Kyoto, a city cloaked in history and elegance, offers more than mere ancient temples and serene gardens. It is a place where tradition and taste intertwine in a most delightful manner. From the simplest bowl of soba to the most elaborate kaiseki dinner, Kyoto’s food is a testament to centuries of refined taste and meticulous preparation.
So keep reading for my list of foods and drinks to look forward to and the best Kyoto restaurants to try. And here they all are saved to Google Maps – hit “save” to save the map for future reference.
And if you were looking for a more general Kyoto travel guide, here’s everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Kyoto.
- Kaiseki
- Shojin
- Obanzai
- Nishin Soba
- Mackerel Sushi
- Tsukemono
- Chazuke
- Desserts
- Kyoyasai
- Other Japanese Food
- Street Food
Kaiseki
Kaiseki ryori is a multi-course culinary experience often associated with aristocratic circles. Kyoto-style kaiseki, known as kyo kaiseki, is especially renowned for its refined presentation, emphasis on subtle flavors, and use of seasonal, local ingredients. A traditional kaiseki meal follows a specific order of courses, each showcasing a different cooking technique. Dishes may include sashimi, grilled items, fried foods, simmered dishes, soup, rice, and dessert. The presentation of food is equally important, with careful attention paid to the vessels used and overall aesthetic. While lunch is typically more affordable and takes about an hour and a half, dinner can be a more elaborate affair lasting around two hours. Reservations are generally required.
A related experience, Kawayuka, also known as Kawadoko outside of central Kyoto, is a popular summer activity in Japan that involves dining al fresco on temporary platforms built over flowing water. The Kamogawa River in Kyoto is renowned for its kawayuka experiences. For a more secluded and serene kawayuka experience, consider visiting Kibune or Takao, located in the forested mountains north of central Kyoto, where the platforms are often built just inches above the river.
Restaurants with good Kaiseki in Kyoto:
We didn’t do a Kaiseki meal because making restaurant reservations is not part of my skill set, but these places all come recommended.
- Get a reservation for a kaiseki lunch or dinner at Umemura. In summer, enjoy riverside seating next to the Kamo River.
- Escape to Shimagamo Saryo, a traditional Japanese house where you can enjoy a seasonal kaiseki lunch or dinner in a peaceful garden setting.
- Experience the serene atmosphere of Hiroya‘s riverbed kaiseki during summer months, or indulge in their cozy indoor kaiseki the rest of the year.
- Hachidaime Gihey is a rice restaurant with nice lunch sets and that prides itself of only serving rice that’s less than 10 minutes old.
Shojin
Shojin ryori, a vegetarian cuisine rooted in Buddhist principles, originated from the austere lifestyle of monks. Forbidden to take the lives of other creatures, monks developed a diet centered around plant-based ingredients. Despite its vegetarian nature, shojin ryori can be both flavorful and satisfying. Tofu, a staple ingredient in this cuisine, is so prevalent that it’s often referred to as “Tofu Ryori.”
A popular Shojin dish, Yudofu, is a Kyoto specialty consisting of soft tofu gently simmered in kombu broth with vegetables and eaten with soy sauce. This vegetarian delicacy is commonly found at tofu restaurants and temples throughout the city.
Yuba, a tofu skin, can be used in savory dishes or transformed into sweet treats like soft-serve ice cream.
Restaurants with good shojin ryori in Kyoto:
- Shigetsu is a Michelin recognized shojin ryori restaurant. Note that shoes must be removed here in exchange for cleansing your soul, suppressing worldly desires, and promoting spiritual growth.
- Itsutsu is a Michelin restaurant that offers exquisite soba noodles made with pure well water from Daitoku-ji Temple and minimal filler. The chef’s unique preparation method preserves the natural flavor, while the dipping sauce’s subtle saltiness complements the noodles perfectly. Don’t miss the ‘Itsutsu-setto’ appetizer assortment and consider making a reservation for the prix fixe Buddhist vegetarian dinner featuring soba.
- Saga Tofu Ine is a casual restaurant in Arashiyama serving different tofu set meals.
- Immerse yourself in tradition at Yodofu Sagano, a restaurant where tofu set meals are served overlooking a serene Japanese garden.
- Craving tofu? Head to Junsei, a sophisticated eatery in Kyoto’s east side. They serve set tofu meals or allow you to build your own from their a la carte menu.
- Try Okabeya, a traditional restaurant in Kiyomizu serving yudofu and yuba set meals.
- Tucked away near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Saga Tofu Sanchu is a casual food stall known for its affordable noodle and tofu creations.
- Yosiya offers a delicious selection of Yuba cheese dishes. Try it fried on a stick for a fun treat, or incorporated into comforting udon or soba noodle bowls.
- Kyozuan is a haven for delicious desserts made with soy. They’re famous for their upside-down defying tofu soft serve, but they also offer soy milk donuts, pudding, and more!
Obanzai
Obanzai Ryori is Kyoto’s traditional home-style cuisine, featuring a variety of simple yet flavorful dishes made with seasonal local ingredients. This style of home cooking features multiple small dishes that are easy to prepare and can be elevated by skilled chefs to create truly delicious meals.
Restaurants with good obanzai in Kyoto:
- Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s culinary tradition at Gyatei, a restaurant specializing in obanzai. Their vibrant set lunch features a dazzling array of 12 small dishes, showcasing seasonal delights like Kyoto rice with yuba (tofu skin), conger eel, and more.
- For a delightful dinner experience, head to Nakashimaya, a family-run restaurant specializing in Kyoto’s obanzai dishes.
Nishin Soba
Nishin Soba, a Kyoto specialty, features savory, boiled herring on a bed of warm soba noodles. This dish’s popularity stems from Kyoto’s inland location, which necessitated preserving food like herring. The combination of buckwheat soba and dried herring has been a beloved local tradition for over 150 years, making it a quintessential part of Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
Restaurants with good nishin soba in Kyoto:
- A Gion staple for over 160 years, Sohonke Nishin-Soba Matsuba is renowned for its delectable soba and udon dishes. Get the Nishin soba.
- Tucked away near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Saga Tofu Sanchu is a casual food stall known for its affordable noodle and tofu creations.
Mackerel Sushi
Mackerel Sushi or Sabazushi is a type of sushi featuring thick, pickled mackerel. The salty fish complements the tangy vinegar rice, creating a flavorful combination. Adding kombu enhances the depth of flavor. Unlike traditional sushi, sabazushi is made by pressing a slab of mackerel onto seasoned rice and then slicing it into individual pieces. No additional condiments like wasabi or soy sauce are needed.
Restaurants with good mackerel sushi in Kyoto:
- Izugen, a cozy Michelin-recognized sushi spot in Kyoto, takes cash only. Their claim to fame? Mackerel sugatazushi, a whole fish sliced into sushi, and sushi rice bursting with dashi flavor.
- Izuu is an eighth generation, Michelin-recognized sushi restaurant in Gion. Get the Kyozushi (Kyoto-style sushi), which includes several types of pressed sushi, futomaki, and mackerel sushi.
Tsukemono
Tsukemono are a type of colorful Japanese pickled vegetable, often used as a side dish, main dish, or made into sushi. They are made by preserving vegetables in a brine of salt, vinegar, and sometimes sugar. Popular Tsukemono include ginger, daikon, ume plum, turnip, cucumber, cabbage, and eggplant.
Restaurants with good Tsukemono in Kyoto:
- I highly recommend Akoya-chaya, a popular Tsukemono lunch buffet restaurant, or in other words, pickle heaven.
- Gion Kawakatsu is a lunch Tsukemon restaurant and shop in Gion. Get the “Bubuzuke”, a colourful set meal with 11 types of Japanese pickles and ochazuke.
- Head to Kamado-Takitate-Gohan Doi, a Kyoto chain offering set meals. These satisfying options come with unlimited helpings of their famous Tsukemono (pickles). And you can buy some to take home too!
- Nishiri is a local chain with locations across Kyoto where you can eat in or get Tsukemono sushi boxes to-go.
- Nishiki Market is another place to try Tsukemono.
Chazuke
Chazuke is a versatile Japanese comfort food made by pouring a dashi broth (dashi chazuke), or green tea or oolong tea (ochazuke) over white rice. Choose from a variety of additional toppings like fish, Tsukemono, seaweed, and much more.
Restaurants with good Chazuke in Kyoto:
- Saryo Fukucha is a cute cafe in Kyoto Station with ochazuke on their breakfast menu.
- Dashi-Chazuke En is conveniently located near Kyoto Station and has several dashi chazuke items on their menu.
- Gion Duck Rice is a Gion restaurant experience that only has emojis on their menu. They serve a few variations on duck rice with dashi. This is an absolute must!
Kyoyasai
Kyoyasai, or Kyoto vegetables, are certified by the Kyoto Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries as being cultivated within the Kyoto region. This designation stems from Kyoto’s historical restrictions on animal meat and limited access to seafood, which led to a focus on local vegetable production. Examples of Kyoyasai include Mibuna greens, Kyoto eggplant, Kujo green onions, and Manganji peppers.
Restaurants with good Kyoyasai in Kyoto:
Sumika Sanjo is a charming izakaya that specializes in showcasing the flavors of Kyoto vegetables with carefully selected sake.
Desserts
- Warabi Mochi is a delightful summer treat made from bracken starch, offering a soft texture and distinctive flavor. It is often topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour), brown sugar syrup, or matcha, and sometimes filled with red bean paste.
- Kuzukiri, a traditional Kyoto summer dessert, is made from kudzu root powder that is dissolved in water, shaped into noodles, and served chilled with brown sugar syrup.
- And finally, Kyoto, with its proximity to Uji, a renowned green tea producer, is a haven for matcha lovers. The city boasts a wide range of matcha sweets, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Restaurants with good desserts in Kyoto:
- Fujinami is a small dessert restaurant selling warabi mochi and matcha sweets.
- Kagizen Yoshifusa offers a taste of traditional Japan. This charming tea room is famous for their kuzukiri customized with white or brown sugar syrup.
- Toraya Karyo – Kyoto Ichijo is a fancy Japanese tea room near Kyoto Imperial Palace serving kuzukiri, matcha sweets, and other desserts.
- Umezo CAFÉ & GALLERY is a cafe offering a fluffy green matcha pancake which is topped with homemade brown sugar butter and a dollop of koshi-an (strained red bean paste).
- Maccha House is a popular sweets chain.
- Tsujiri Kyoto Store is another popular sweets chain.
Other Japanese Food
Sushi
- KASHIWAI is a Michelin restaurant specializes in temari-zushi (adorable, bite-sized sushi balls). These colorful and charming treats, originally designed for geiko and maiko, are a delightful showcase of Japanese culinary culture.
- The chirashi-zushi at Sushizen, a Michelin-rated establishment, is a visual feast. A blanket of golden omelette creates a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant seafood below, including plump tai, tender squid, and succulent shrimp. The skillful use of salt, and absense of sugar, enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Ramen
- Menya Inoichi Hanare is a Michelin ramen shop specializing in miso ramen made with either white or black soy sauce.
- Noodle shop Rennosuke, a hidden Michelin-starred ramen shop, is unmarked; a spotlight on a ramen bowl signals your arrival. Inside the industrial setting, ‘Raamen’ features Kyoto wheat noodles in a clear seafood broth. Thinly sliced Kyoto pork and special Kiyomizu ware bowls elevate the experience. The dessert of choice is a custard pudding.
- Don’t sleep on Chinese Noodles ROKU, a Michelin-rated ramen shop that specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine, featuring flavorful ramen, soups, and other delectable dishes. The chef meticulously crafts the broth by simmering duck, chicken, venison, and pork bones. The clear soup’s rich umami flavor is derived from a carefully curated blend of dried ingredients, including longan fruit.
- The inviting aroma of dashi wafts from Menya Inoichi, a Michelin ramen shop, enticing diners inside. Staying true to their Kyoto heritage, they offer ramen brimming with the rich flavor of dashi. The signature dish, ‘Dashi Soba,’ comes in two styles: a light ‘white’ version and a robust ‘black’ version. Freshly shaved katsuo-bushi adds another layer of umami.
- Mendokoro Janomeya is a Michelin-rated ramen shop that offers a delightful selection of chicken-based broths. Their three signature flavors – soy sauce, dried sardines, and white broth – are all crafted using locally raised chickens resulting in intense chicken noodle soup flavour. The thin noodles provide the perfect texture for this flavourful dish.
Soba
- A Michelin restaurant in a traditional wooden townhouse offers an intimate dining experience. Guests at Teuchisoba Kanei remove their shoes and enjoy the serene view of an inner garden from the verandah. The chef hand-grinds his buckwheat noodles using a stone mill, creating a rustic texture. A shark skin grater and wasabi are provided for guests to prepare their own wasabi. Before the main course, enjoy a selection of pre-soba snacks and drinks, such as grilled miso, fermented bonito, and dashimaki tamago.
- Another Michelin-rated soba shop, Sonoba was founded by two friends from an arts university. Their vision was to create a soba restaurant that integrated pottery into the experience. Both artists share a common process of shaping objects from powder and water – the potter with clay and the chef with buckwheat flour. This unexpected connection between vessels and food is a unique aspect of Sonoba.
- Gombei is a Michelin-recognized restaurant, offering a delightful array of soba and udon dishes. The ‘Shippoku’ and ‘Keiran’ udon, typical of Kyoto, are must-tries. Their famous oyakodon is another delicious option. Conveniently open throughout the day, it’s easy to enjoy a meal here.
- Sobashubo Ichii is renowned for its exquisite handmade soba and duck dishes. This Michelin restaurant uses minimal filler in its soba, allowing the noodles’ natural suppleness and flavor to shine through. Their duck is sourced from Osaka Kawachi, a breed prized for its tender meat and sweet fat, making it a perfect complement to the dipping sauce. Indulge in the iconic kamo nanban or duck seiro to experience the harmonious blend of soba and duck. In the evening, Seiro offers a creative selection of duck-based dishes, including unique soba sushi and Japanese ajillo.
- Juu-go is a Michelin soba restaurant lauded by renowned chef Rene Redzepi as the best soba he’s ever tasted. The chef is deeply involved in the soba-making process, from cultivating the buckwheat to kneading the dough. Their menu, focused solely on soba and soba mash, showcases the chef’s passion for this traditional Japanese noodle. The soba is thick-cut, al dente, and incredibly fragrant, while the soba mash, served with roasted buckwheat grains, offers a delightful pungent taste. For the purest experience, enjoy the soba on its own, without any seasonings.
Udon
- Gion Yorozuya is a Michelin restaurant renowned for its signature ‘Negi Udon,’ a delectable dish featuring tender udon noodles topped with a generous portion of Kujo leek. Other popular options include ‘Kaho’ (udon with sour pickled ume and shredded kombu) and ‘Momiji’ (udon with Pacific herring). The restaurant’s summer decor, featuring geisha and maiko fans, adds to the enchanting atmosphere of Kyoto’s Gion district.
- Craving curry udon for lunch? Look no further than Hinode Udon. Pick your favorite from the photo menu.
- South of the Katsura River in Arashiyama, Udon Arashiyama-tei offers a delectable udon lunch experience. Don’t miss their cold, homemade udon noodles.
Unagi
- This Michelin-rated restaurant’s signature dish, the ‘Kinshi-don,’ is a unique creation of the fourth-generation chef. This delectable rice bowl features unagi topped with ribbons of omelette. Kanesho‘s distinctive approach involves cutting the eel along its back before grilling it in the Kansai style (without steaming).
- A Michelin-recognized establishment, Kyogoku Kaneyo harkens back to the early 20th century, exuding a timeless ambiance. The ‘Japan’s best eel’ sign says it all. Their iconic Kinshidon (rice sprinkled with sauce, topped with kabayaki eel and a dashimaki tamago) is a must-try.
Yakitori
- Sumiyakisosaitoriya Hitomi is a Michelin-rated Kyoto restaurant, famous for its grilled chicken, and always bustling with customers. The chef’s attentive service and warm personality contribute to the restaurant’s success. Guests enjoy the delicious flavors of baby, local, or brand-name chicken, expertly grilled over charcoal.
Street Food
To experience the most unique street food offerings in Kyoto, wander through the streets of Nishiki Market.
Kanpai!
Don’t miss out on this! This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Kyoto.
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