A Must-Visit Food Destination in Japan: Restaurant of Mistaken Orders

A visit to Kyoto isn’t complete without dining at the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders, where every meal comes with a touch of joy and humanity. Unlike any other restaurant, this one challenges expectations — where the food may not be what you ordered, but the human connection and joy are the true highlights.

Here, the waitstaff, who all have some form of dementia, intentionally mix up orders and make mistakes. Rather than causing frustration, diners find these little blunders to be part of the fun, realising that the experience itself holds more value than the food served.

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A restaurant with a purpose

Image credit: Restaurant of Mistaken Orders | Official Website

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders was founded by Shiro Oguni, a Japanese television director, after a touching experience at a nursing home where he was accidentally served the wrong meal. Instead of reacting with frustration, he saw the beauty in embracing imperfection and was inspired to create a space that raises awareness about dementia through kindness and understanding.

Here, elderly staff with cognitive impairments may occasionally serve the wrong order — perhaps a coffee with a straw or a different dish than expected — but that’s part of the charm. The restaurant isn’t about flawless service but about shifting perceptions, celebrating humanity, and finding joy in unexpected moments.

Why the restaurant is so special

Image credit: Restaurant of Mistaken Orders | Official Website

What makes the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders stand out is its ability to foster empathy and human connection. Customers come not only to eat but to engage with the elderly staff in a light-hearted and supportive manner. Whether it’s a mistaken order or a funny mishap, diners embrace the errors with laughter.

In the Philippines, where we deeply value respect for elders and family ties, the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders offers a reminder of the importance of dementia awareness. It portrays elderly people as capable and valuable members of society, challenging the stereotype that those with dementia are helpless. Despite 37% of orders being mistaken, 99% of diners left happy — a testament to the positive impact of human connection and empathy.

A must-visit for Filipinos

Image credit: Restaurant of Mistaken Orders | Official Website

Why should Filipinos visit the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders? Beyond the unique dining concept, it highlights an issue close to home—age restrictions in employment. In the Philippines, many seniors struggle to find work due to age limits. But this restaurant proves that older people, even those with dementia, can still contribute meaningfully.

Some local businesses share this mindset. SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, and Makati Medical Center offer job opportunities to senior citizens, valuing their experience and promoting inclusivity. Like Kyoto’s restaurant, they show that age is no barrier to staying active and productive.

A global movement for dementia awareness

The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders has inspired similar initiatives in South Korea, Australia, and beyond. It’s a model for how we can shift societal perceptions of ageing and dementia. The restaurant serves as a reminder that dementia awareness isn’t just about understanding the condition, but about embracing compassion and creating spaces that include and support the elderly.

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What Filipinos can take away

For Filipino travellers, the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in Kyoto offers more than just a meal—it’s a heartwarming reminder of the value of empathy, patience, and respect for the elderly and those with cognitive impairments.

This unique dining spot in Kyoto shows that even small mistakes can lead to laughter, connection, and meaningful moments, making it a must-visit experience that goes far beyond the food.