FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO

Restaurant Details

Palatial and architecturally historic, the FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO sits in the former stately headquarters of Shimadzu Corporation. The Showa-era heritage building, slotted along the streets of central Kyoto, was built in 1927 by prolific modern-Japanese architect Takeda Goichi, who was known as the “Father of Kansai Architecture.” Inspired by the curves of Art Nouveau and the architectural styles of Vienna, FORTUNE GARDEN might be the city's most stunning restaurant. Not much of its skeleton has changed; timeless details like the arch-shaped entrance and round windowpanes persist, updated by a touch of Franco-sensibility and Kyoto charm.

The influence-mixing is a gamble in a city loyal to tradition, but since its transformation in 2012, the French-accented bistro has won over the hearts of even skeptical Kyotoites. And it certainly walks the talk. Its dark-hued room has a real sense of nostalgic energy; wall-to-ceiling windows overlook a pond filled with silver carp and a serene bamboo forest. A courtyard aptly named the “Garden of Fortune” formulates a play of greenery, light and water.

Unsurprisingly, there’s a French bias at work here: the menu is seeded with the likes of tartare, lamb and eggplant stewed in white wine, and bonito carpaccio with aioli on the appetizer front.

The restaurant’s drawing card is the bouillabaisse, which uses broth made from shrimp, crab and local seafood, and features grilled sea bream, day-fresh mussels and seasonal vegetables. Bigger flavors arrive with the bavette with an original chimichurri sauce, or the charcoal-grilled Omi beef fillet and Tasmania lamb. A la options of over 30 dishes benefit from locally sourced Kyoto ingredients.

The bistro also has a winning way with its drinks, too. Natural wines and original craft beer dominate the library (one of the beers is a collaboration with Kyoto Nude Brewery). With a menu such as this where balance is important, the service is unfailingly polite and attentive.

It’s romantic with just the right amount of casual ambiance — a convenient but grand date spot in the heart of Kyoto.

FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO Remarks

• Guests with dietary restrictions and/or food allergies should inform the restaurant beforehand. The restaurant might not be able to accommodate guests who make same-day requests.

• The restaurant reserves the right to refuse reservations to guests who have excessive dietary restrictions, particularly those of fish or vegetables.

• The course menu content listed below is an example, and is subject to change based on seasonal availability.

FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO Business Days

FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO Address

386-2 Ichinofunairicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0924

FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO Access Info

• Fortune Garden Kyoto is a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Exit 16), a 10-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Line or a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station.

FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO Phone Number

FORTUNE GARDEN KYOTO Cancellation Policy

Cancel your reservation at least 2 days before the dining start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.