Where to Eat in Kyoto: Our Top Restaurant Picks
Are you planning a trip to the enchanting city of Kyoto, Japan? One of the most delightful aspects of exploring a new destination is savoring its culinary delights; Kyoto is no exception.
With its rich history, stunning temples, and picturesque landscapes, Kyoto offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity in its cuisine.
In this guide, we will take you on a gastronomic journey through Kyoto, unveiling our top restaurant picks that promise delicious flavors and an authentic experience of Japanese culture. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for the best places to dine in Kyoto, our curated list will help you quickly navigate the city's culinary landscape.
Gion Kappa
Gion Kappa, a cozy izakaya in Kyoto, Japan, is known for its authentic Japanese cuisine. Often considered the first in Kyoto, it's a local favorite akin to a Japanese-style tapas bar.
The restaurant features a casual atmosphere with counter seating around the kitchen, offering all menu items, including a starter cover charge, at ¥390 each. Along with delicious food, Gion Kappa serves various drinks, including sake, wine, beer, and hard liquor.
Location: 77 Sueyoshichō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0085, Japan
Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen
Located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen is a distinguished kaiseki restaurant, rich in history and culinary excellence. Set in a building steeped in heritage, this establishment was once the private residence of the famed Keicho-era merchant Suminokura Ryoi, dating back to 1611.
The restaurant's name pays homage to the nearby Takase River, adding to its historical charm. Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen welcomes guests daily from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, making it ideal for casual visits and grand events like parties and banquets.
The restaurant is renowned for its exquisite and intricate dishes, offering a range of Japanese culinary delights, including sushi and other traditional fare. Patrons often praise the serene garden setting, the exceptional quality of food, and the attentive service, all of which contribute to a memorable dining experience.
Location: 362 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Unagi Hirokawa
Unagi Hirokawa, a Michelin-starred gem in Kyoto, Japan, is renowned for its expertly grilled eel dishes. Ideally situated on Arashiyama's bustling main street, it's conveniently located across from the historic Tenryuji Temple.
Since its establishment in 1967, Unagi Hirokawa has mastered the art of grilling eel, employing a traditional wooden style that imparts a unique flavor. The menu, known for its high-quality unagi, also features complimentary items such as rice, a clear soup with eel liver, pickles, and dessert, with many patrons noting the exceptional tenderness of the eel.
To savor this exquisite culinary experience without the wait, making a reservation in advance is often recommended, as the restaurant's popularity can lead to lengthy queues.
Location: 44-1 Sagatenryūji Kitatsukurimichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8374, Japan
Ouchigohan Nakashimaya
Ouchigohan Nakashimaya is a hidden gem worth discovering for authentic Kyoto cuisine with a modern twist. It is the best Japanese restaurant in Kyoto.
With its cozy ambiance and a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients, this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience. Whether you're in the mood for delicate sushi, savory tempura, or creative fusion dishes, Ouchigohan Nakashimaya has something to satisfy every palate.
Location: 115番地 Butsukōji Higashimachi, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8054, Japan
Premium Pound Gion
Premium Pound Gion skillfully combines a steakhouse, Japanese restaurant, and grill serving kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto, Japan. It is located near the Yasaka Shrine in Gionmachi and offers a Kyoto-style setting with counter-seats and private rooms.
The restaurant is known for its teppanyaki-prepared A5 rank Wagyu beef and an extensive selection of over 50 wines, hard liquor, beer, cocktails, and coffee. While renowned for its excellent Kobe beef, traditional food, and fine cuisine, the degustation menu is a standout, offering a unique dining experience that many find worth the visit.
Location: 570-15 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture
Kyomachiyaobanzai Kohaku
Kyomachiya Obanzai Kohaku, nestled in a restored 100-year-old house in Kyoto, offers a blend of traditional and modern Japanese dining. The restaurant is celebrated for its banzai dishes, prepared with fresh Kyoto vegetables and complemented by a selection of local sake.
Known for its delicious raw yuba dishes, Kyomachiya Obanzai Kohaku also provides a private dining room, a variety of cocktails, small plates, and vegetarian options, making it a versatile choice for different dining preferences.
Location: Japan, 〒604-8022 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Minamikurumayachō, 282-2
Tenjaku
Tenjaku, nestled in the Nishijin district of Kyoto, known for its rich textile heritage, is a Japanese restaurant specializing in Kyoto-style kaiseki and tempura dishes. The menu artfully combines traditional flavors, offering an appetizer plate, a warming soup, fresh sashimi, and perfectly fried tempura.
Celebrated for its authentic and local culinary offerings, Tenjaku provides an exquisite dining experience, encompassing a broad selection of dishes, including sashimi and tempura. While positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum, with meals typically above JPY 10,000, the restaurant's culinary excellence offers an authentic taste of Kyoto's rich gastronomic culture, making it a worthwhile indulgence for those seeking an authentic, high-quality dining experience in the heart of Kyoto's old garment district.
Location: Japan, 〒602-8475 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Botanbokochō, 570
Nikuryori Yama
Nikuryori Yama is a cozy restaurant in Kyoto, Japan, known for its unique way of cooking Japanese Black Wagyu beef. It's tucked away in a small house in Ayanokoji Gokomachi, just five minutes by foot from Kawaramachi Station. Opened in August 2022, this tiny place has a chef's counter with six seats and one little table that can fit four people.
The highlight at Nikuryori Yama is the omakase course, where the Japanese chefs prepare unique dishes like high-quality Japanese black beef, Korean-style beef tartare, and grilled beef tongue with salt. It's a spot for enjoying top-notch beef dishes in a cozy, intimate setting.
Location: 317 Tabiyachō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8038, Japan
Kobe Beef Steak Moriya Gion
In Kyoto's Gion district, Kobe Beef Steak Mouriya Gion specializes in Teppanyaki-style A5-grade Wagyu Kobe beef. This beef comes from Tajima cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture, which is known for producing high-quality Kobe beef.
Mouriya ensures these cattle are raised for 32 months in a stress-free environment with a special diet and massages, producing exceptionally marbled and flavorful meat. While Kobe beef is often one of the world's most expensive meats, Mouriya offers it at more reasonable prices, making this rich and juicy delicacy more accessible to diners.
Location: Japan, 〒605-0802 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatochō, ７−1 １階と２階・4階 祇園モーリヤビル
Steak House Pound Kyoto Honten
For those craving the sizzle and aroma of a perfectly grilled steak, Steak House Pound Kyoto Honten is a haven for meat lovers. This establishment is known for its high-quality cuts of beef and expert grilling techniques, ensuring a juicy and flavorful dining experience.
The cozy atmosphere adds to the charm of this steakhouse.
Location: 76 Motoyoshi-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Tonshabu Hide, Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Tonshabu Hide offers a delightful shabu-shabu experience in the heart of Kyoto. This restaurant specializes in thinly sliced beef and fresh vegetables cooked in a simmering broth.
The interactive dining style allows you to cook your ingredients to your preferred level of doneness, making it a fun and tasty meal for all.
Location: 3F Daimaru Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, 79 Shijo Takakura, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Kyoto-styled Okonomiyaki & Sake Oagari
Kyoto-styled Okonomiyaki & Sake Oagari, located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, is a culinary gem that caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free options. Their standout dish, Gion-yaki, is known for its unique texture—crispy on the exterior and delightfully creamy inside.
Okonomiyaki, the restaurant's specialty, is a savory Japanese dish resembling a thick, grilled pancake or frittata. Traditionally made from a batter that includes wheat flour and mountain yam, it is versatile enough to be topped with various ingredients.
Choices range from seafood like shrimp and squid to meats like pork or cheese, allowing for a customizable dining experience that suits different tastes and preferences.
Location: 190-1 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Tajimaya Don Quijote Kawaramachi
Tajimaya Don Quijote Kawaramachi, nestled in Kyoto, Japan, is a vibrant restaurant and food hall known for its delectable shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. Emphasizing freshness, Tajimaya skillfully slices its beef only upon receiving an order, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
For dinner, guests can choose from two types of dashi broth to enrich their meal, while lunchtime offers a singular yet equally tantalizing broth option. Patrons frequently commend Tajimaya for its affordability, English-friendly service, and excellent dining experience.
Location: 321 Shioyacho, Nakagyo-ku 7F Don Quijote Kawaramachi, Kyoto 604-8041 Kyoto Prefecture
Sushi Naritaya
Sushi Naritaya, a charming family-run sushi spot in Arashiyama, Kyoto, offers a quaint and intimate dining experience. Tucked away in a quiet alley off the main thoroughfare, this small restaurant features about four tables, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The restaurant takes pride in serving locally sourced fish, focusing on tuna and seasonal selections from Katsuura. Among its offerings, tuna and salmon sushi stand out as favorites, complemented by traditional green tea and miso soup.
Guests often praise Sushi Naritaya for its delicious food, generous portions, and friendly service. Sushi Naritaya is also conveniently located for visitors exploring Arashiyama, making it an ideal lunch stop between the famed Bamboo Forest and the Monkey Park.
It adds to its appeal as a delightful culinary haven in the heart of Kyoto's natural beauty.
Location: 40 Kaji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Tempura Endo Yasaka
Tempura Endo Yasaka, nestled in a traditional wooden teahouse in Kyoto's Gion district, is renowned for its Kyoto-style tempura. Overlooking Kenninji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda, the restaurant occupies three historic sukiya-zukuri buildings.
It's a favorite among locals and visitors for its dishes, including miso soup, deep-fried tempura shrimp over rice with green tea soup, and sweetcorn tempura. The restaurant also features a tasting menu and private dining rooms, offering a blend of culinary excellence and historical ambiance.
Location: Japan, 〒605-0811 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Komatsuchō, 566 566
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Dining Spot in Kyoto
Research and Reviews: Look up online reviews and seek out local food bloggers' recommendations.
Authenticity and Location: Opt for places that locals frequent and are easily accessible.
Menu Diversity: Choose based on your culinary interests, whether sushi, ramen, or kaiseki.
Seasonal Ingredients and Special Diets: Go for fresh, seasonal ingredients and check for dietary accommodations if needed.
Cultural Experience and Reasonable Price Range: Balance your budget with the desire for a unique cultural dining experience.
Unveiling Culinary Journey Through the Best Restaurants in Kyoto
Kyoto is not just a city with a long history; it's a world of flavors waiting to be explored. From traditional Japanese food to international cuisines, every meal in Kyoto promises to be memorable.
Whether dining in a narrow alley near Gion Shijo Station or enjoying a meal with a view of the Kyoto cityscape, the Kyoto restaurants will surely leave you with a taste of the city's rich culinary heritage. Try the local sake or indulge in a kaiseki meal for a complete Kyoto experience.
With our guide, you're set to discover the best restaurants in Kyoto and embark on a culinary journey like no other.
Savor seasonal sweets and refresh yourself with a cup of tea.
FAQs
What food is Kyoto most famous for?
Kyoto's reputation for its exceptional Tofu, Sake, and Soba is primarily attributed to the high quality of water used in their production. The significance of pristine water quality is a critical factor in crafting these renowned culinary delights.
What is the most popular type of restaurant in Japan?
A survey conducted in Japan in June 2022 revealed that over 90 percent of diners frequent sushi restaurants, making them the country's most popular type of eatery. Following sushi establishments, family restaurants ranked as the second most commonly visited dining option among Japanese people.
How much is a meal in Kyoto?
A budget meal in this area will cost between 1,000 and 3,000 yen, roughly equivalent to $9 to USD 27. For a dining experience at a mid-range restaurant, prices generally range from 3,000 to 5,000 yen per person, translating to about $27 to USD 45.
Can I find French cuisine in Kyoto?
Absolutely! Kyoto boasts a variety of international dining options, including several exquisite French restaurants. These establishments often blend French culinary techniques with local Japanese ingredients, creating a unique fusion experience.
Is it expensive to eat in Kyoto City?
Kyoto is home to numerous budget-friendly dining options, particularly in areas less frequented by tourists. Typically, Japanese dishes are more affordable than international cuisines, with economical choices like ramen, soba, udon, donburi, and curry rice being popular among budget-conscious travelers.
What are some must-try fish dishes in Kyoto?
Visitors should try Kyoto-style sushi, which often features the freshest locally sourced fish. Other must-try dishes include grilled Ayu, a summer delicacy, and Tai (sea bream) sashimi, celebrated for its delicate flavor and texture.
Can I drink tap water in Kyoto?
In Japan, tap water is universally safe to drink. Additionally, various mineral water, including well-known international brands, is readily available at supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines, and similar outlets.
