Top Places and Services in United Kingdom

A Taste of Japan in Winchester – Kyoto Kitchen

I had heard about Kyoto Kitchen, and while I was in the area, I thought it would be a great opportunity to check it out!

My daughter and I managed to book a table on the same day, which was relatively easy despite not being locals. Entering through the hotel, we passed by the bar area before stepping into the main dining space. The atmosphere was both summery and refined, with a unique layout. There was only one central pathway, giving the impression of entering a grand hall, almost like a castle. The tables were arranged on either side, and at the heart of the room stood a striking center piece—a large kimono - its presence commanding attention like a king in a courtroom.

To my surprise, there was another dining area designed in the style of a traditional Japanese sushi bar, where guests could watch the chefs prepare fresh sushi. The delicate fabric dividers between the rooms reminded me of Japan, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

I was seated in the banquet area, opposite a stunning vegetable art display spanning the entire wall. It created an incredible blend of indoor and outdoor elements, stimulating the senses in an unexpected way.

For my meal, I ordered the Winchester Sushi Rolls, as recommended by the waiter. This dish featured fresh salmon, mango, cucumber, and seaweed, topped with goji berries and a horseradish sauce. The combination was delicate yet flavorful—refreshing with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I also had Wagyu Gyoza, garnished with edible flowers, which was incredibly fresh and beautifully presented.

The service was excellent, and the entire experience truly transported me to Japan.

Winchester is fortunate to have such a gem of a restaurant, and I hope they continue to support their talented chefs.

This is a must-visit for sushi lovers and anyone looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Kyoto Kitchen is a wonderful place to enjoy Japanese cuisine. Located in Winchester, it offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that sets the stage for a great dining experience.

The menu is thoughtfully designed, with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative dishes that balance traditional flavours with a modern touch. Each dish is beautifully presented, showing great attention to detail and care - and the food was delicious.

The service was exceptional—staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help, making sure you feel looked after throughout your meal.

Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just want to enjoy a quality meal, Kyoto Kitchen is a fantastic choice. It’s the kind of restaurant you’ll want to visit again.

I continue to be impressed with Kyoto Kitchen. This was our fourth visit, and hopefully, it's not our last! I love how the menu changes and getting to try new things each time. Stylish, accommodating, and affordable.

My daughter took me here for my 60th birthday present. On arrival the restaurant knew it had been my birthday a few weeks ago, but still wished me happy birthday. There were four of us eating and we all chose the gourmet set menu. The menus are being changed Monday so they will have new names. They asked us about food allergies. Two of us are gluten free and to complicate things I can't eat crustaceans. This was no problem to them and they adapted the food when ever necessary. The food was exceptional and the waiters took time to explain exactly how each dish had been prepared and what the ingredients were. The food came at a nice pace. When we had our penultimate dish, the Winchester Roll, they served this with fresh wasabi. The flavour of this was fantastic. I would certainly come back and eat here again. I really want to try their vegan set menu next time.

Had an absolutely wonderful birthday meal here. All the staff (especially our lovely waitress, Momo!) were incredibly attentive and the food itself was absolutely superb. If you’re looking for authentic Japanese food in a fancy (but not posh/snobby) environment then this is the spot~