Updated October 2023
As the epicenter of arts and culture, Kyoto offers a wide range of dining experiences. These 20 best restaurants in Kyoto is a sampling of the many incredible restaurants to choose from.
What I love most about Japan is how each restaurant specializes in a cuisine. Kyoto restaurants do a great job of showing Japanese cuisine in an elevated way. You’ll find restaurants often hidden throughout the city, and even near Kyoto Station. Japanese food has so much diversity to it, making it easy to choose from different restaurants. We found ourselves loving the cuisine more than we realized, and some of our most talked about experiences were food related. So whether you go for the sights or arts, you’ll certainly stay for the food in Kyoto.
Kyoto also has a vibrant coffee scene. See my guide to Kyoto’s best coffee shops for more!
Planning a Trip to Kyoto? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Kyoto:
- The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, for the best downtown Kyoto hotel
- The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West, for the best central Kyoto hotel
- Four Seasons Kyoto, for the best Southern Higashiyama hotel
- Ryokan Inn Yoshida-sanso, for the best Northern Higashiyama hotel
- Hotel Kanra, for the best Kyoto Station hotel
- Suiran, for the best Arashiyama hotel
For everything you need to know about picking the perfect neighborhood and hotel for your trip, don’t miss my in-depth guide on where to stay in Kyoto. See my Kyoto travel guide and roudup of the most incredible things to do in Kyoto!
The 20 Best Restaurants in Kyoto
1. Monk
Monk is an understated, 12-seat restaurant serving incredible food. Be sure to reserve in advance.
Address: 147 Jodoji Shimominamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8404, Japan
2. Honke Daiichiashi
While in Kyoto, this hole-in-the-spot serves ramen to practically only local clientele. Honke Daiichiashi is the spot to be if you want to get a taste of daily culture. The tempura here is also very popular.
Address: 845 Higashishiokoji Mukaihatacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8213, Japan
3. Kaiseki Mizuki at Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
One of the best traditional kaiseki experiences in Kyoto is at Mizuki in the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, where multiple courses are served beautifully. Be sure to get the full tasting menu at dinner.
Address: 543 Hokodencho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0902, Japan
4. Stardust
Stardust is a must eat for the vegan lovers. *Reserve in advance*
Address: 41 Shichiku Shimotakedonocho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8412, Japan
5. Soujiki Nakahigashi
An intimate kaisake restaurant known for it’s focus on locally-sourced herbs and vegetables.
Address: 32-3 Jodoji Ishibashicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8406, Japan
6. Beer Komachi
Head down an alley of food stalls and find yourself at Beer Komachi, a craft beer joint that serves delicious small bites.
Address: 444 Hachikencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0027, Japan
7. Vermillon Cafe
Vermillon Cafe is a great spot for coffee, local pastries, or a light lunch.
Address: 5-31 Fukakusa Kaidoguchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0805, Japan
8. Ichiran Ramen
It’s never a trip to Japan without at least one vending-machine-style ramen. Head to Ichiran for the iconic experience and delicious ramen.
Address: 598 Uraderacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8041, Japan
9. Saryo Tsujiri
If you’re craving matcha-themed bites, then head to Tsujiri and be sure to get the soft serve.
Address: Japan, 〒605-0075 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Nakanocho, 215
10. Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi
We must have eaten at Chao Chao at least 3 times, as their gyoza is addicting. Trust me that the line out the door is worth the wait.
Address: 117番地 Ishiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8002, Japan
11. LURRA
An alluring blend of Japanese ingredients and Nordic techniques, LURRA is one of the most inventive dining experiences in the city.
Address: 396 Sekisenincho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0021, Japan
12. Cenci
Known for it’s focus on Kyoto produce and excellent wine list, Cenci offers a wonderfully Japanese take on Italian cuisine.
Address: 44-7 Shogoin Entomicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8323, Japan
13. Wife & Husband
Though Wife & Husband is a coffee shop at the heart of it, they also serve Japanese-style toast which is incredibly addicting.
Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan
14. Omen Noodle House
A must, every time we visit Kyoto, Omen is the go-to spot for old-world style udon.
Address: Japan, 〒606-8406 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, 銀閣寺バスプール南隣
15. Kitcho
Come to Kitcho if you’re looking for the most expensive, over-the-top kaiseki meal.
Address: Japan, 〒605-0802 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatocho, ３−2
16. Ganko Sushi
A combo of locals and tourists, Ganko Sushi is truly excellent.
Address: Japan, 〒604-0922 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Higashiikesucho, 484-6
17. Yakitori Torito
Yakitori is at its finest at Torito with various options in a beautiful space.
Address: Japan, 〒606-8395 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Higashimarutacho, 9-5 神原ビルハイツ・ジェミニ 1F
18. Asuka
If you’re looking for a Japanese diner, head to Asuka with a great menu serving various foods.
Address: Japan, 〒605-0037 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 三条神宮道西入西町144
19. Denshichi Sushi
Head to Denshichi for an approachable sushi bar, where you’ll find the classic setting for sushi.
Address: 4-1 Saiintatsumicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-0014, Japan
20. Sakuragawa
Sakuragawa is a great introduction spot to kaiseki dining, where you can try multiple dishes.
Address: 491 Kamikorikicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0923, JapanWhere to Stay in Kyoto
Useful Links for Where to Eat in Kyoto
- Top Tips Before Visiting Japan
- Breaking Down Dining in Japan
- 7 Coffee Shops Not to Miss in Kyoto
- The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
