The Guide of Restaurants in Kyoto Popular Among Locals
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Kyoto has become very famous for world travelers due to the abundance of Japanese culture and tradition-historical temples and shrines – but you can’t forget Kyoto’s food culture. The restaurants attract people because of the amount of choice available, both traditional and modern cuisines.
We’re sure that you would love the variety of cuisine and make it an integral part of your special trip.
We are to help you by recommending the best 20 restaurants in Kyoto – interested?
We, as locals, guarantee that you’ll find your favorite food from our list, with the various different types of restaurants and the different type of food available at the best restaurants. Why don’t you experience the best food culture in Kyoto, it might be a first for you?
If you are interested in vegetarian restaurants, please check here:
The 20 Best Restaurants and Cafe with Vegetarian Menu in Kyoto
Contents
The best 9 recommended restaurants in Kyoto
Let’s start with the restaurants with various types of food like ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki and more – a real Japanese experience!
Ippudo Ramen, Nishikikoji
Ramen is one of Japan’s national foods, and there are about 32,000 ramen shops across Japan.
Ippudo Ramen is a very successful one and very famous for Tonkotsu ramen – the soup broth is based on pork bones as well as other ingredients. There are also many shops, not only in Japan but also in the US, UK, and Singapore. There is one in Nishikikoji, Kyoto, where you can enjoy the very popular ramen of Ippudo.
It’s tasty, popular and reasonable, so why don’t you try Ippudo Ramen and fill up yourself up, giving you much-needed energy for your next activity in Kyoto, or go there for a midnight feast as they open until 3 am in the morning.
Please be aware that Ippudo only accepts cash or transport IC card.
Address: 653-1 Bantoya-cho, Higashimotoin, Nishikikoji higashi hairu, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 11:00am-3:00am (close 2:00am on Sunday)
Budget: 750 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Sushi Naritaya
Sushi Naritaya is in Arashiyama, and not far from the monkey park. They serve fresh quality sushi with a good selection of sake, and it is a very popular Sushi bar. Sushi used to be a Japanese fast-food during the Edo period, and there are no difficult rules to navigate when eating sushi. The owner and staff are very friendly and there is a great atmosphere with a service to match, for you to enjoy real Japanese sushi. Tourists always leave happy after a memorable sushi experience at Sushi Naritaya.
Address: West Park, 3-25 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 11:00-16:00 Thursday to Tuesday (Wednesday is closed)
Budget: 2,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Gion Tenamonya
Gion Tenamonya is a Teppan-yaki restaurant in Kyoto with a great atmosphere, and great food – “Expensive food at a cheap price”. A beer with the highest ranked A5 Wagyu beef steak, and about 100 other options of Japanese soul food, like okonomiyaki, Japanese savory pancakes, even a vegetarian menu is available too. Gion Tenamonya has constant repeat custom, with many people making their next booking whilst they are enjoying their current experience – such an amazing place.
You can ask Hideki, who is the owner, “Is that your guitar?” when you need to hear some songs, like ‘happy birthday’.
Please be aware that Gion Tenamonya only accepts cash, also booking is needed in advance.
Address: B1F, 537-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 17:00-23:00 Monday to Sunday (Thursday is closed)
Budget: 2,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes, smoke-free.
Premium Pound, Sanjo Kiyamachi
If you really want quality Kobe beef in Kyoto, you should go to a steak restaurant called Premium Pound in Sanjo Kiyamachi.
The chef professionally cooks the beef in front of you, using skills that prepares Teppanyaki beef beautifully, and you can enjoy the whole process personally.
The restaurant is sophisticated and stylish, and somewhere you can enjoy the famous Japanese hospitality. You are guaranteed the satisfaction of both the food and the service.
Address: 424-1 Ebisucho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 11:30-14:30, Dinner 17:00-23:00
Budget: 8,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes, smoke-free
URL: https://ts-pound.com/sanjo-kiyamachi/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=map
Misoka-an Kawamichiya
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Misoka-an Kawamichiya is a very special soba restaurant, why? Because it is not just their soba that is excellent, but they have had many famous celebrities, from Steve Jobs and Tom Cruise to Robert De Niro and many others, all of whom have visited and enjoyed eating their soba.
The outside welcomes you with a Japanese style exterior and noren fabric covered entrance, which is where you can expect something special is going to happen. The interior and the middle garden are so beautiful and very Japanese with 300 years of history. The whole experience will be one of your best memories for sure.
Address: 295 Sanjyo-agaru, Fuya-cho, Nakgayo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 11:00-20:00, Thursday is closed
Budget: 1,500 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Sumibi Torito
Sumibi Torito is a Yakitori restaurant, located not too far from the Nishiki market in Kyoto.
Yakitori is one of the most popular foods among both Japanese and non-Japanese visitors. Sumibi means ‘charcoal grill’, so the food gets a very nice flavor when cooked using charcoal.
Yakitori from Torito serves chicken grilled by sumibi, that is why it is so tasty. You can have different parts of the chicken with sauce, like soy or salt.
A very welcoming atmosphere awaits anyone, including families, all out to enjoy a popular Japanese dinner.
Address: 9-5 Higashimaruta-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 17:30-24:00
Budget: 195 yen (per skewer) ～
Non-smoking area: No
Tempura Yoshikawa
Eat hot tempura prepared and served just for you in a stunning Japanese tatami room with the exceptional garden view.
Yoshikawa is actually a Japanese inn in central Kyoto and established in 1952 serving tempura. The meal starts with some little appetizers, such as squid or shrimp, followed by sushi. This is followed by tempura, such as prawn, vegetables, scallop, mushroom, bamboo shoot, white fish, lotus root, sweet potato, and fish. This is kaiseki style dining, a Japanese traditional multi-course cuisine. And while it all sounds a lot, it is actually quite light and so you can easily enjoy it all.
Address: Tominokoji, Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 11:00-13:30, Dinner 17:00-20:00
Budget: 10,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Yasakadori Enraku
Yasakadori Enraku is located in Gion and serves a variety of Japanese foods, such as sashimi, beef steak, Oden, tempura, udon, and others all creatively presented – your dessert could be Matcha ice cream.
The restaurant is located in a traditional style house and you’ll eat the delicious Kyoto cuisine in a beautiful tatami room.
Yasakadori Enraku receives lots of excellent reviews from foreign guests due to the delicious cuisine, but also, surprisingly, it’s possible to experience the company of a real Maiko – quite possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity – so it is quite a special place to enjoy the local delicacies.
Please be aware that the Maiko experience is not an everyday event.
Address: 594-3 Komatsucho Yasakadori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 12:00-15:00, Dinner 17:30-23:00, Sunday is closed
Budget: 5,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Fujita
Fujita is a Japanese Kaiseki cuisine restaurant in Pontocho, Kyoto. Kaiseki dining represents Japanese beauty, season and hospitality, and is most highly regarded throughout the world as the pinnacle of Japanese dining.
All the ingredients are at the peak of freshness and have a very sensitive and delicate flavor.
Once you have experienced Fujita’s kaiseki cuisine, you’ll immediately gain the sense of the Japanese mind and palate.
This is the best way to fully immerse yourself into the Kyoto experience.
Address: Sanjo-sagaru, Pontocho, Kaburenjomae, nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:00-22:00
Budget: 5,500 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Hochoshiki(Knife Ceremony)
Explore the essence of Kyoto’s culinary excellence through the Hochoshiki Knife Ceremony, a testament to the artistry behind the tools that create the city’s gastronomic delights. This ceremony illuminates the deep connection between craftsmanship and cuisine in Japanese culture.
https://www.hochoshiki-knifeceremony.com/
A sacred place for Japanese food, a treasure house of ingredients, Minami-Boso Takaya Shrine Kitchen knife ceremony "Ryumon-no-Koi" long story: edited by Minamiboso City Tourism Association Channel
The best 5 restaurants – recommended by locals
It is always a good sign to go somewhere to eat, and it is full of locals.
Here are the best 5 restaurants, all recommended by Kyoto locals.
Suiba
Suiba is a standing-only bar with various types of alcohol and nibbles.
It’s a very popular bar in the Shijo Kawaramachi area, as they are open from 3 pm and very reasonable. There is always a queue outside of local people before opening time.
Many nibbles cost around 200 yen and are very delicious. You can order many different dishes, like Spanish tapas and enjoy the usual Japanese dishes. There are also many unusual dishes available, like monkfish liver, innards stew, apple tempura and many more, so you might be busy taking many pictures for your social network!
Address: 569-2 Nakanocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Weekdays 16:00-24:00, Weekend and holidays 15:00-24:00, Every Monday and the 1st Tuesday are closed
Budget: 1,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
URL: https://www.suiba.jp
Sou
Sou is a Japanese restaurant using Kyoto vegetables, seasonable ingredients, and dashi stock to make quality dishes.
The simple and stylish interior, along with their great dishes, attracts many local business people and those on business trips. Therefore, Sou becomes their preferred choice for a business dinner because of Sou’s quality, and their beautifully presented tables.
We recommend you try to have their Kamameshi, a traditional Japanese rice dish cooked in an iron pot called a kama.
Address: 460 Toroyamacho, Nakgyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 17:00-25:00
Budget: 5,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Yuki, Gion
Yuki is an izakaya – Japanese pub – where they serve lots of seafood like sashimi and tempura with lots of different sake (the owner is actually a sake brewer). Yuki is located in Gion, a bustling tourist area where you can have sake and tasty dishes at a reasonable price.
After strolling around Gion, you probably want a Japanese dinner, so Yuki is a good place to go – but please be aware that you’ll find a queue to get in.
Address: 111-1 Tominagacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Weekday 17:00-23:00, Saturday and the day before national holiday 17:00-24:00
Budget: 4,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Daruma to Kingyo
Daruma to Kingyo is a restaurant that serves to oden – for instance nabe with daikon, konnyaku, processed fish-cake and boiled eggs stewed in a light soy-flavored dashi broth. Daruma to Kingyo is run by a husband and wife team, and their potato salad is the customer’s favorite.
It is located just a seven-minute walk from Kiyomizu Gojo station and near the Kamo river and is a small restaurant on a quiet street. But it is always packed with local people, so you’d better book in advance.
Address: 509 Kyogokucho, Teramachidori, Takatsuji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 18:00-3:00 Monday and Tuesday are closed
Budget: 3,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Kappa sushi
For 30 years, Pontocho’s Kappa sushi has been offering a choice – edo-style sushi, or a kaiseki course meal.
Kappa sushi has a very special place for you to sit down and eat your choice of cuisine – they have a kawadoko. A deck floor that is placed over the Kamo river, and is very Kyoto-ish thing to do, so that you can enjoy Japanese cuisine amongst Kyoto’s beautiful nature.
An English menu is also available on request.
Address: 160 Matsumotocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 17:00-24:00
Budget: 3,800 yen～
Non-smoking area: Smoke-free
The best 3 restaurants in Gion
It is likely that you will visit Gion whilst in Kyoto, and you might also get the chance to spend a whole day there that includes a wonderful dinner at the end of a special day.
Therefore we suggest these wonderful restaurants for you!
Tempura Yasaka-endo
If you want to complete a fantastic day in Gion, we strongly recommend you have dinner at Tempura Yasaka-endo which opened its doors in 1910.
Everything is just beautiful, and a place that will only enhance your special time in Kyoto. Why, because of the tradition that is everywhere in the restaurant – Japanese hospitality, stunning classical Japanese rooms with an exceptional Japanese garden. There is also a counter where you can watch the chef at work deep-frying tempura. And to complete the Japanese atmosphere, there is a very narrow alleyway that runs along the length of the traditional building.
Fresh and seasonable tempura that is amazingly light and delicious is prepared by a very skillful chef. So if you are not a fan of sashimi, then tempura is another Japanese classic dish that you must try.
It is the perfect place to complete your Gion day!
Address: 566 Komatsucho, Yasakadori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 11:30-14:45, Dinner 17:00-21:15 Sunday is closed
Budget: Lunch 6,000 yen～, Dinner 10,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Gion Karoku
The Gion Machiya style building dates back to 1927 and houses Gion Karoku. They are proud to be serving selected Wagyu beef, with the rank of A4 or higher, and they specially char-grill it to their customers’ order. Char-grilled wagyu beef is by far the best, and you can simply enjoy it with salt or Karoku special sauce, which is minced leeks – once you combine it with the beef, it is heavenly. There is not wagyu beef on the menu, but other a-la-carte food, and other course menus available.
At the end of the meal, you will be led to a different room on the 2nd floor where you will have dessert whilst looking at the Gion’s night time view.
Address: Nishi-hairu, Yasakadori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:00-23:00 Monday, the year-end and the new year are closed
Budget: Lunch 7,000 yen～, Dinner 9,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: No
Gion Emon
Gion Emon has been running for the last 34 years in Gion, and re-opened in 2009 following the restaurant’s renovation and new menu.
There is a wide selection of seasonable sushi neta, and over 40 different kinds available every day. You can order from Ikkan (one piece of sushi) from 250 yen, char-grilled seafood, rare sake, nabe and a variety of other courses to choose from.
If you are in Gion and would like sushi, then Gion Emon is the best restaurant that we can guarantee you’ll enjoy.
Address: 296-3 Ishibashicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 18:00-23:00
Budget: Lunch 3,000 yen～, Dinner 8,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
If you are interested in Gion, please check here:
The Best Guide of Gion in Kyoto
The best 3 Michelin recommended restaurants in Kyoto
If you are a big fan of Japanese food, then there is the opportunity to try one of the Michelin restaurants in Kyoto, with fantastic chefs and Japanese tradition. It can be expensive, but you’ll pay for not only the food and drink but an out of this world eating experience.
Kikunoi
A beautiful place. Kikunoi has an absolutely stunning exterior and interior, a Japanese garden, and it is like you’ve suddenly become a celebrity sitting in one of the most high-end classical Japanese room. It is not only Kikunoi that is beautiful, but also the kaiseki cuisine and the selection of other creative food, masterfully prepared by the Michelin chef Yoshihiro Murata.
Kaiseki cuisine brings you the best of Japan’s four seasons, and is an art in itself, with Mr. Murata as the maestro with otherworldly skills. You will be amazed at every detail, and you will view the plates in awe.
Please be aware that you will need to make a booking at least one month in advance.
Address: 459 Shimokawaracho, Yasakatoriimae-sagaru, Shimokawaradori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 12:00-13:00, Dinner 17:00-20:00
Budget: Lunch 10,000 yen～, Dinner 16,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Kitcho Arashiyama Honten
An experience to top all others – Kitcho Arashiyama Honten in Arashiyama is one of the world most expensive restaurants.
The founder, Teiichi Yuki, was an expert in the Japanese tea ceremony and so Kitcho serves cha-kaiseki prepared by Mr. Yuki’s grandson, Kunio Tokuoka.
A beautiful location, wonderful hospitality, and every dish is a work of art.
Address: 58 Susukinobabacho, Saga tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: Lunch 11:30-15:00, Dinner 16:30-21:00, Wednesday, the year-end and the new year are closed
Budget: Lunch 40,000 yen～, Dinner 50,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: Yes
Hyotei
Hyotei was established as a refreshment stop and samurai guard post just outside the main gate of Nanzenji temple.
Once you stand in front of Hyotei, with its 400 years of history, you just know that something very special awaits you inside.
It has a comfortably quiet interior, which only enhances the art of kaiseki cuisine on display – something that has been happening here for 15 generations.
Hyotei uniquely opens from 8 am in the morning so that you can have indulged in their breakfast in a gorgeous room.
Address: 35 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening times: 11:00-21:00. The 2nd and 4th Tuesday are closed
Budget: Breakfast 6,000 yen～, Lunch 23,000 yen～, Dinner 30,000 yen～
Non-smoking area: No
URL: http://hyotei.co.jp/en/
Conclusion
Are you hungry after reading this article?
There are so many great restaurants in Kyoto, many having an English menu and English speaking staff for foreign tourists. It wouldn’t be difficult for you to visit, so enjoy the experience and feel the exceptional culture of food available in Kyoto.
Thank you for reading!
