Discover the Best Places to Eat in Kyoto Japan

Japan is renowned for its delicious food, and Kyoto is no exception. From traditional Japanese cuisine to international dishes, Kyoto boasts a wide range of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best places to eat in Kyoto Japan to help you make the most of your culinary adventure in this beautiful city.

Top 15 Best Places to Eat in Kyoto Japan

🍣Sushi Iwa

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Sushi Iwa is a must-visit restaurant for sushi lovers. The chefs use only the freshest ingredients to create authentic Japanese sushi dishes.

🍲Kikunoi

For a taste of traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine, head to Kikunoi. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers beautifully presented dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

🥢Kyoto Gogyo

Known for its signature dish, burnt miso ramen, Kyoto Gogyo is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This cozy restaurant is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

🍱Hyotei

Hyotei is a long-standing Kyoto restaurant that has been serving traditional Japanese cuisine for over 400 years. The restaurant is housed in a stunning traditional Japanese building and offers an unforgettable dining experience.

🥩Ajikitcho

For those looking for a meaty meal, Ajikitcho is the place to go. This upscale restaurant specializes in wagyu beef and offers a variety of cuts and cooking styles.

🍜Ippudo Ramen

Originating in Fukuoka, Ippudo Ramen has become a popular chain throughout Japan. The Kyoto location offers delicious and affordable ramen dishes that are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

🍵Ujicha Gion Tsujiri

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to Ujicha Gion Tsujiri for some matcha ice cream. This popular dessert spot offers a variety of matcha-based treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

🍱Miyako Sushi

Miyako Sushi offers a unique dining experience where guests sit at a counter and watch the chefs prepare their sushi dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh and delicious sushi options.

🍜Menbakaichidai

Known for its flaming ramen dish, Menbakaichidai is a fun and unique dining experience. The chefs light the bowl on fire just before serving, creating a spectacle that is sure to impress.

🍣Sushi Matsumoto

Sushi Matsumoto is a small, unassuming sushi restaurant located in a residential area of Kyoto. Despite its humble appearance, the restaurant is known for its high-quality sushi and friendly service.

🥢Konkai-Komyoji Kongo

Konkai-Komyoji Kongo is a vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of delicious meat-free dishes. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful traditional Japanese building and offers a peaceful and relaxing dining experience.

🍜Gogyo Ramen

Gogyo Ramen offers a unique take on traditional ramen by adding burnt garlic oil to their broth. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

🍲Yasaka Endo

Yasaka Endo is a popular spot for shabu-shabu, a Japanese hot pot dish. The restaurant offers high-quality ingredients and a cozy dining atmosphere.

🍴Warai

Warai is a modern Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of delicious dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is located in a beautiful traditional Japanese building and offers a unique dining experience.

Introduction

When it comes to dining in Kyoto, there are endless options to choose from. From street food to high-end restaurants, the city has it all. However, with so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best places to eat in Kyoto Japan.

We’ve scoured the city to find the most delicious and unique dining experiences that Kyoto has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Japanese cuisine or something a little more exotic, our list has something for everyone.

So sit back, relax, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure through Kyoto’s best restaurants and eateries.

What is Japanese cuisine?

Japanese cuisine is known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, beautiful presentation, and attention to detail. The cuisine is heavily influenced by seasonal ingredients and uses a variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, steaming, and frying. Common ingredients used in Japanese cuisine include fish, rice, seaweed, soy sauce, and miso.

What makes Kyoto’s cuisine unique?

Kyoto’s cuisine is unique in that it is heavily influenced by the city’s history and culture. Many of the city’s restaurants specialize in traditional Japanese cuisine, such as kaiseki and sushi. Kyoto is also known for its matcha, a powdered green tea that is used in a variety of dishes and desserts.

What should I know before dining in Kyoto?

Before dining in Kyoto, it’s important to remember a few key customs and etiquette rules. When entering a restaurant, it’s customary to say irasshaimase, which means welcome. It’s also important to remove your shoes before entering a traditional Japanese restaurant. Additionally, it’s considered impolite to blow your nose or talk loudly in a restaurant.

How much should I expect to spend on a meal in Kyoto?

The cost of a meal in Kyoto can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant and the dishes ordered. Street food and casual dining options are generally more affordable, while high-end restaurants can be quite expensive. As a general rule, budget around ¥1000-¥3000 for casual dining and ¥8000-¥15000 for high-end dining.

What are some popular Japanese dishes?

Some popular Japanese dishes include sushi, ramen, udon, tempura, and shabu-shabu. Japanese cuisine also features a variety of unique ingredients, such as natto (fermented soybeans), umeboshi (pickled plums), and wasabi (a spicy green paste).

What is a kaiseki meal?

A kaiseki meal is a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner that is typically served in high-end restaurants. The meal consists of a variety of small dishes that are beautifully presented and made with seasonal ingredients. Kaiseki meals are known for their exquisite flavors and attention to detail.

What is sushi?

Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of vinegared rice and raw or cooked seafood. The sushi is typically served in bite-sized pieces and is often accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

What is ramen?

Ramen is a Japanese dish that consists of noodles in a savory broth. The dish can be customized with a variety of toppings, such as pork, vegetables, and eggs.

What is udon?

Udon is a type of Japanese noodle that is made from wheat flour. The noodles are typically served in a hot broth with a variety of toppings.

What is tempura?

Tempura is a Japanese dish that consists of battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, and meat. The dish is typically served with a dipping sauce.

What is shabu-shabu?

Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish that consists of thinly sliced meat and vegetables cooked in a broth. The dish is typically accompanied by dipping sauces and served with rice.

What is matcha?

Matcha is a powdered green tea that is used in a variety of Japanese dishes and desserts. The tea is known for its bright green color and distinctive flavor.

What is wagyu beef?

Wagyu beef is a high-quality beef that comes from Japanese cattle. The beef is known for its marbling and rich flavor.

What is burnt miso ramen?

Burnt miso ramen is a unique style of ramen that originated in Kyoto. The dish features a burnt miso sauce that adds a rich and smoky flavor to the broth.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore the best Kyoto has to offer or simply looking for a delicious meal, our list of the best places