CAMPO su OVEST: Kyoto’s Hidden Restaurant Serving Bear, Boar, and Other Game Meats

With all the recent talk about bear sightings across Japan, I started wondering if bear meat might be easier to find these days. While some restaurants in Japan serve game meat, it’s not something you come across without doing a bit of digging. Earlier last year, I went to a game meat specialty restaurant in Kyoto called CAMPO su OVEST with my younger brother.

Game meat dining experience at CAMPO su OVEST

CAMPO su OVEST is a firewood grill restaurant in Kyoto that specializes in game meat, or gibier. They offer both course meals and à la carte dishes, and are currently open only for dinner from 5 p.m. My brother and I booked a slot at 3 pm (previously it was an option), and while we were the only ones there at first, the place filled up quickly. I’d definitely recommend making a reservation. The menu is available in both Japanese and English, so you don’t have to worry about any surprises when ordering.

You can get an idea of what’s on the menu from the signboard outside. In addition to bear, boar, venison, and duck, they also prepare badger and raccoon meat, but you have to call in advance to ensure it is available when you dine. I believe the sausage mix contains bear, venison, boar, raccoon, and badger meats.

My brother & I are not too much strangers to game meat, more so me, who has been pretty adventurous in my dining during my 8 years in Japan. I’ve eaten crocodile, kangaroo, bees, locusts, and stingray. I’ve also had a deer meat cocktail at another place in Kyoto as well as Ainu cuisine in Sapporo. Funny enough, the first time I tried Australian game meat was actually in Fukuoka – not back home in Sydney. I’d never had it while living there, even though it’s probably sold in some supermarkets. I did spot kangaroo meat at Woolworths the last time I visited, though.

At this restaurant, we ordered bear meat and boar – I hadn’t had bear meat until now, and my brother hadn’t had boar meat. In addition to the meats, we had the vegetable platter, potatoes, and the brie cheese bruschetta. The game meat takes some time to prepare, so it is recommended to order some appetizers and drinks while you wait. The restaurant also has a variety of cocktails available, mixing different fruits with alcohol (non-alcoholic fruit mocktails are also available).

Bear Meat

The description of the bear meat on the menu was “it has a firm texture and is high in fat. It is sliced, grilled over a wood fire, and served in a soup”.

When I read the description, I was thinking it would be more of a bear soup, so I was surprised that, although it was still a soup, it was mostly meat. Its taste and texture felt similar to beef, but more gamier and fatter. I think it would probably be a good meat for sukiyaki.
I did hear that there is another restaurant in Kyoto, Okariba, that does bear hot pot in winter, so I may try to visit that place when I have time.

Boar Meat

The description of the boar meat on the menu was “meat with delicious fat, high in fat.”

Boar meat is much more available as a meat to eat in Japan. I’ve had it a few times living in Hyogo and around Kyoto – albeit usually more in the countryside towns, where I guess it’s more abundant or socially acceptable to eat. However, it was the first time for my brother to try it – I don’t think it’s sold normally in Sydney butchers, and he’s too busy working in Taipei to try interesting restaurants.
I do enjoy eating boar meat, although I feel it can be a bit heavier than normal pork. So I normally can’t have too much since I get full easily. That being said, I do want to try botan nabe (boar hot pot) – it’s usually above my price range, though, and not in easy-to-reach places.

Interior

The overall interior of the restaurant was great too, felt like being in a cozy mountain cabin loft.

Drinks

This is the fruit menu for cocktails/mocktails. I believe I had the pear option, and it was nice. Overall, I do recommend this restaurant, especially if you’re interested in game meats and fire-grilled food. It is a bit pricey, though, so bear that in mind.

Restaurant Details

Name: CAMPO su OVEST
Address: 68 Reisencho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0011
Website: https://campo-su-ovest.com/
Open days/hours: Closed Sunday/Monday – open Tues-Sat 5 pm-1:30 am