Paris-trained owner-chef Teruo Inoue prepares world-class "French kaiseki" - a fusion of modern French cuisine with a Japanese sensibility and local ingredients. The old wooden building on narrow Pontocho includes tatami rooms and a counter area, plus an outdoor veranda overlooking the Kamo River.

Evening kaiseki menus range from Y12,600 for a basic dinner to Y31,500 for an extra-deluxe chef's menu that requires booking at least a week in advance. If that's not enough of a splurge, there's also a good selection of French wines to go with your meal. Lunchtime kaiseki options are priced at Y7,350 or Y10,500. (Prices do not include service charges of up to 15%.) The attentive staff will explain the highlights of your meal in English as they serve you.