Vena, an Italian restaurant opened in December 2016 is located in the corner of a residential area a little distance from the center of Kyoto. It was founded by Chef Daiki Hayakawa, who was born and raised in Kyoto, and Sommelier Yoji Ikemoto, with the concept of using only carefully selected ingredients and aged Italian wine.
Hayakawa began training at IL GHIOTTONE at age 20 and became fast friends with Ikemoto, who was working at BOCCA del VINO nearby. They continued to train with the intent to start their own restaurant, with Hayakawa focusing on cooking and Ikemoto improving his servicing and wine skills. 14 years after they first met, their dream finally became a reality. The restaurant name Vena means a water vein, while also signifying how both the founders’ names have a kanji character meaning water in their name and that the restaurant is located in Kyoto, which is known as the city of water. Only one course is available for lunch and dinner, and is by reservation only. Seasonal ingredients are used, with the focus on the four seasons of Japan. Each dish is prepared with the desire of the chef for the guests to enjoy the ingredients, and flavored to match the various wine. The vegetables used are brought from the Central Market, as well as delivered directly from a contracted farm in Kisshoin, Kyoto. A wide collection of wine is available, starting with old vintage wine from the 1960s. There is a stockpile of over 1000 bottles so that the wine can be served in its best state, taking advantage of the peak of deliciousness.
The restaurant is designed with a certain elegance as in a hotel while vintage European furniture from Ikemoto’s collection to complete the look of the interior. The lights are industrial designs from Germany, France and America. In the two-floor restaurant, the first floor has 10 counter seats and the second floor has 2 private rooms for up to 8 guests, making it perfect for business entertainment, dates, and anniversary celebrations. Up-and-coming, Italian restaurant from Kyoto. Enjoy the restaurant’s atmosphere which takes in all the good things of the old.
※ Awarded 1 star on world-renowned gourmet guide Kyoto-Osaka 2023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The availability of an English version of this page does not guarantee that the restaurant can provide services in English unless otherwise stated. Please be aware that, even if stated, there may still be days when English speaking staff are unavailable.
【Access】
■5-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line Marutacho Station Exit 6