Mameda is an authentic Japanese restaurant known for its Kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal. Being a set menu of various dishes served on an individual tray to each member of the dining party, Kaiseki is also considered a type of art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food. A Kaiseki course consists of an appetizer, soup, side dishes, main courses and desserts, which are served one at a time to allow you to appreciate its delicate and sophisticated taste. Each set includes white tofu, a signature dish of Kyoto-style cuisine.
Mameda also offers serves a la carte, bento (lunch box), and set menu, including tempura (Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried), steak, and other staple dishes with rice. However, Kaiseki is the most popular choice, starting from ¥1,500-5,000.
Mameda is on Niomon Street, alongside a canal, near the Heian Shrine Torii, a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine. From Heian shrine, my friends and I walked pass this Torii and crossed a bridge to the restaurant. When passing the restaurant entrance, we received a warm welcome in Japanese from the smiling elderly ladies in kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, and they invited us to our table. They also have traditional Japanese-style rooms, where customers take off their shoes and sit on tatami mats.
While the menu was in Japanese, there are also a picture menu. Food replicas are also displayed in front of the restaurant for customers to choose from. The waiters and waitresses were attentive and went out of their way to help us understand the menu. However, we eventually chose from the pictures that attracted us from the menu. Language is not an obstacle when you are hungry, but if all else fails, ask for the English menu. You don't even have to call for the wait staff's attention, as there is a call button on table that customers can use instead.
I recommend this restaurant for tourists who visit Heian shrine. Mameda is a good traditional restaurant with great tasting food, and attentive staff, who will make every effort to please their customers.
