Explore Kyoto’s culinary scene, where tradition meets innovation, with our guide to the best dining spots in the cultural heartland of Japan. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or an adventurous novice, discover well-known and hidden gems to satisfy your cravings in this magical city.
Stylish Restaurants for Date Night
Indulge in a culinary romance at these chic establishments, perfect for an unforgettable date night:
Cenci
Cenci skillfully blends Italian heritage cuisine with Japanese precision, nestled near Kyoto’s Heian Shrine. Accessible through a discreet red-brick tunnel crafted by chef-owner Ken Sakamoto and his team using earth from the venue’s 2014 construction, the restaurant exudes an air of secrecy. Sakamoto, a Kyoto native, draws inspiration from top-quality local produce for his hyper-seasonal 10-course tasting menu. The menu surprises with unexpected pairings, such as Kyoto pork with porcini mushrooms and Tasmanian grain mustard, Matsutake mushroom spaghetti, Hokkaido oyster atop rice risotto, and a delightful chestnut ice-cream dessert. The kitchen, bustling with energy, is elevated above the elegant dining area, providing guests with a captivating view of Sakamoto and his innovative team at work.
Related: Kyoto Confidential – Exploring Beyond Kyoto City
LURRA°:
Chef-founder Jacob Kear, previously of Copenhagen’s Noma, is drawn to Kyoto by its rich cultural heritage and abundant fresh produce, infusing LURRA° with his culinary expertise. Named after the Basque word for “the Earth”, the restaurant encapsulates Chef Jacob’s commitment to honouring local traditions and ingredients, ensuring a dining experience that embodies the essence of Kyoto’s culinary landscape.
Located in a historic Higashiyama Ward townhouse, LURRA° features an intimate setting with a 10-seat wooden counter, highlighting its distinctive wood-burning oven and Michelin-starred chef’s tasting menu. CChef Jacob’s commitment to foraging seasonal ingredients ensures a dynamic menu that reflects Kyoto’s evolving culinary scene. Expect dishes featuring hyper-seasonal ingredients enhanced with spices, fermented seasonings, cured meats, and pickles. French and Italian wines and various sake options complement the culinary journey.
Monk, Kyoto:
Discover an intimate dining experience at Monk, where Chef Yoshihiro Imai celebrates the seasons with thick slices of kingfish, infused with smoky flavors from the wood-fired oven. Experience contrasting textures and flavors with charred sunchoke paired with luscious mozzarella, and indulge in a shared bowl of roasted Kyoto vegetables sourced from the Ōhara farmers’ market. With a star turn on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Monk has become one of Kyoto’s most sought-after culinary destinations, offering an essential and unexpected dining experience for those visiting the old capital.
Pontocho Misoguiawa
Misoguiawa gracefully marries Japanese Kaiseki-style cuisine with classic French cooking, pioneering the unique “French Kaiseki” style. Situated beside the tranquil Kamo River, the restaurant, under the leadership of master chef/owner Teruo Inoue, has been blending culinary traditions since 1981.
Inoue, trained by a three-star Michelin chef, artfully combines French culinary techniques with Japanese ingredients, presenting each dish as a masterpiece on Kyoto tableware. With dining options that include an L-shaped counter, private tatami rooms, and an outdoor veranda overlooking the river, guests have an enchanting culinary experience. Reservations are essential, with lunch bookings advised at least a day in advance to secure a spot at this culinary haven.
Taiho, Kyoto:
Indulge in the rich flavours of Chinese cuisine at Taiho, a family-owned establishment that has operated for two generations. Here, a father-and-son duo skillfully man the woks, blending traditional local favourites with authentic Szechuan dishes perfected through the son’s culinary studies.
Taiho has been a culinary institution for nearly half a century, offering high-definition, nuanced Chinese dishes rooted in a commitment to quality ingredients and authentic Sichuan cooking techniques. Under the management of son Kouki, who oversees the family’s organic farm, and daughter Hiroko, curating an impressive selection of natural wines, Taiho promises an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Kyoto. From slow-cooked pork with mustard leaves to mouthwatering Dan Dan noodles, each dish at Taiho is crafted with precision and passion, ensuring a delightful fusion of flavours for every palate.
Ramen Revelry
No trip to Japan is complete without indulging in ramen. We recommend experiencing Kyoto’s diverse ramen offerings, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, at any of these fabulous Kyoto eateries:
Kyoto eateries:
- Rai Rai Tei: Kickstart your ramen adventure at Rai Rai Tei, a beloved local chain celebrated for its nuanced bowls, offering a delightful complexity with every slurp. There’s a few outlets in Japan and more than one of these restaurants in Kyoto.
- Menya Inoichi Hanare: Experience the ultimate ramen indulgence at Menya Inoichi Hanare, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant renowned for its elevated miso ramen featuring flame-seared A4 wagyu beef. The restaurant is deeply rooted in Kyoto tradition, and its ramen is crafted with a dashi-infused broth made from Rausu kombu and a blend of dried seafood. Whether you’re enjoying the tender wagyu beef or the broth’s intricate flavors, you’re guaranteed an unparalleled culinary experience that takes ramen to a whole new level of sophistication, making it the perfect choice for the most discerning palates.
- Wajouryoumen Sugari: For a unique twist on tradition, indulge in ‘Motsu Tsukemen’ at Wajouryoumen Sugari. This delectable dish features offal served separately from noodles and broth, making it an adventurous delight for those eager to explore unique Japanese delicacies.
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Sushi & Soba Sensations
Kyoto’s sushi and soba scene offers a colorful blend of traditional and modern flavors, catering to diverse palates. Here’s where to satisfy your cravings in Kyoto:
- Kura Sushi: Indulge in affordable conveyor belt sushi at Kura Sushi, where you’ll find a wide selection, including the local favorite, fresh scallop sushi. As Japan’s most joyful revolving sushi bar (“Kaitenzushi”), Kura Sushi offers ever-changing menus and seasonal specials, making it a popular choice among locals and travelers for a fun and inexpensive dining experience.
- Musashi Sushi: Experience the essence of local flavors at Musashi Sushi, a Kyoto-only Kaitenzushi restaurant serving sushi with a unique Kyoto twist established in 1977.
- Sobatsuru, Kyoto: Experience the homely warmth of Sobatsuru, a traditional soba joint in the Sakyo neighborhood. where-to-eat-in-kyoto-japan
- Brothers Shigeto and Hideo Isada and sister Masako elevate soba offerings with otsumami (drinking snacks) of exceptional finesse. Savor roasted ginkgo nuts, slices of karasumi sandwiched between grilled mochi, and tempura-fried uni as Sobatsuru continues to honour its late parents’ legacy with culinary excellence.
- Honke Owariya: Experience an authentic setting and enjoy delicious soba noodles at this restaurant. The restaurant is located in a historic machiya building from the early Meiji period, showcasing the traditional Kyoto architectural style. The first floor offers table seating and a tatami tea room, while the second floor provides additional seating options. The serene atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and savoring delicious soba noodles and sweets. The menu caters to various preferences, from plain bowls of noodles to full sets. Most of the seating is on tatami mats around low tables, providing a traditional dining experience.
Izakaya Intrigue and Sake Sojourns
Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife through its izakayas and sake bars, offering an alluring blend of good food, drinks, and a convivial atmosphere:
- Gion Kappa: Located in Kyoto’s historic geisha district, Gion Kappa offers a budget-friendly izakaya experience perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration with its variety of dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
- Gion Yuki: This is one of the most foreigner-friendly izakayas in Kyoto, offering an English menu and English-speaking staff to cater to international guests. You can try their omakase (chef’s choice) for a delightful surprise. It is a lively and casual establishment which is popular among locals. They offer exceptional food and a wide selection of sake and beer. The quality and experience they offer are outstanding and of good value for money. Overall, it is a vibrant and local dining experience in the Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto, Japan.
- Suiba: Suiba embodies the standing bar style, prioritizing delicious, affordable, quick, enjoyable, and hygienic dining experiences ideal for those on a budget. With a lively atmosphere and a menu featuring tasty yet inexpensive food and drinks, Suiba ensures a consistently enjoyable dining experience at all its outlets across town.
