middle

In Kitaoji, Kyoto, stands a beautiful standalone house, its garden designed to frame the ever-changing Kamo River as part of the scenery.

This is "middle," a modern French restaurant where Chef Yasuhiro Fujio—the first Japanese to win the Grand Prix at an international competition for young chefs—showcases his artistry.

The space, once the private residence of an Italian consul, has been transformed into a stage unique to Kyoto, blending the elegance of Sukiya-style architecture with modern sensibilities.

There is no fixed menu, only a once-in-a-lifetime omakase course created to suit the day’s ingredients and each guest. True to the chef’s words that “the ingredients are the absolute star,” the inherent character of Japanese ingredients—seafood, gibier, and vegetables from across the country—is elevated through refined French techniques.

Inventive dishes, such as the pairing of matsutake mushrooms from Mt. Koya with bear meat, or a porridge of roasted sweet potato, unfold as a journey of constant surprise and discovery. Guests are invited to savor, to their heart’s content, a world of natural yet innovative gastronomy crafted by a chef at the very pinnacle of his art, here in the heart of Kyoto.

• Price Range:

  Lunch: USD 171.65 - USD 171.65
  Dinner: USD 171.65 - USD 171.65

• Dietary restrictions / Allergies:

  If you have any specific food allergies or ingredients you cannot consume, please inform us in advance. Unfortunately, we cannot accept reservations if there are ingredients that you cannot eat within a wide range.

  For vegetarian meals, please indicate in the special notes section when making your reservation. (Due to ingredient sourcing, please notify us at least 3 days in advance).

• Arrival time:

  Please arrive 5 minutes before your reserved time to ensure a timely start of your meal. If you do not contact us and exceed your reservation time, it will be automatically canceled.

• Dress Code:

  Dress code is smart casual (Please refrain from wearing T-shirts, shorts, and sandals when you visit.)

• Children:

  Children under 10 years old can be accommodated for private bookings only.

• Others:

  Photography is permitted, but please be considerate and avoid including other guests or staff in your photos.

  Our private rooms are semi-private, separated by partitions.

  We kindly ask that guests refrain from wearing strong perfumes or fragrances.

  Please note that entry to the restaurant requires using a staircase. An elevator is available for guests who have difficulty with stairs; please make a note in the "special requests" section when booking.