Norio Yamamoto

Norio Yamamoto, born in Kyoto in 1972, trained at renowned Kyoto restaurants Kawasho Souen and Aji Hana in the Gion district before traveling to Spain to study charcoal grilling techniques and opening Sumibi Kappo Ifuki in 2005, initially in Pontocho before relocating to Gion. Specializing in sumibiyaki (charcoal-grilled) kappo cuisine within a kaiseki format, he has earned two Michelin stars for his restaurant, which emphasizes seasonal ingredients enhanced by binchotan charcoal and self-taught grilling methods.