Bengaluru, August 2026: Cenci, the Michelin-starred restaurant from Kyoto and one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, is making its India debut with an exclusive residency at Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, in collaboration with Conosh. For two exclusive evenings, Chef Ken Sakamoto will present a specially curated tasting menu, offering Indian diners a rare opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary restaurants without leaving the country.
Founded in Kyoto’s historic Okazaki district, Cenci has earned global acclaim for Chef Sakamoto’s distinctive culinary philosophy, which combines Italian techniques with Japan’s finest seasonal ingredients and deep respect for local producers. The result is a style of cooking that is refined, ingredient-driven, and uniquely reflective of Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
For his India debut, Chef Ken Sakamoto presents a thoughtfully composed tasting menu, available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian formats, introducing diners to Cenci’s celebrated ingredient-led philosophy. The menu showcases seasonal Japanese ingredients through dishes such as Baby Corn with Sweet Corn Mochi, Miso Crumble and Burrata; King Prawn with Okra, Cherry Tomato, Aubergine and Fig; White Pomfret with Mushroom and 10-Year-Aged Miso; Crab with Lotus Root, Cucumber, Fennel and Yogurt; and Lamb with Courgette, Onion and Lemon, before concluding with desserts featuring Kiwi and Yogurt, followed by Jackfruit, Guava, Milk and Mint. The vegetarian menu reflects the same philosophy through equally nuanced, produce-forward creations.
Hosted at Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, in collaboration with Conosh, the residency reflects a shared commitment to bringing globally acclaimed culinary experiences to Indian audiences while celebrating gastronomy as a medium for cultural exchange and craftsmanship.
“At The Leela Palace Bengaluru, we are committed to curating extraordinary culinary experiences that bring globally celebrated chefs and acclaimed restaurants closer to our guests. Welcoming Chef Ken Sakamoto and Cenci for their India debut at Le Cirque Signature reflects our passion for exceptional craftsmanship, authentic cultural exchange, and memorable dining experiences. We are delighted to present this exclusive collaboration and of er our guests a rare opportunity to experience Cenci’s distinctive culinary philosophy in Bengaluru.” — Nishant Agarwal, Vice President & General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru
“It’s a privilege to take Cenci beyond Kyoto and introduce our cuisine to guests in Bengaluru with Conosh at Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace Bengaluru. Cenci has been built on a close relationship with producers, the rhythm of the seasons, and a belief that Japanese ingredients can be expressed through
Italian culinary techniques. I’m excited to share that journey through this collaboration.” – Ken Sakamoto, Chef-Owner, Cenci, Japan
“We’re thrilled to bring Cenci from Kyoto to Bengaluru for this exclusive collaboration at Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace Bengaluru. At Conosh, we believe the most memorable dining experiences are those that introduce guests to new perspectives and exceptional talent. Chef Ken Sakamoto’s interpretation of Italian cuisine through the lens of Kyoto beautifully reflects that philosophy, and we’re delighted to present this unique experience to diners in India.” – Neha Malik & Vaibhav Bahl, Co-Founders, Conosh
The residency marks another milestone in The Leela Palace Bengaluru’s commitment to bringing world-class culinary collaborations to the city, while offering guests exclusive access to globally acclaimed dining experiences.
Fact Sheet:
Event: Cenci Kyoto Pop-up at Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace Bengaluru Chef: Ken Sakamoto
Restaurant: Cenci, Kyoto, Japan
Venue: Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Dates: 7–8 August 2026
Time: 7:30 PM onwards
Experience: Exclusive tasting menu (Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian)
Price: INR 11,000 Non alcoholic | INR 12,500 Alcoholic ++
About Cenci:
Opened in 2014 in Okazaki, Kyoto, Cenci is a restaurant that treasures its deep connections with producers across Japan. By working closely with seasonal ingredients, the kitchen beautifully reflects the landscape, culture, and stories behind each element on every plate. Based in Kyoto, Cenci continuously draws inspiration from domestic and international culinary cultures, seamlessly weaving these insights into its daily creations. Recognised with a Michelin star and acclaimed as one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Cenci aspires to be a space where people, land, and culture intertwine through culinary experiences.
About The Leela Palace Bengaluru
The Leela Palace Bengaluru is a decadent palace, nestled amidst nine acres of lush gardens, featuring six floors of elegant, spacious 357 rooms and suites. Built in an Art Deco style, drawing inspiration from the architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the palaces of the Vijayanagar Empire, its copper domes, arches, and ornate ceilings reflect the grandeur of palaces of a bygone era. The hotel is near business districts, the cosmopolitan 100ft road, Indiranagar and offers easy access to the city centre on MG Road.
About Conosh:
Conosh is India’s leading platform for immersive dining experiences and culinary education, connecting food enthusiasts with some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants. Through exclusive chef collaborations, curated dining events, masterclasses and culinary experiences, Conosh continues to bridge
global and Indian gastronomy while fostering meaningful cultural exchange through food. Having collaborated with internationally acclaimed chefs including Ana Roš, Rodolfo Guzmán, Chalee Kader, Andrea Selvaggini and Prateek Sadhu, Conosh is redefining how audiences experience world-class cuisine in India.
