I have been a loyal customer of this restaurant for more than three decades, so my review might be biased in a positive way. Mr. Matsui decided to renovate and rename old and very popular French restaurant Le Bellecour. Now it is La Part Dieu, named after the second train station in Lyon, meaning “the domain of God”. Onion potage topped with watercress/ baby sweetfish and apple croquette Salad of sawara cypress with emulsified olive sauce Freshly boiled white asparagus with truffle flavored egg bubble Butter-roasted butterfish with parsley sauce Or Two styles of Kyoto pork, roast and stew “Fraisier” traditional French cake dissected and reconstructed Or Cheese plate Mignardises Coffee, tea or herb tea JPY 4000 is a bargain. Most interesting dish was Salad, multiple selection of seasonal vegetables was amassed into fish-shape. Sauce was excellent. Strength of chef Shirahase is the exquisite way to use vegetables. If you love nouvelle cuisine French, but not overly so, this restaurant is just for you.

On recommendation of tripadvisor we went to this restaurant. We were satisfied! For everyone who desires orginal and good french cooking after all the Japanese experiences, go there! Price quality is ok compared to other options of this kind. We had a four course diner for two and a bottle of good white wine and we payed 15.000 yen in total. Service was great, at last we could stay untill we were finished, instead of being kicked out at 9.30 pm, as happens often in Japan.

Le Bellecour is a favorite of a Kyoto business partner, and it was easy to see why. One of those restaurants which is a reflection of the owner's passion for his craft. When French food is done well in Japan, it is done very well indeed, and this is a great example. The map on the restaurant website will guide you there, about 10 minutes by taxi north of the Okura Hotel. Lunch set menu for 3200 yen, dinner set menus at 4800 and 5800 yen (and upwards). Wines start at around 4000 yen. I am still mourning for the passing of Kyoto's sublime "Au Coin Tranquille", but this is a more than able substitute.

This restaurant is a real find. If you are looking for great French food with a Kyoto fusion twist this is the place. Mr Matsui the owner is superb host. Our party of five were treated like old friends and with each course the presentatiln was, as you would expect, perfect. Forget the presentation. The food was sublime. An unbelievable dining experience. Okay, you say, I come to Japan to eat Japanese food. But French food has a a history in Japan and great French restaurants are the only one's that survive. Especially in a town like Kyoto. Love it. Love it. Love it.