The Best Restaurants in Kyoto: A Guide from CN Traveller

When it comes to culinary experiences, Kyoto is a city that has it all. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant city life, Kyoto is a place where foodies can indulge in a wide variety of cuisines and flavors. Whether you’re looking for traditional Japanese dishes or international cuisine, the city has something to offer everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best restaurants in Kyoto, as recommended by CN Traveller. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

🍣 Sushi Yoshi

Sushi Yoshi is a must-visit for anyone who loves sushi. The restaurant is known for its traditional Edomae-style sushi, which is made using the freshest, high-quality seafood. The chef, Yoshihiro Imai, is a master of his craft and has received numerous awards for his work. Make sure to book in advance, as the restaurant is always busy.

What is Edomae-style sushi?

Edomae-style sushi is a traditional style of sushi that originated in Tokyo during the Edo period. It involves using a specific type of vinegar, known as red vinegar, to season the rice, as well as a variety of different toppings, such as seafood, vegetables, and egg. The term Edomae refers to the area around Tokyo Bay, where the seafood used in the sushi was caught.

🥢 Kikunoi

Kikunoi is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is housed in a traditional Japanese building and features a beautiful garden. The menu features traditional Japanese dishes, such as kaiseki, which is a multi-course meal that showcases the season’s freshest ingredients. The presentation of each dish is a work of art, and the flavors are out of this world.

What is kaiseki?

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that originated in Kyoto. The meal typically features a variety of dishes, such as sashimi, grilled fish, soup, and steamed vegetables, all presented beautifully on small plates. The ingredients used in the meal change depending on the season, and the presentation is often as important as the flavor.

🍜 Ippudo Kyoto

Ippudo Kyoto is a ramen restaurant that is famous for its rich, flavorful broth and handmade noodles. The restaurant was founded in Fukuoka, a city known for its ramen, and has since expanded to locations all over the world. The Kyoto location features a modern, stylish interior and is a great spot for a quick, delicious meal.

What is ramen?

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup that typically features a meat or fish-based broth, noodles, and various toppings, such as sliced pork, seaweed, and green onions. The dish has its roots in Chinese cuisine but has since become a staple of Japanese cuisine. There are many different styles of ramen, each with their own unique flavors and ingredients.

🍜 Menbakaichidai

Menbakaichidai is a unique ramen restaurant that is known for its fire ramen. The dish is made by pouring hot oil over the broth, causing a spectacular flame to erupt. The noodles are then added to the broth, and the dish is topped with sliced pork and green onions. The restaurant is always busy, so be prepared to wait in line.

What is fire ramen?

Fire ramen is a style of ramen that originated in Kyoto. The dish is made by pouring hot oil over the broth, causing a flame to erupt. The process gives the dish a smoky flavor and adds an element of drama to the dining experience.

🍛 Gogyo

Gogyo is a restaurant that specializes in burnt miso ramen. The dish features a rich, smoky broth that is made by burning miso paste. The noodles are cooked to perfection, and the dish is topped with sliced pork and other ingredients. The restaurant has a relaxed, casual atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends.

What is burnt miso ramen?

Burnt miso ramen is a style of ramen that is made by burning miso paste. The process gives the broth a rich, smoky flavor and adds depth to the dish. The noodles are typically cooked to perfection, and the dish is topped with a variety of ingredients, such as sliced pork, green onions, and bamboo shoots.

🥘 Hyotei

Hyotei is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers traditional Japanese cuisine in a beautiful setting. The restaurant is housed in a historic building and features a beautiful garden. The menu features a variety of dishes, such as kaiseki, grilled fish, and steamed vegetables, all made using the freshest, high-quality ingredients. The presentation of each dish is a work of art, and the flavors are out of this world.

What is traditional Japanese cuisine?

Traditional Japanese cuisine is a type of cuisine that originated in Japan and is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentation. The cuisine typically features a variety of dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, and grilled fish, all made using the freshest, high-quality ingredients.

🥩 Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M is a restaurant that specializes in yakiniku, which is a Japanese style of barbecue. The restaurant is known for its high-quality beef, which is sourced from the Matsusaka region of Japan. The beef is cooked to perfection on a grill at your table, and the restaurant offers a variety of different cuts and marinades to choose from.

What is yakiniku?

Yakiniku is a Japanese style of barbecue that involves grilling bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables at the table. The meat is typically marinated in a variety of sauces and seasonings, and the dish is often accompanied by rice, soup, and other side dishes.

🍜 Ramen Sen no Kaze

Ramen Sen no Kaze is a ramen restaurant that is known for its rich, flavorful broth and handmade noodles. The restaurant offers a variety of different ramen dishes, each with its own unique blend of flavors and ingredients. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a warm bowl of ramen.

What is handmade noodle?

Handmade noodles are noodles that are made from scratch using flour, water, and other ingredients. The dough is typically kneaded and rolled out by hand before being cut into the desired shape and cooked. Handmade noodles are prized for their texture and flavor, and are often used in Japanese cuisine.

🍲 Obanzai Hachi

Obanzai Hachi is a restaurant that specializes in obanzai, which is a style of Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that feature seasonal ingredients and are made using traditional cooking techniques. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to experience traditional Kyoto cuisine.

What is obanzai?

Obanzai is a style of Kyoto cuisine that features a variety of dishes made using seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The cuisine is known for its emphasis on simplicity and the use of local ingredients. Obanzai dishes are typically served in small portions, making it easy to try a variety of different dishes.

🍱 Higashiyama Yasui

Higashiyama Yasui is a restaurant that specializes in bento boxes. The restaurant offers a variety of different bento boxes, each featuring a variety of dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and vegetables. The restaurant has a casual, laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a quick, delicious meal.

What is a bento box?

A bento box is a Japanese-style lunch box that typically features a variety of different dishes, such as rice, fish, meat, and vegetables. The box is often divided into different compartments to keep the different dishes separate. Bento boxes are a popular lunch option in Japan and are often enjoyed on the go.

🥟 Gyoza Hohei

Gyoza Hohei is a restaurant that specializes in gyoza, which are Japanese-style dumplings. The restaurant offers a variety of different gyoza, each with its own unique blend of flavors and ingredients. The restaurant has a casual, laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a quick, delicious meal.

What are gyoza?

Gyoza are Japanese-style dumplings that are typically filled with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables. The dumplings are pan-fried until crispy and served with a dipping sauce. Gyoza are a popular snack or appetizer in Japan and are often enjoyed with beer or sake.

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