‘Delicious, fun flavours’ is Gion Rakumi’s motto. The bustling of the amiable young cooks in the kitchen is a pleasing sight. Items are à la carte but no set formula is followed, so there’s no menu. Instead, guests choose ingredients from a wooden box and consult with the chef on preferred ways of preparation. Being a Gion Sasaki-run place, the quality of ingredients is uncompromising. The playfulness of presentation and pub-like joviality make the mood cheerful and lively.