Tempura Endo Yasaka

This restaurant, which has become a chain of restaurants stretching to Beverly Hills, is among the most famous Kyoto establishments, and and exquisite experience.

Endo’s take on tempura is tied to kaiseki ryōri (traditional multicourse cuisine): the meal moves through a series of carefully considered courses, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

It’s exquisite, expensive and extensive — lunch takes the best part of two hours. Both lunch and dinner have three omakase (chef’s selection) courses; my advice is to go with the mid-priced option.