Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto Unveils a Refined Culinary Experience with the Rebranded EMBA KYOTO GRILL

This spring, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto announces the official rebranding of EMBA KYOTO CHOPHOUSE to EMBA KYOTO GRILL on April 1, 2025. While staying true to its original concept, this evolution enhances and refines the restaurant’s identity as a premier grill-focused dining destination.

With the introduction of a Josper grill, the menu is elevated with precisely fire-grilled meats, seafood and Japanese vegetables, delivering a smoky depth of flavour. The transformation extends beyond the restaurant to the reimagined pondside terrace, providing guests with an immersive outdoor dining experience. To celebrate this milestone, a limited-time pop-up bar in collaboration with Kyoto’s renowned craft gin, Ki No Bi, will offer exclusive handcrafted cocktails.

An Enhanced Terrace Experience

Overlooking stunning views of the heritage pond garden, the refreshed terrace warmly welcomes guests for dining and social gatherings. Featuring contemporary Kettal-designed furniture from Spain, the terrace blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, offering a tranquil, elegant setting that is equally suited to daytime relaxation and evening celebrations.

To mark this new chapter, the Ki No Bi pop-up bar will be available until May 8, 2025, serving three exclusive cocktails crafted in partnership with the Kyoto-based craft gin brand for JPY 3,200 each (plus service charge and tax).

• Matcha Gin & Tonic - A refined twist on the classic, this cocktail layers premium cold-brew matcha green tea over a traditional gin and tonic - capturing the essence of Kyoto with serene elegance.
• Hanami Spritz - A refreshing blend of KI NO BAI - a gin liqueur that harmoniously marries Kyoto’s ume plum and Hokkaido’s haskap (honeyberry) - with champagne rosé. The result is a sparkling drink that beautifully complements the alfresco atmosphere.
• In The Pink - A delicate harmony of sweet and bitter botanical notes, with a vivacious aroma and juicy mouthfeel, leaving a lasting impression and enriching your terrace moments.

Through spring season, a soft mist further enhances garden vistas for an hour every morning and evening.

The terrace is open daily from 7:00 am to closing. Guests not staying at the Hotel can enjoy the terrace with a special seating fee:

• Premium Garden Sofa Table (up to 4 guests): JPY 6,000 (JPY 1,500 per additional guest)
• Terrace Table (up to 2 guests): JPY 2,000 (JPY 1,000 per additional guest)

EMBA KYOTO GRILL: Elevating the Art of Fire-Grilled Cuisine

With its official transformation on April 1, EMBA KYOTO GRILL brings an even stronger emphasis on expertly grilled cuisine. While the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged, the combined use of the Josper grill and cherry wood charcoal serves to deepen and amplify flavours, giving ingredients an extraordinarily smoky finish.

“Our vision has always been to celebrate the craft of fire-grilling, and EMBA KYOTO GRILL now takes that passion to the next level. We are much more than a steakhouse, with something for everyone, ranging from dry-aged beef to the freshest daily catch from nearby waters and vegetables at their seasonal peak. Offering an even more refined experience, our expanded menu highlights the very best of Japanese ingredients,” says Jonathan Montolieu, Director of Food and Beverage.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Hotel’s heritage pond garden, EMBA KYOTO GRILL continues to evolve as Kyoto’s premier destination for fire-grilled dining, balancing contemporary techniques with Japanese culinary artistry. The restaurant offers both curated course menus and a la carte selections. Guests can take a seat in the warm and lively dining room or share an alfresco meal out on the terrace.

The restaurant is open daily for:

• Breakfast: 7:00-10:30 am
• Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
• Dinner: 5:30-10:00 pm (last order at 9:00 pm)

For inquiries and reservations, call Hotel at +81 (0)75 541 8288 or click here.

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