10 Best Restaurants in Kyoto You Need To Try
Kyoto isn’t only known for temples and gardens. The best restaurants in Kyoto showcase centuries of tradition through kaiseki dining, ramen shops, and sushi. Unique local flavors like tempura and seasonal ingredients make each meal memorable. From upscale experiences to laid-back eateries, there’s something here for every food lover.
Ready to discover the best restaurants in Kyoto? Start exploring the top spots now!
10 Best Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Horumon Daigoro Restaurant
Address: Kawaramachi, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥100 – ¥5,000
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Located in Gion, Horumon Daigoro Restaurant is a must-visit for horumon (offal) lovers. Their Assorted Three Kinds of Horumon with Salt showcases fresh Japanese Black hormone, free from unpleasant odors. For those preferring lean cuts, expertly grilled options are available. The two-story setup offers casual dining downstairs and private rooms upstairs, making it ideal for relaxed meals or business gatherings. A ducting system keeps the space smoke-free for a comfortable experience.
2. Premium Pound Gion
Address: 570-15 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture
Price: ¥10,000+
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Premium Pound Gion earns its spot as one of the best restaurants in Kyoto for teppanyaki enthusiasts. Focusing on aged Kobe beef, this teppanyaki-style restaurant offers a rare and upscale dining experience. To improve its taste and tenderness, the dry-aged beef is painstakingly processed.
The menu emphasizes several cuts so that diners may enjoy the beef’s special texture. The experience is also enhanced by a large wine list carefully chosen to go with aged beef. A top choice for steak aficionados, it’s a five-minute stroll from Gion Shijo Station.
3. Pontocho Kushiyoshi
Address: Kawaramachi, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
With deep-fried skewers made from seasonal ingredients, this cozy kushiage restaurant is among the best restaurants in Kyoto for small gatherings. Pontocho Kushiyoshi is specializes in kushiage, deep-fried skewers created from quality seasonal ingredients. Each perfect fried skewer guarantees a crispy outside and succulent center.
Some highlights with a variety of textures and tastes are Angel Shrimp Kadaifu Rolls and Scallop with Caviar. A nicely chosen wine fits the cuisine. People looking for evening dates and casual settings will find Pontocho Alley’s intimate environment perfect.
4. Fire Ramen Kyoto – Menbaka
Address: 757-2 Minamiiseyacho, Kyoto 602-8153 Kyoto Prefecture
Price: ¥1,000 – ¥3,100
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fire Ramen Menbaka offers an experience rather than only food. Known for its trademarked flaming ramen presentation, this spot is one of the best restaurants in Kyoto for adventurous eaters and ramen lovers.
The dishes are interesting from the mix of smokey tastes, thick broth, and green onions. Of course, expect some waiting time since the eatery draws foodies and adventurers. Still, it’s a great place for those seeking something different from the typical ramen house.
5. Nikuju Hokusai
Address: Kawaramachi, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥1,000 – ¥5,000
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Presenting its steaks in exquisitely lacquered Ojyu boxes, Nikuju Hokusai represents good fortune. Two premium beef choices are Kobe and Shiwase beef, both grilled to accentuate their inherent tastes.
Carefully cooked in a broad-brimmed pot, the restaurant’s rice is also unique thanks to its special sauce. The Nikuzara choice leaves out rice for people seeking pure beef flavor. A perfect place for anyone who values superior Japanese beef.
6. Kibune WHAT’S
Address: Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥400 – ¥20,000
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Located in the scenic Kibune area, this riverside dining venue stands out among the best restaurants in Kyoto, offering Wagyu dishes and a peaceful atmosphere. Kibune WHAT’S provides an immersive dining experience with premium Wagyu beef.
On the Kawayuka, a riverbank terrace that accentuates the dinner with the natural beauty, guests can savor yakiniku or shabu-shabu. You can hold special events here, too, and find a comfortable environment in private rooms.
7. Gion Vitra Restaurant
Address: Near Kamo River, Kawaramachi, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥5,000 – ¥15,000
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Blending Kyoto’s culinary traditions with French techniques, Gion Vitra delivers a refined dining experience. The menu features seasonal ingredients transformed into elegant dishes. Their signature “Vitra Rice,” cooked in a clay pot, leaves a lasting impression. A carefully selected range of wines and sake complements the flavors.
Overlooking the historic Pontocho district, this restaurant is ideal for those who appreciate fine dining with a cultural touch.
8. Ramen Iccho
Address: Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥200 – ¥2,000
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Popular among tourists, Ramen Iccho presents rich and savory ramen made with locally grown Kyoto ingredients. Their trademark Tonkoku Ramen has a rich umami taste from a creamy pork broth with a soy sauce base. The dish gains authenticity with Kyoto Kujo scallions and local pork.
For ramen enthusiasts seeking quality and convenience, this is a fantastic stop thanks in part to the friendly environment and cute take-home packets.
9. Charcoal Grilled Eel Doikatsuman Kinkakuji Branch
Address: Near Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto city, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥500 – ¥7,000
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Serving Kansai-style grilled eel near Kinkakuji Temple, this spot is a top choice on the list of best restaurants in Kyoto for authentic Japanese flavors.
Charcoal Grilled Eel Doikatsuman offers a rich and flavorful take on this Japanese delicacy. The Gokujo Ippiki-jyu features a whole eel grilled to crispy perfection, while the Goka Kinpaku Ippiki-jyu adds an indulgent touch with gold leaf. The traditional grilling method also enhances the eel’s natural flavors.
10. Mr. Maurice’s Italian & Rooftop Bar
Address: ShinPuhKan complex, Kawaramachi, Kyoto, Japan
Price: ¥800 – ¥6,000
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Located in the sleek ShinPuhKan complex, this Italian restaurant presents house-made fresh pasta, stone oven pizzas, and a top Wagyu beef entrée. Chef Marc Vetri oversees the menu combining Kyoto’s finest ingredients with classic Italian tastes. The rooftop bar offers a laid-back yet sophisticated environment ideal for evening drinks or informal dinners.
For those who enjoy Italian cuisine, this is a fantastic combination of good food with a sophisticated environment.
Final Thoughts
Kyoto’s dining scene offers everything from casual ramen spots to upscale wagyu experiences. Whether you crave traditional flavors or modern fusion, there’s something for every palate. Explore more on Jasumo.
