Absolutely incredible experience — we walked in on a Friday night and they sat us immediately. Every course was fantastic and, even with a language barrier as non-Japanese speakers, the chef made sure to do his best to explain every course and the best way to eat it. It was such a unique experience that I would highly recommend to those wanting to experience something authentic and delicious

Absolutely incredible food, everything is freshly prepared and the tempura is so light. Unparalleled taste of each dish and amazing and kind service.

I happened upon Tempura Tensei through a blind Google search, and I didn't expect much. Tiny and at the top of a long staircase, Tempura Tensei surprises you with its simple but elegant design. Greeted with formality and grace, we were led to two seats at the counter overlooking the kitchen and master chef. After ordering drinks, our set menu began arriving from the raised kitchen. Our first dish, a shrimp tempura, took me to a tempura place I had never been. The breading was so light, just barely there, forcing me to realize that the chef's culinary technique was beyond reproach and in another galaxy. Each subsequent dish was just as good. Eel, eggplant, scallops, and some root vegetable were all sublime. Even the soup was terrific. It felt comforting knowing we were the only non-Japanese people in the place, and the talented chef did all he could to make us comfortable, using a book to translate and point out what we’re eating. Forced to use a fork because my arthritis was acting up, no one minded except myself, embarrassed by my need. When I apologized, the chef and servers smiled and said something kind. The chef even washed my fork for me at the end of the meal. I want to return to Tempura Tensei tomorrow night because it was a fantastic meal. It was a bargain at $25.00 per person including sake and beer. I want to add, because of the comment below, Tempura Tensei was very foreigner friendly, even friendlier than where I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA.

Not foreigner friendly. I attempted to eat here by myself on a Friday night at 8pm and upon appearing in the doorway was immediately told they are closed and given a crossed-arms X gesture. Several people were eating at the counter top and they had plenty of empty seats to take me. Their chalkboard and menu signs were set up outside on the sidewalk, which indicated clearly they were open until 10:00PM. This was the only restaurant that treated me this way in my two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto. If they want to remain locals only, just put out a sign saying as much so you don’t have to disrespect people to their face after they climb the stairs to get to the restaurant.

The chef and food were great; however the older woman in the kimono was not friendly to us. We did not understand Japanese and requested to order a la carte for one person, she was really impatient and did not give us much service. We had to constantly ask for tea and when the bill came, they charged us additional fee and surcharges for the a la carte (even for the salt/ sauce condiments)