Discovering the Best Restaurants in Gion District, Kyoto: A Culinary Journey

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant culture of Kyoto, there is no better way to do so than through its food. And where better to indulge in the culinary delights of this ancient city than in the historic district of Gion? From traditional Japanese cuisine to international fusion dishes, here are the best restaurants you can find in Gion, Kyoto.

🍣 Sushi Matsumoto

Sushi Matsumoto is known as one of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto, and for a good reason. This small, intimate sushi bar serves up some of the freshest and most delicious sushi in Gion. The highly-skilled sushi chefs prepare each piece with precision and care, ensuring every bite is a flavor explosion.

📍 Location: 4-2 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Located just a few steps away from the famous Yasaka Shrine, Sushi Matsumoto is a must-visit for sushi lovers. The restaurant only serves a limited number of guests each day, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.

🍜 Gion Nanba

If you’re looking for some of the best traditional Japanese cuisine in Gion, look no further than Gion Nanba. This charming restaurant specializes in kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that showcases the season’s freshest ingredients.

📍 Location: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect to find dishes that are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The cozy interior, complete with a traditional Japanese garden, makes for a truly immersive dining experience.

🍛 Musashi Sushi

Musashi Sushi is a hidden gem in Gion that serves up some of the most delicious sushi and Japanese dishes at affordable prices. The menu features a wide variety of sushi rolls, tempura, and udon noodles, all made with fresh ingredients.

📍 Location: 3-2 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, making it a great spot to enjoy a quick lunch or casual dinner. Be sure to try their famous unagi (eel) sushi, which is served with a sweet teriyaki sauce that perfectly complements the flavor of the eel.

🍲 Gion Owatari

Gion Owatari is a traditional Japanese restaurant that specializes in shabu-shabu, a hot pot dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. The restaurant is housed in a charming building that dates back to the Edo period and is decorated with traditional Japanese art and furnishings.

📍 Location: 160-2 Saitocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The shabu-shabu is made with high-quality wagyu beef and served with an array of vegetables and dipping sauces, making for a flavorful and healthy meal. The restaurant also offers a variety of sake and wine to complement your meal.

🍱 Gion Sasaki

Gion Sasaki is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up some of the best kaiseki in Kyoto. The multi-course menu is created based on the season and the chef’s inspiration, utilizing the freshest ingredients available.

📍 Location: 570-236 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The restaurant is housed in a traditional Japanese building that has been beautifully preserved and decorated with antiques and art pieces. The dining experience at Gion Sasaki is truly exquisite and one that you will not forget.

🍢 Gion Kappa

Gion Kappa is a cozy izakaya that serves up some of the best yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in Gion. The menu also features a variety of small plates and tapas-style dishes that pair perfectly with a cold beer or sake.

📍 Location: 290-2 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The atmosphere is lively and casual, making it a great spot to grab a quick bite or hang out with friends. Be sure to try the tsukune, a type of meatball that is made with ground chicken and served with a sweet and savory sauce.

🥩 Steak Otsuka

If you’re in the mood for a juicy, flavorful steak, head to Steak Otsuka. This cozy steakhouse serves up some of the best wagyu beef in Gion, cooked to perfection on a hot grill.

📍 Location: 232-1 Kiyamachi-dori-Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

The menu features a variety of cuts of beef, including sirloin, fillet, and ribeye, all served with a side of rice and miso soup. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wine to complement your meal.

🌮 El Pato

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to El Pato, a Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Gion. The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all made with fresh ingredients.

📍 Location: 283-3 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, making it a great spot to grab a quick bite or hang out with friends. Be sure to try the guacamole, which is made fresh to order and served with crispy tortilla chips.

🍵 Saryo Tsujiri Gion Honten

If you’re looking for something sweet to finish off your meal, head to Saryo Tsujiri Gion Honten. This traditional Japanese dessert shop serves up some of the best matcha (green tea) desserts in Kyoto, including matcha ice cream, parfaits, and mochi.

📍 Location: 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The interior is beautifully decorated with traditional Japanese art and furnishings, making for a truly immersive dining experience. Be sure to try the matcha parfait, which is topped with whipped cream, sweet red bean paste, and mochi.

🍹 Bar K6

If you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail or a glass of wine, head to Bar K6. This stylish bar is housed in a renovated machiya (traditional Japanese townhouse) and serves up a variety of creative cocktails and wines from around the world.

📍 Location: 167-3 Saitocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

The atmosphere is sophisticated and chic, making it a great spot for a night out with friends or a romantic date. Be sure to try the signature cocktail, which is made with Japanese gin, yuzu (a type of citrus fruit), and tonic.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Gion District?

The best time to visit Gion District is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves are in full bloom.

2. How do I make a reservation at the restaurants in Gion?

Most restaurants in Gion require a reservation, which can be made through their website, by phone, or through a hotel concierge.

3. Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?

Most restaurants in Gion offer vegetarian or vegan options, but it is recommended to check their menu beforehand or to inform them of any dietary restrictions when making a reservation.

4. What is kaiseki?

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that features small, beautifully presented dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

5. What is shabu-shabu?

Shabu-shabu is a hot pot dish that is made by cooking thinly sliced meat and vegetables in a boiling broth.

6. What is machiya?

Machiya is a traditional Japanese townhouse that is typically made of wood and features a narrow facade.

7. Are credit cards accepted in Gion restaurants?

Most restaurants in Gion accept credit cards, but it is recommended to check beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.

8. Is it customary to tip in Japanese restaurants?

No, it is not customary to tip in Japanese restaurants as it is considered rude. The service charge is usually included in the bill.

9. What is wagyu beef?