Portrait of Junya Minato
i. Biography
His practice is Italian cooking tied to stock he raises himself, with beef and milk treated as materials whose final handling happens in front of the guest.
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Coming Up
Contemporary Italian service at Kate cuore is built around immediacy and control of source material, with Junya Minato working as Executive Chef in that register.
Where They Are Now
Live cooking changes the standard margin for error. In this room, the cut is read as it cooks, milk is handled for aroma and texture at the point of service, and the guest sees the final decisions rather than only the finished plate. This is Italian cuisine by way of direct stewardship.
Peer Recognition
Recognition has come through Tabelog, including Tabelog Silver Award (2026), Tabelog Silver Award (2025), Tabelog Italian WEST 100 (2025), Tabelog Silver Award (2024), Tabelog Silver Award (2023), and Tabelog Italian WEST 100 (2023).
FAQ
Asked of Junya
What is Junya Minato's present role?
Junya Minato is chef at Kate cuore — Italian.
What recognition has Junya Minato received?
Tabelog Silver Award (2026).
What is Junya Minato known for?
Italian cuisine built around self-raised beef.
The Sunday email
Read about chefs like Junya Minato in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.