Best Restaurants by Cuisine in Kyōto, Japan
1. Gion Karyo
Traditional Kyoto kaiseki dining experience in a 200-year-old machiya. Specializes in seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
- Authentic Experience: Offers an authentic Kyoto dining experience in a historical building
- Seasonal Ingredients: Celebrates the beauty of Kyoto's seasons through their menu
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
2. Kikunoi
Elevated kaiseki dining with a focus on Kyoto's traditional cooking techniques. Known for its elegant presentation and artistic flair.
- Culinary Artistry: Kaiseki dishes are beautifully presented, turning dining into an art form
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Expensive: Offers a high-end dining experience, making it a special occasion restaurant
3. Demachiya Tanaka
A long-established Kyoto okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) shop. Known for its thin, crispy batter and unique toppings.
- Traditional Okonomiyaki: Offers a traditional Kyoto-style okonomiyaki experience
- Quick Service: Fast and casual dining, perfect for a quick meal
- Popular Location: Located in the bustling Demachi Street, making it easily accessible
4. Kinobu
A Michelin-starred sushi restaurant serving exquisite omakase (chef's choice) meals. Known for its fresh, delicate seafood.
- Michelin Star: Recognized by the Michelin Guide as a top-quality dining experience
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Expensive: Offers a high-end sushi dining experience, making it a special occasion restaurant
5. Katsukura Arashiyama
A popular tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) restaurant in Arashiyama. Known for its tender, juicy pork and crispy breading.
- Arashiyama Location: Located in the scenic Arashiyama district, offering a beautiful setting
- Quick Service: Fast and casual dining, perfect for a quick meal
- Popular With Tourists: A well-known spot among tourists, so expect crowds during peak hours
6. Yasaka-baba
A traditional Kyoto obanzai (local vegetable dishes) restaurant. Known for its home-cooked flavors and use of local ingredients.
- Local Flavors: Offers a taste of traditional Kyoto cuisine through its obanzai dishes
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Moderate Price: Provides a more affordable dining experience compared to some other Kyoto restaurants
7. Izuju
A modern kaiseki restaurant offering innovative takes on traditional dishes. Known for its beautiful plating and inventive flavors.
- Innovative Kaiseki: Presents a modern twist on traditional kaiseki dining
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Expensive: Offers a high-end dining experience, making it a special occasion restaurant
8. Kinoshimaya
A long-standing shop selling yatsuhashi ( Kyoto-style sweet crackers). Known for its wide variety of flavors and intricate designs.
- Historical Shop: Established in the Edo period, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's history
- Wide Variety: Offers numerous flavors and designs of yatsuhashi to choose from
- Souvenir Shop: Ideal for souvenir shopping, as yatsuhashi makes a great gift or keepsake
9. Nakagyu Kaiden
A renowned Kyoto wagyu beef (Japanese beef) restaurant. Known for its meltingly tender and flavorful beef.
- High-Quality Wagyu: Serves some of the finest Kyoto wagyu beef
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Expensive: Offers a high-end dining experience, making it a special occasion restaurant
10. Hana no Mai
A beautiful tea house in Arashiyama serving traditional Japanese tea and sweets. Known for its tranquil garden and serene atmosphere.
- Arashiyama Location: Located in the scenic Arashiyama district, offering a peaceful setting
- Traditional Tea Experience: Offers a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience
- Moderate Price: Provides a more affordable dining experience compared to some other Kyoto restaurants
11. Kikunoi Akasaka
A branch of the renowned Kikunoi restaurant, offering a more casual kaiseki dining experience. Known for its innovative takes on traditional dishes.
- Casual Kaiseki: Offers a more relaxed version of the formal kaiseki dining experience
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Moderate Price: Provides a more affordable kaiseki dining experience compared to the main Kikunoi restaurant
12. Tofukuju
A long-standing vegetarian restaurant serving shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine). Known for its delicate flavors and emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: Offers a vegetarian dining experience, making it an excellent option for vegetarians
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Moderate Price: Provides a more affordable dining experience compared to some other Kyoto restaurants
13. Suzuya
A long-standing yuba (tofu skin) restaurant. Known for its delicate, silky texture and creative preparations.
- Traditional Yuba: Offers a taste of traditional Kyoto cuisine through its yuba dishes
- Reservation Required: Advance reservations are mandatory due to popularity and limited seating
- Moderate Price: Provides a more affordable dining experience compared to some other Kyoto restaurants
14. Tsujimotoan
A picturesque tea house on Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge. Known for its beautiful river views and traditional Japanese atmosphere.
- Arashiyama Location: Located on the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, offering breathtaking views
- Traditional Tea Experience: Offers a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience
- Moderate Price: Provides a more affordable dining experience compared to some other Kyoto restaurants
15. Takagi
A traditional Kyoto-style ramen shop known for its rich and flavorful broth. Known for its thick noodles and generous toppings.
- Rich Broth: Offers a hearty, flavorful ramen experience
- Quick Service: Fast and casual dining, perfect for a quick meal
- Affordable Price: Provides an affordable ramen dining experience compared to some other Kyoto restaurants