La Cime (2*), No.8 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, Osaka, Dinner
La Cime (2*), No.8 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, Osaka, Dinner
by saizen211
2 Comments
saizen211
Note: Due to the 20-image restriction, I couldn’t provide close-up pictures of each dish served during the course. In the second-to-last picture, I casually rearranged the dishes so I could fit them all into one frame.
Price: $190USD, Dinner, Dec’23
Location: Osaka
Table Seats.
Wonderful multi-course dinner! There were ~12 courses, consisting of 23+ small dishes.
The restaurant features a private room located near the front and a main dining area in the center. During our visit, the main dining room accommodated four tables. There is a glass wall providing a view of the kitchen, allowing you to watch the chefs as they plate the dishes.
Although the restaurant’s interior is chic, the dim lighting in the main dining room creates a subtly dark and “romantic” ambiance. The atmosphere of the restaurant is definitely formal and professional, with a refined vibe similar to the strict setting you’d find at fine dining restaurants. Many diners spoke quietly, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. However, in my opinion, it was too subdued.
The menu seamlessly blends Japanese and French influences, offering a fusion of the two cuisines. However, many of the ingredients used are sourced locally from Japan; therefore, I would describe the food as a combination of French techniques with Japanese flavors — certainly not your typical French cuisine.
The dishes are both original and beautifully presented, showcasing artistic creativity and making them perfect for Instagram-worthy photos; The dishes present a vibrant display of colors and forms. Similar to many Michelin-starred restaurants, a diverse array of seaonsal ingredients is used, culminating in a rich and flavorful dining experience.
Each dish is creatively made with a seamless blend of flavors that complement each other, resulting in a delicious culinary experience. However, many dishes feature interesting combinations of innovative ingredients that you may not expect, resulting in complex flavors; Their visual presentation may differ significantly from their taste. It’s worth noting that while some diners may be pleasantly surprised by these combinations, others may not be accustomed to such bold flavors and may not enjoy them as much.
The service exceeded expectations, as one would expect from a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant; The staff were highly attentive and always smiling. For example, they continuously refilled our glasses of still water whenever they noticed they were running low; however, please note that they charge for still water by the bottle. We ended up using 3 bottles, which cost us $40 USD.
However, one disappointment, and an area for improvement, or possibly due to an off-day, was that we had no interaction with the head chef, Yusuke Takada. Typically, in Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan, the head chef will greet diners, usually at the end of the meal as they leave. However, we did not experience that. It seemed like the chef was occupied, going in and out of the private room and kitchen, and appeared to overlook the customers in the main dining room.
All dishes, along with their ingredients, were explained in clear and understandable English; better than most restaurants.
During my visit, the restaurant was fully booked on a Saturday night, including the private dining room. All diners were locals; we were the only foreigners.
Personal Rating 9 – 0.5 (No Greetings from Chef Yusuke Takada) = 8.5/10. I can see this rating being lower for some people who are not accustomed to complicated flavors.
La Cime offers a unique dining experience that is visually appealing and delivers deliciously complex flavors. Therefore, I would recommend this restaurant if you enjoy bold flavours.
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PS. This concludes my two-week Kansai fine dining experience at various restaurants. Below are my “personal rankings” for the fine dining restaurants:
1-3) TAKAYAMA, Tagawa, Sangencha (In no particular order)
4-5) La Cime, Kiyama (In no particular order)
6) Salon du kuma3
7) Sushi Ovino
8-9) Gion Matayoshi, Yuzaburo Steak (In no particular order)
Above are all restaurants I would recommend.
…
10) Hassun
Dead Last) Soujiki Nakahigashi (Most disappointing meal, may or may not write a review)
Kalik2015
Thanks for your write up! I grew up in Osaka and go back once every couple of years. La Come has been on my list of places I’d love to visit and I’ll make it a point to go there the next time I’m in town!
2 Comments
Note: Due to the 20-image restriction, I couldn’t provide close-up pictures of each dish served during the course. In the second-to-last picture, I casually rearranged the dishes so I could fit them all into one frame.
Price: $190USD, Dinner, Dec’23
Location: Osaka
Table Seats.
Wonderful multi-course dinner! There were ~12 courses, consisting of 23+ small dishes.
The restaurant features a private room located near the front and a main dining area in the center. During our visit, the main dining room accommodated four tables. There is a glass wall providing a view of the kitchen, allowing you to watch the chefs as they plate the dishes.
Although the restaurant’s interior is chic, the dim lighting in the main dining room creates a subtly dark and “romantic” ambiance. The atmosphere of the restaurant is definitely formal and professional, with a refined vibe similar to the strict setting you’d find at fine dining restaurants. Many diners spoke quietly, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. However, in my opinion, it was too subdued.
The menu seamlessly blends Japanese and French influences, offering a fusion of the two cuisines. However, many of the ingredients used are sourced locally from Japan; therefore, I would describe the food as a combination of French techniques with Japanese flavors — certainly not your typical French cuisine.
The dishes are both original and beautifully presented, showcasing artistic creativity and making them perfect for Instagram-worthy photos; The dishes present a vibrant display of colors and forms. Similar to many Michelin-starred restaurants, a diverse array of seaonsal ingredients is used, culminating in a rich and flavorful dining experience.
Each dish is creatively made with a seamless blend of flavors that complement each other, resulting in a delicious culinary experience. However, many dishes feature interesting combinations of innovative ingredients that you may not expect, resulting in complex flavors; Their visual presentation may differ significantly from their taste. It’s worth noting that while some diners may be pleasantly surprised by these combinations, others may not be accustomed to such bold flavors and may not enjoy them as much.
The service exceeded expectations, as one would expect from a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant; The staff were highly attentive and always smiling. For example, they continuously refilled our glasses of still water whenever they noticed they were running low; however, please note that they charge for still water by the bottle. We ended up using 3 bottles, which cost us $40 USD.
However, one disappointment, and an area for improvement, or possibly due to an off-day, was that we had no interaction with the head chef, Yusuke Takada. Typically, in Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan, the head chef will greet diners, usually at the end of the meal as they leave. However, we did not experience that. It seemed like the chef was occupied, going in and out of the private room and kitchen, and appeared to overlook the customers in the main dining room.
All dishes, along with their ingredients, were explained in clear and understandable English; better than most restaurants.
During my visit, the restaurant was fully booked on a Saturday night, including the private dining room. All diners were locals; we were the only foreigners.
Personal Rating 9 – 0.5 (No Greetings from Chef Yusuke Takada) = 8.5/10. I can see this rating being lower for some people who are not accustomed to complicated flavors.
La Cime offers a unique dining experience that is visually appealing and delivers deliciously complex flavors. Therefore, I would recommend this restaurant if you enjoy bold flavours.
​
​
PS. This concludes my two-week Kansai fine dining experience at various restaurants. Below are my “personal rankings” for the fine dining restaurants:
1-3) TAKAYAMA, Tagawa, Sangencha (In no particular order)
4-5) La Cime, Kiyama (In no particular order)
6) Salon du kuma3
7) Sushi Ovino
8-9) Gion Matayoshi, Yuzaburo Steak (In no particular order)
Above are all restaurants I would recommend.
…
10) Hassun
Dead Last) Soujiki Nakahigashi (Most disappointing meal, may or may not write a review)
Thanks for your write up! I grew up in Osaka and go back once every couple of years. La Come has been on my list of places I’d love to visit and I’ll make it a point to go there the next time I’m in town!