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We love Kyoto. It’s our favourite metropolis in Japan.
Tokyo and Osaka are unbelievable cities however Kyoto has the whole lot we love most about this nation – tradition, environment, good meals, the humanities. It has seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Websites and a few of the most delicious food in Japan.
Japanese is without doubt one of the best cuisines in the world and Kyoto has lots to do with that. In actual fact, so good is the meals in Kyoto that it has the third most Michelin stars on the planet, behind solely Tokyo and Paris. It’s acknowledged because the birthplace of kaiseki, a conventional multi-course meal that’s thought-about by many to be the head of Japanese delicacies.
Michelin stars and kaiseki delicacies might be intimidating to some, however you don’t need to empty your pockets to eat properly in Kyoto. You’ll be able to have scrumptious dishes like ramen, sushi, karaage, and tempura at any worth level.
If you happen to’re visiting Kyoto and searching for a few of the finest Kyoto eating places overlaying a variety of budgets, then our Kyoto meals information will probably be very helpful to you.
FOOD IN KYOTO QUICK LINKS
This Kyoto restaurant information is lengthy. That can assist you plan your journey, we’ve compiled hyperlinks to standard accommodations, excursions, and different actions right here.
HOTELS
Really useful accommodations in Higashiyama, probably the greatest areas to remain for first-time guests to Kyoto.
TOURS
OTHER SERVICES
KYOTO TRAVEL GUIDE
If you happen to’re planning a visit to Kyoto, then make sure to take a look at our detailed Kyoto travel guide. It’ll have all the knowledge you want – like the place to remain, which temples to go to, learn how to get round, and so on. – that will help you plan your journey.
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THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN KYOTO
That can assist you undergo this information of the very best Kyoto eating places, I’ve organized it by part. Click on on the hyperlinks beneath to leap to an inventory of eating places specializing in that dish.
RAMEN
Ramen is a noodle soup that’s turn into one of the crucial standard Japanese dishes. After sushi, it’s arguably essentially the most recognizable dish exterior of Japan.
Initially a Chinese language dish, it consists of wheat noodles served in a wide range of broths usually flavored with miso, soy sauce, salt, or pork bones. Toppings fluctuate however a few of the most typical substances embody chashu pork, chopped inexperienced onions, nori, and soft-boiled eggs.
Ramen is categorized by its soup base, with a few of the most well-known variations being Sapporo’s miso ramen and Fukuoka’s Hakata ramen. It’s generally eaten with a aspect of gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) and chahan (fried rice).
1. Rai Rai Tei
Certainly one of my finest mates is Japanese and Rai Rai Tei is his favourite ramen restaurant chain in Japan. In keeping with him, it isn’t as well-known to foreigners as Ippudo or Ichiran as a result of most of their eating places are situated in suburban areas of Japan.
We tried the miso ramen and what Rai Rai Tei calls their “customary ramen”. I believe it could have been shoyu ramen. Each have been excellent. They have been extremely flavorful and on the time, essentially the most complicated and nuanced bowls of ramen we had ever tasted.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Bowls of ramen at Rai Rai Tei restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/rai-rai-tei1.jpg.webp)
Right here’s a more in-depth have a look at these deliciously chewy ramen noodles. Chances are you’ll already know this however in Japan, slurping your ramen noodles isn’t thought-about impolite. In actual fact, it’s inspired.
The Japanese need you to eat your ramen whereas it’s nonetheless piping scorching, so that they encourage you to slurp it to assist cool the noodles down. It’s additionally an indication that you simply’re having fun with your meals so whenever you’re consuming noodles in Japan, don’t be shy to slurp.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Picking up ramen noodles at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/rai-rai-tei2.jpg.webp)
Rai Rai Tei has a couple of restaurant in Kyoto however we went to the one close to Sanjo Station. You’ll be able to take a look at their web site for an inventory of branches in Kyoto.
![Osaka Food Guide: 25 Must-Eat Restaurants in Osaka, Japan Rai Rai Tei restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/rai-rai-tei3.jpg.webp)
Rai Rai Tei
Handle: Japan, 〒604-8031 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 河原町東入ル大黒町37 文明堂京都ビル1F
Closest MRT Station: Sanjo Station
Working Hours: 11AM-12MN, day by day
Count on to Pay: About JPY 800 per bowl of ramen
2. Menya Inoichi Hanare
Menya Inoichi Hanare is a Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen restaurant the place I had this scrumptious bowl of shoyu ramen served with a aspect of grilled A4 wagyu beef. The ramen was good however my god was that beef unbelievable!
Menya Inoichi Hanare makes a speciality of miso ramen made with both white or black soy sauce. This specific bowl was made with white soy sauce and what the menu describes as “bonito soba noodles” (Japanese buckwheat noodles with bonito fish flakes).
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Bowl of ramen with a side of beef at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/menya-inoichi-hanare1.jpg.webp)
The ramen broth was tasty however what actually made this pairing sing was the thinly sliced beef. Grilled with a hand torch, the caramelized beef was tender, smokey, and savory-sweet with stunning strips of soppy juicy fats. It was completely scrumptious and went so properly with the salty, seafood-y flavors of the ramen.
Additionally within the bowl have been bamboo shoots, roasted laver, inexperienced onions, bonito shavings, and half a ramen egg. I’m under no circumstances a ramen knowledgeable however this was one of the crucial refined bowls of ramen I’ve ever had in Japan.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Picking up ramen noodles and beef at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/menya-inoichi-hanare2.jpg.webp)
On the counter was a set of condiments that included these odd, thinly shaved shreds of what gave the impression to be dried seaweed. This was the primary time I had ever seen this condiment at any ramen store.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Adding condiments to ramen at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/menya-inoichi-hanare3.jpg.webp)
If you happen to get pleasure from ramen, then you want to eat at Menya Inoichi Hanare. The restaurant is situated a couple of blocks away from Karasuma Station.
Their ramen is a little more costly in comparison with different eating places, but it surely’s most likely as a result of they use solely premium substances. You’ll be able to inform they put lots of care into crafting their bowls of ramen.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Menya Inoichi Hanare restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/menya-inoichi-hanare4.jpg.webp)
Menya Inoichi Hanare
Handle: Japan, 〒600-8076 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Senshojicho, 463 ルネ丸高 1F
Closest MRT Station: Karasuma Station
Working Hours: 11AM-2:30PM, 6-9PM, day by day
Count on to Pay: About 1,200 per bowl of ramen
3. Wajouryoumen Sugari
This motsu tsukemen from Wajouryoumen Sugari is without doubt one of the finest bowls of ramen I’ve ever had. Tsukemen refers to a kind of ramen the place the noodles and broth are served individually.
To eat, you dip the noodles into the broth which is rather more intensely flavored than common ramen broth. That is to make sure that the noodles are coated with as a lot taste as doable.
This specific tsukemen broth is made with scrumptious chunks of motsu. Motsu or horumon refers to offal like beef gut or pork tripe. It’s the identical kind of organ meat utilized in motsunabe, a Japanese scorching pot dish initially from Fukuoka.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Bowl of motsu tsukemen at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wajouryoumen-sugari1.jpg.webp)
Right here’s a more in-depth have a look at these scrumptious items of offal. They’re mushy and fatty and excellent with the agency ramen noodles. As a result of the noodles aren’t submerged in water, they don’t get soggy and stay agency all through your meal.
As described, tsukemen broth is thick and intensely flavorful. It’s nearer to a stew than a soup. On the finish of your meal, you’ll be able to skinny it with dashi for those who’d wish to slurp up any remaining broth.
Later that day, I went on a Kyoto night foodie tour and my information and I have been geeking out over Japanese meals. After I instructed him I had this motsu tsukemen for lunch, his eyes lit up.
He instructed me that Wajouryoumen Sugari is his favourite ramen restaurant on the planet. He goes there typically to have this very bowl of motsu tsukemen, which from what I perceive isn’t that widespread.
If you happen to like organ meat and ramen, you then completely want to do this motsu tsukemen.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Spoonful of motsu at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wajouryoumen-sugari2.jpg.webp)
Wajouryoumen Sugari is situated close to Nishiki Market. It doesn’t appear to be it on this image however Wajouryoumen Sugari could be very standard.
I arrived about 10-Quarter-hour earlier than opening and there was already a line of individuals ready to get in. The restaurant is small, with perhaps simply 10-12 counter seats, so I needed to await the primary wave of individuals to complete earlier than being seated. If you happen to can, then it’s finest to reach early.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Wajouryoumen Sugari restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wajouryoumen-sugari3.jpg.webp)
Wajouryoumen Sugari
Handle: 471-1 Kannondocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8222, Japan
Closest MRT Station: Karasuma Station
Working Hours: 11:30AM-3PM, 6-10PM, day by day
Count on to Pay: About JPY 1,000 per bowl of ramen
SUSHI
Sushi wants no introduction. It’s an iconic Japanese dish of vinegared rice topped with a sliver of uncooked fish and different seafood. It’s my absolute favourite dish on the planet and one of many the explanation why I like Japan a lot.
In comparison with different dishes like ramen, sushi might be expensive in Japan. I discovered sushi to be usually cheaper in coastal cities like Kanazawa in comparison with extra inland areas like Kyoto. Fortunately, sushi lovers on a finances can go to kaitzenzuhi eating places to get low cost however scrumptious sushi.
4. Kura Sushi
Kura Sushi is a well-liked chain of kaitenzushi eating places in Japan. The identical Japanese buddy who took us to Rai Rai Tei took us to Kura Sushi a few years in the past. It stays our favourite kaitenzushi in Japan and a spot we attempt to go to no less than as soon as on each return journey.
Kaitenzushi refers to Japanese eating places that serve sushi on conveyor belts. Plates of sushi make their approach round each desk on the restaurant and prospects are free to seize no matter they need. Not solely is it one of many most cost-effective methods to enjoy sushi in Japan, but it surely’s additionally one of the crucial enjoyable.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Sushi going around the conveyor belt at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kura-sushi1.jpg.webp)
Kaitenzushi eating places usually provide sushi on 4-5 different-colored plates, with every plate signifying a distinct worth level. However at Kura, most plates of sushi go for simply JPY 100 or roughly USD 1.
Kura Sushi is enjoyable, scrumptious, and low cost. It’s so liberating to pig out on sushi in Japan with out having to fret an excessive amount of about costs!
Kura does provide dearer sorts of sushi however you’ll need to get them organized a la carte through a pill ordering system. The plate will probably be delivered to your desk through a second conveyor belt situated above the principle one. Gotta love Japan!
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Plates of sushi at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kura-sushi2.jpg.webp)
A plate of hotate or scallop sushi, certainly one of our favorites.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Plate of scallop sushi at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kura-sushi3.jpg.webp)
Crab is a extra premium merchandise so to maintain it at JPY 100, this plate comes with only one piece of kani nigiri as an alternative of two. Not like imitation crab, that is the actual deal.
We went to the Kura Sushi department close to Kinkaku-ji however there are numerous retailers in Kyoto. You’ll be able to seek advice from the Kura Sushi web site to discover a department close to you.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Plate of crab sushi at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kura-sushi4.jpg.webp)
Kura Sushi
Handle: 4 Hirano Miyashikicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8365, Japan
Closest MRT Station: Kitanohakubaicho Station
Working Hours: 11AM-12MN, day by day
Count on to Pay: About JPY 100 per plate of sushi
5. Musashi Sushi
Murashi Sushi is a kaitenzushi restaurant with retailers solely in Kyoto. It isn’t as low cost as Kura but it surely’s simply pretty much as good.
As you’ll be able to inform from the plates with completely different patterns beneath, they comply with a color-coding system with plates of sushi ranging between JPY 146 and JPY 463.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Sushi going around the conveyor belt at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/musashi-sushi1.jpg.webp)
Have you ever ever tried sushi like this earlier than? What you’re taking a look at is oshizushi, a kind of sushi that originated in Osaka.
Oshizushi means “pressed sushi” and refers to one of many oldest types of sushi. It stems from an historical methodology of preserving fish by packing it tightly in packing containers with fermented rice. I consider it was a method born out of necessity in additional inland cities like Osaka and Kyoto.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Plate of sushi at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/musashi-sushi2.jpg.webp)
One other serving to of hotate or scallop sushi. Musashi Sushi was good however not as a lot enjoyable I assumed as Kura.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Plate of scallop sushi at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/musashi-sushi3.jpg.webp)
In keeping with their web site, Musashi Sushi has two eating places in Kyoto. I went to the department close to Sanjo Station.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Musashi Sushi restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/musashi-sushi4.jpg.webp)
Musashi Sushi
Handle: 440 Ebisucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8005, Japan
Closest MRT Station: Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae or Sanjo Station
Working Hours: 11:15AM-7:30PM, day by day
Count on to Pay: About JPY 146-463 per plate of sushi
SAKE BARS / IZAKAYAS
If you happen to’d wish to get your drink on in Kyoto, then you’ll be able to go to a sake bar or an izakaya. A sake bar is self-explanatory however an izakaya refers to an off-the-cuff kind of Japanese bar that serves meals with drinks. You’ll be able to consider it because the Japanese equal to Irish pubs or Spanish tapas bars.
6. Gion Kappa
After we took our first journey to Kyoto in 2014, our Japanese buddy requested his colleagues for Kyoto restaurant suggestions. They pointed him to Gion Kappa, an izakaya in Kyoto’s legendary geisha district.
We loved it a lot that our Japanese buddy goes again there each time he visits Kyoto. Standard with each locals and vacationers alike, Gion Kappa is a enjoyable and welcoming izakaya that serves small plates of meals for simply JPY 390.
Many izakayas and Japanese eating places serve prospects a obligatory appetizer referred to as otoshi. It isn’t free and it’s one thing you want to get at locations that serve alcohol. You’ll be able to consider it as a consumable cowl cost.
Otoshi might be something from edamame to potato salad to pickled greens. Tonight, our otoshi was this scrumptious plate of seared tuna.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Plate of seared tuna apppetizer at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gion-kappa1.jpg.webp)
Kushiyaki is without doubt one of the most typical sorts of meals you’ll discover at izakayas. It refers to any dish that’s skewered and grilled.
Kushiyaki might be made with various kinds of meat, seafood, and greens, although any dish made with skewered hen – just like the grilled hen livers beneath – is known as yakitori.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Kushiyaki at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gion-kappa3.jpg.webp)
Kushiage or kushikatsu is one other standard izakaya dish. It refers to meat, seafood, or greens which might be skewered then deep-fried.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Kushiyaki at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gion-kappa2.jpg.webp)
An order of Japanese snails. At simply JPY 390 per small dish, it’s tempting to strive the whole lot on the menu.
Gion Kappa is situated close to Gion-Shijo Station. It opens at 6PM on most nights and is a good place to get drinks and a few bar meals within the atmospheric Gion district of Kyoto.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Snails at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gion-kappa4.jpg.webp)
Gion Kappa
Handle: Japan, 〒605-0085 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Sueyoshicho, 77
Closest MRT Station: Gion-Shijo Station
Working Hours: 6PM-2:30AM, Tue-Sat / 5PM-12MN, Solar (closed Mondays)
Count on to Pay: About JPY 390 per dish
7. Wadachi
Positioned a few minute’s stroll from Gion Kappa is Wadachi, a gaijin-friendly sake bar and restaurant that provides various kinds of sake sourced from everywhere in the nation. Each serving of sake at Wadachi goes for JPY 500 (plus tax).
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Vial of sake at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wadachi1.jpg.webp)
Wadachi affords many dishes on their menu ranging in worth from about JPY 400-700. On the time of our go to, they provided two specialties – hen karaage (Japanese fried hen, pictured beneath) and duck marinated with white miso and inexperienced onion.
We ordered the hen karaage and the deep-fried breaded oysters to go together with a couple of rounds of sake. All the things was scrumptious.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Vial of sake with an appetizer at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wadachi2.jpg.webp)
Wadachi is a TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence recipient with a close to excellent 4.5-star ranking. It’s situated in a busy space of Gion District so it shouldn’t be laborious to seek out. It’s actually a minute away from Gion-Shijo Station.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Wadachi restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wadachi3.jpg.webp)
Wadachi
Handle: Japan, 〒605-0077 Kyoto, 京都市東山区Higashiyama Ward, 廿一軒町227 岩橋ビル1F
Closest MRT Station: Gion-Shijo Station
Working Hours: 4PM-12MN, day by day
Count on to Pay: About JPY 400-700 per dish, JPY 500 per vial of sake
8. Ibushigin Kazuya
As described, I went on a night food tour in Kyoto. My information Syouri and I bonded over our mutual love for meals so he took me to Ibushigin Kazuya after our tour to proceed our dialog about Japanese and Filipino food.
Syouri was born and raised in Kyoto and Ibushigin Kazuya is his favourite sake bar. In comparison with Wadachi, Ibushigin Kazuya is a extra upscale sake bar providing a wider vary of sakes.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Glass of sake at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ibushigin-kazuya1.jpg.webp)
I’ve it in a video however tonight’s otoshi of sashimi with ikura was below a glass cloche full of vapor. You couldn’t see what was inside till you lifted the cloche and launched the vapor. I assumed it was a dramatic and really elegant approach of presenting meals.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Otoshi at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ibushigin-kazuya2.jpg.webp)
We ordered a number of glasses of sake, from widespread sorts to the extra obscure seasonal varieties. We even tried a cloudy pink sake that I consider is usually provided throughout sakura season.
The Japanese get pleasure from meals with their drink so we ordered some tuna jerky which we’d warmth up on this small tabletop grill. It was heated by a lone piece of charcoal, simply to heat it up and provides it some smokiness.
I’m not an knowledgeable however I began to develop an actual appreciation for sake on my most up-to-date journey, thanks partially to a Fushimi sake tour and sake pairing experiences like this one. My god was this smoked tuna good with the sake!
The Fushimi district in Kyoto is understood for being probably the greatest sake-producing areas within the nation. If you happen to’d wish to expertise it on a tour, then you could have an interest on this sake tasting tour from Magical Trip.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Smoked fish and small charcoal grill at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ibushigin-kazuya3.jpg.webp)
Ibushigin Kazuya is situated close to the Kamo River, a few 6-7 minute stroll from both Sanjo or Gion-Shijo Station. I don’t understand how typically their stock adjustments however scribbled on the glass door are the various kinds of sake they’ve obtainable each night.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Ibushigin restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ibushigin-kazuya5.jpg.webp)
Ibushigin Kazuya
Handle: 河原町通三条下ル二丁目東入ル北車屋町276, 永吉ビル1F, 京都市中京区, Kyoto 604-8021, Japan
Closest MRT Station: Sanjo or Gion-Shijo Station
Working Hours: 5PM-3AM, day by day
Count on to Pay: About JPY 300-700 per dish, JPY 700-900 per glass of sake
OTHER DISHES & RESTAURANTS IN KYOTO
9. Hachidaime Gihey
Hachidaime Gihey is a well-liked restaurant in Kyoto that provides kaiseki meals for dinner and fairly priced set meals for lunch.
I used to be right here to strive certainly one of their lunch units which is served with meat or seafood, rice, miso soup, and an assortment of pickled greens. They’re like bento meals minus the field.
Ranging in worth from round JPY 1,500-2,500, I requested my server for suggestions and he or she prompt I get the hen karaage set. It was scrumptious and an honest worth for simply JPY 1,650.
I’ve not often met a karaage I didn’t like so for those who aren’t as adventurous along with your meals selections, then karaage is a secure dish to strive. It’s just like the Japanese equal to hen nuggets or hen tenders.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Japanese set meal at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hachidaime-gihey1.jpg.webp)
What makes Hachidaime Gihey really particular is their rice. The restaurant makes a speciality of completely different preparations of rice which you’ll be able to expertise of their kaiseki meals.
Once you get by means of your first bowl of rice at lunch, your server will give you a free refill. Simply say sure even for those who’re full.
The second bowl will probably be topped with a small serving of toasted rice seasoned with sesame and salt. It’s the underside layer of rice that will get crispy from cooking, much like the scorched socarrat rice in paella.
I didn’t get previous the second bowl however I assume they’ll provide you with a bit of this tasty toasted rice with each refill.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Burnt rice bowl at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hachidaime-gihey2.jpg.webp)
The Hachidaime Gihey restaurant is situated nearly instantly throughout the road from Yasaka Shrine. It’s handy location and pretty priced set meals make it a lovely choice for lunch so be ready for a wait. I got here alone and waited about half an hour to be seated.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Hachidaime Gihey restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hachidaime-gihey3.jpg.webp)
Hachidaime Gihey
Handle: Japan, 〒605-0073 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Kitagawa, 296 衹園
Closest MRT Station: Gion-Shijo Station
Working Hours: 11AM-2:30PM, 5-7:30PM, day by day
What to Order: Set meals
Count on to Pay: About JPY 1,700 for a lunch set
10. Donguri
Kyoto and Osaka are half an hour aside by JR practice so you might have already tried Okonomiyaki in Osaka. If you happen to haven’t, it’s a Japanese pancake-like dish made with wheat flour batter combined with uncooked egg, grated yam, and shredded cabbage.
Okonomiyaki is usually cooked on a teppanyaki grill in entrance of you and made with different substances like pork stomach, seafood, greens, noodles, and inexperienced onion. Donguri is an area chain of okonomiyaki eating places that some individuals cite as the very best in Kyoto.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Okonomiyaki at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/donguri1.jpg.webp)
Okonomiyaki is a dish related to Osaka and Hiroshima. I choose having dishes on the supply so if it’s your first time attempting okonomiyaki, then I counsel having it in Osaka. With that mentioned, the okonomiyaki at Donguri is superb. Even our Japanese buddy from Osaka was impressed.
We went to the restaurant close to Kyoto Station however Donguri has a number of branches in Kyoto. You’ll be able to seek advice from the Donguri website to discover a department close to you.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Okonomiyaki at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/donguri2.jpg.webp)
Donguri
Handle: Japan, 〒600-8217 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, 七条下ル西側
Closest MRT Station: Kyoto Station
Working Hours: 5PM-1AM, day by day
What to Order: Okonomiyaki
Count on to Pay: About JPY 800 per okonomiyaki
11. Komefuku Shijo Karasuma
If sushi is what made me love Japanese meals as an grownup, then tempura is the dish that turned me on to it as a child.
Tempura refers to a preferred Japanese dish of prawns, greens, and different sorts of seafood which might be coated in a chilly batter after which deep-fried. It’s served with a tentsuyu dipping sauce made with dashi, mirin, soy sauce, and grated daikon radish.
Komefuku Shijo Karasuma is an fascinating tempura restaurant in Kyoto that permits you to order by the piece. I don’t understand how widespread that idea is in Japan however this was the primary time I had ever encountered it.
After being seated, they’ll hand you a verify listing order kind much like those provided at some sushi bars. They’ve round 25 sorts of tempura on their menu together with prawn, conger eel, oyster, lotus root, and maitake mushroom. Costs vary from JPY 100 for onion or eggplant to JPY 690 for anago.
If you happen to’d reasonably not order per piece, then you will get a tempura set containing 5-12 predetermined items of varied tempura. What you see beneath is the 8-piece assorted set.
Like sushi, I’m simple to please in the case of tempura, but it surely isn’t laborious to inform good tempura from unhealthy tempura. This towering fantastic thing about fragile crunchiness is without doubt one of the finest tempura I’ve ever tasted in my life.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Tempura set at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/komefuku-shijo-karasuma1.jpg.webp)
Komefuku Shijo Karasuma is situated close to Karasuma Station. When you’ve got a hankering for tempura in Kyoto, then this can be a nice restaurant to go to. Tempura might be fairly expensive in Japan however the tempura units at Komefuku Shijo Karasuma are fairly priced.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Komefuku Shijo Karasuma restaurant exterior in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/komefuku-shijo-karasuma2.jpg.webp)
Komefuku Shijo Karasuma
Handle: 657-5 Bantoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8143, Japan
Closest MRT Station: Karasuma Station
Working Hours: 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-11PM, day by day
What to Order: Tempura
Count on to Pay: Round JPY 890-1,890 for a tempura set
12. Unagi Hirokawa
Hirokawa is a well-liked unagi restaurant situated in Arashiyama, close to the well-known bamboo groves.
After we ate at Unagi Hirokawa in 2018, the restaurant had one Michelin Star. They appear to have misplaced it since then as a result of I can’t discover them on the newest version of the Kyoto Michelin Information. They did shut for a number of months after our go to to renovate so that will have had one thing to do with it.
In any case, Hirokawa remains to be probably the greatest eating places in Kyoto for unagi. Pictured beneath is a wealthy and fatty skewer of eel liver.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Skewer of eel liver at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/unagi-hirokawa1.jpg.webp)
Unagi refers to barbecued freshwater eel. The eel is skewered and broiled earlier than being slowly grilled over charcoal whereas being basted with a kabayaki sauce (candy soy sauce).
It’s mostly served in sushi kind, or over a mattress of rice served in a lacquered field referred to as unagi donburi. Candy, smokey, and tender with a novel texture, it’s certainly one of my absolute favourite meals on the planet. In actual fact, unagi nigiri is what turned me on to sushi within the first place.
We’ve had unagi donburi in lots of international locations and cities in Japan, however this was positively probably the greatest. Like many Japanese dishes, it takes a certain quantity of expertise and finesse to correctly make unagi. Hirokawa has been making this dish for over fifty years.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Unagi donburi at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/unagi-hirokawa2.jpg.webp)
Unagi Hirokawa is an exceedingly standard restaurant so be ready for a protracted wait. Our Japanese buddy knew this so he stood in line early whereas we did an off-the-cuff photograph shoot at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
We have been among the many first to be seated however hour-long waits (or longer) aren’t unusual, so it could be a good suggestion to make advanced reservations.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Line of people at Unagi Hirokawa restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/unagi-hirokawa3.jpg.webp)
Unagi Hirokawa
Handle: 44-1 Sagatenryuji Kitatsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8374, Japan
Closest MRT Station: Arashiyama or Saga-Arashiyama Station
Working Hours: 11AM-2:30PM, 5-8PM, Tue-Solar (closed Mondays)
What to Order: Unagi donburi
Count on to Pay: Begins at round JPY 3,100 for unagi donburi
13. Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a must-visit in Kyoto. As its identify suggests, it’s a 5-block coated market with over 100 outlets, Japanese street food stalls, and small eating places providing a variety of native meals merchandise.
Like Kuromon Ichiba Market which is also known as “Osaka’s kitchen”, Nishiki Market is nicknamed “Kyoto’s kitchen”. If you happen to’d wish to expertise Kyoto’s regional specialties below one roof, then Nishiki Market is without doubt one of the finest locations so that you can go.
You’ll be able to simply discover Nishiki Market by yourself, however for those who’d like an area information taking you to the very best spots, then you could have an interest on this Nishiki Market breakfast tour with Magical Journey.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Inside Nishiki Market in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nishiki-market1.jpg.webp)
I used to be on my solution to lunch at Wajouryoumen Sugari so I needed to restrain myself, however I couldn’t assist however strive certainly one of these large imitation crab sticks.
I like all sorts of crab, even imitation crab. These have been like ten instances the scale of an everyday kani stick. You’ll be able to have one for JPY 400, two for JPY 700, or three for JPY 1,000.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Crab legs at a market in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nishiki-market2.jpg.webp)
They grilled the crab stick briefly over coals whereas torching it by hand. To serve, they doused it with some soy sauce and a daub of Japanese mayo. Yum!
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Grilled crab leg at a market in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nishiki-market3.jpg.webp)
After lunch, I walked again by means of Nishiki Market and had this Uji matcha mushy serve for JPY 486. Uji refers to a small metropolis between Kyoto and Nara recognized for producing a few of the best inexperienced tea in Japan.
This ice cream cone was amazingly scrumptious and the best matcha ice cream I’ve ever had in Japan. You should definitely get pleasure from a cone or two in Kyoto.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Matcha soft serve ice cream at a market in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/nishiki-market4.jpg.webp)
Nishiki Market
Working Hours: 9AM-6PM, day by day
14. Kyoto Evening Foodie Tour
We love occurring meals excursions once we journey. It’s probably the greatest methods to find out about obscure, hard-to-find eateries. Thorough analysis is essential when discovering good eating places however nothing comes near native information in the case of meals.
As beforehand described, I went on this evening meals tour with my information Syouri. He took me to a few spots within the famed Gion district of Kyoto.
Our first cease was this obscure conventional izakaya that you simply’d most likely by no means discover by yourself. Take a look at my article on this Kyoto night food tour for extra footage and data. You’ll be able to guide this similar tour on Magical Trip.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Alley in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kyoto-food-tour2.jpg.webp)
Between restaurant stops, Syouri walked me by means of Pontocho Alley. It’s a slender atmospheric alleyway that runs parallel to the Kamo River. Stretching for about 700 meters, it’s packed on both aspect with izakayas, eating places, and bars starting from the cheap to the extremely unique.
Pontocho Alley is without doubt one of the most intriguing neighborhoods in Kyoto. We haven’t eaten at any institutions right here however we’ll for certain on our subsequent journey to Japan. If you happen to’d wish to expertise Pontocho Alley on a bar hopping tour, then you are able to do so by means of Magical Trip.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Japanese food at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kyoto-food-tour1.jpg.webp)
The final cease on the tour was a up to date sake bar that was completely different from any I had been to in Japan. It felt extra like the kind of place you’d discover in New York Metropolis reasonably than the Gion district of Kyoto.
We sampled three sorts of sake that you simply’re inspired to pair with gari, the identical pink pickled ginger you cleanse your palate with between bites of sushi. In keeping with Syouri, that is the one bar he is aware of of that pairs sake with ginger.
![Kyoto Food Guide: 14 Must-Eat Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan Glasses of sake at a restaurant in Kyoto](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kyoto-food-tour4.jpg.webp)
Kyoto Evening Foodie Tour
Tour Value: USD 90 per particular person
Size of Tour: 3 hours
OTHER KYOTO FOOD TOURS
I described and added hyperlinks to the excursions we went on in Kyoto, however there are many different food-related excursions you are able to do within the metropolis. Take a look at Get Your Guide and byFood for an inventory of meals and consuming excursions in Kyoto. You’ll have loads to select from like market excursions, izakaya excursions, and inexperienced tea experiences.
LOCATION MAP
That can assist you navigate, I’ve pinned all of the Kyoto eating places advisable on this information on an interactive map. Click on on the hyperlink to open the map in a brand new window.
![Kyoto Restaurants Kyoto restaurant map with pins](https://www.willflyforfood.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kyoto-map.jpg.webp)
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE FOOD IN KYOTO
There’s one evident omission on this Kyoto meals information – a kaiseki expertise. I described it briefly on the high, and I additionally talked about that Hachidaime Gihey affords kaiseki dinners, however we haven’t had a real kaiseki expertise ourselves in Kyoto.
Kaiseki is maybe the one eating expertise that finest defines Kyoto delicacies so it’s one thing we’ll be prioritizing on our subsequent journey to Japan. We intend to spend a couple of weeks simply in Kyoto alone so we will actually immerse ourselves in Japanese tradition and delicacies and write a definitive information on the very best locations to eat in Kyoto.
Fourteen is an effective quantity to start out with, however to be trustworthy, it barely scratches the floor of the culinary expertise that’s Kyoto. As described, this metropolis has the third-most Michelin Stars on the planet. That just about speaks for itself.
Disclosure
A few of the hyperlinks on this Kyoto meals information are affiliate hyperlinks, which means we’ll earn a small fee for those who make a reserving at no further price to you. We solely suggest services that we use ourselves and firmly consider in. We actually respect your assist as this helps us make extra of those free journey guides. Arigato gozaimasu!
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