Food Recommendations in Kyoto
Below you will find our recommendations for dining in Kyoto. Click the names in green for googlemap links.
Lunch
31 Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003
075-682-5031
Located under the huge sandstone coloured building across from our shop. The restaurant floor at Avanti is an unpretentious and quick option for a post tour bite. With a number of restaurants to choose from (including sushi and okonomiyaki), it is our choice for hungry kids of all ages.
Dinner
Nishi-iru Honmachi Shomen-dori Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-shi
075-561-5471
Approachable and delicious sushi restaurant in southern Higashiyama. This affordable restaurant feels authentic without being austere and is our go-to sushi spot in town.
9-3 Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003
075-662-5239
Located a stone’s throw from Cycle Kyoto, one of our favourite bbq restaurants is intimate and delicious. Specializing in bbq beef ‘yakiniku’ cuisine, grill your own beef to perfection as you sink a few drinks and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Komatsucho, 566 566
075-551-1488
A Kyoto institution, this restaurant has four locations in the city but we suggest the branch by the Yasaka Pagoda. The tempura is light crispy and perfectly prepared by the knowledgeable chefs. Reservations are recommended in high season.
74 Ishibashi-cho, Jodo-ji, Sakyo-ku
075-771-8994
Set on the banks of the Path of Philosophy, this popular udon restaurant can be busy in high season but is absolutely worth the wait. Combine lunch here with a stroll down the canal path to Nanzenji temple for a perfect afternoon in north east Kyoto.
508-1 Sakaecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8194
075-3449-009
An all white and achingly hip café located in a quiet neighbourhood near Shoseien Garden, Walden Woods serves spectacular coffee in a beautiful space. Occasionally busy and very very instagrammed, there are still many quiet periods especially in the afternoon to enjoy the surrounds.
4215 Shimomaruyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8006
075-212-5039
A laid back organic farm-to-table izakaya in central Kyoto, Isoya is friendly, delicious, and reasonably good for dietary requirements (for Japan at least!). English is spoken a little but an adventurous spirit and a little google translating are recommended!
B1, CEO Kiyamachi Building, 534-31, Ebisu-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Ramen lovers may think it feels a bit gimmicky having a place with no phone number or sign, but this is truly a great spot for a delicious bowl of steaming Kyoto noodles. Head down the stairs and don’t give up, a quick google will also help with pictures to find the place!
Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shiogamacho, 379 坂田ビル 379
075-361-8873
Reservations are necessary for this incredibly artistic Michelin starred Kaiseki restaurant in downtown Kyoto. With prices that may raise an eyebrow, dining at Sen is truly an experience for all the senses and one not to be missed for lovers of traditional Japanese cuisine.
140-28 Saitocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8012
075-352-3823
If you need a break from Japanese food (we won’t judge you), this place on the river serves Thai classics in a lovely atmosphere. In nice weather, the river terrace is a great spot for families, couples or small groups.
211 Omiyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8138
075-708-8200
Classic Japanese & Western soul food and great range of craft beers make this a superb choice for those who need a break from rice and noodles!