich, marbled wagyu beef and sweet, fresh seafood were enrobed in a velvety smooth egg mixture, redefining my perception of deliciousness! However, it's important to note that the wagyu in the Volcano Rice is slightly undercooked, receiving only a brief sear before serving. If you're averse to consuming raw or rare meat, this dish might not be suitable for you.

Gion Duck Rice (ギオン ダック ライス) 🦆

📍 〒605-0073 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Kitagawa, 281-1 地下 CB01号 祇園ファーストビル (Google Maps)

This restaurant is located in an underground shopping area, with a relatively small dining space and limited seating. We arrived just as they opened, so we were able to be seated immediately without any wait.

The menu design is quite creative, featuring emojis instead of text descriptions. If anything is unclear, the friendly staff is happy to explain, even in English.

Their signature duck rice dish is definitely worth trying. You can choose between duck tenderloin or duck leg meat; I opted for the tenderloin, as the portion size is more substantial. According to the chef, they use ducks from Wakayama Prefecture, known for their superior meat quality. The low-temperature cooking method renders the duck meat incredibly tender and succulent. Paired with the sweet brininess of sea urchin and fish roe, it creates an extraordinary taste sensation.