Kyoto, a city steeped in history and culture, is also a haven for food enthusiasts. It’s a gourmet paradise, boasting an array of restaurants offering everything from traditional Japanese delicacies to modern culinary creations.
This article guides you through 20 must-visit restaurants in Kyoto, curated from Savor Japan, a renowned restaurant guide website. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Kyoto’s culinary landscape!
Indulge in Luxury and Tradition
Doikatsuman, nestled near the iconic Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), offers a taste of luxury and tradition. This esteemed restaurant specializes in eel cuisine, serving up high-quality eels at reasonable prices. Their signature Kansai-style eels, cooked over charcoal, boast a crispy skin and fluffy flesh, a true delight for the palate. Be sure to try their “Gokujo Ippiki-jyu”, featuring a whole eel, or the exclusive “Goka Kinpaku Ippiki-jyu” with a sprinkling of gold leaf. The restaurant’s elegant interior, echoing the grandeur of Kinkakuji, provides a truly extraordinary dining experience.
Kushiyoshi elevates Kushiage (deep-fried skewers) to an art form. Each skewer, crafted with meticulous care from the finest ingredients, is fried to perfection, offering a symphony of flavors. Signature dishes like the “Angel Shrimp Kadaifu Rolls” and the shiso-infused “Scallop with Caviar” highlight the restaurant’s culinary excellence. The seasonal menu ensures that guests savor fresh flavors year-round. Wine pairings, thoughtfully chosen to enhance the dishes, elevate the dining experience. The first floor boasts counter seating with an open kitchen, while the second floor features tatami room seating, providing a versatile space for various occasions.
Michelin-Starred Excellence and Kyoto’s Soul
Unafuji, a renowned restaurant from Nagoya, has established its presence in Kyoto. Located on the 8th floor of the Daimaru Kyoto department store, this establishment serves exquisite eel dishes, including the “Eel Bowl” and the “Special Hitsumabushi”. The eels, meticulously grilled over charcoal, are seasoned with a secret sauce, creating an unforgettable taste sensation. This restaurant’s culinary prowess is widely recognized, earning it Michelin stars and a place among the top 100 restaurants on the prestigious Japanese gourmet site, Tabelog. It’s a celebrated spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a delightful dining experience for everyone.
Ibushigin Kazuya is the sister restaurant to Sumibi Kazuya, both known for their unique concept of “a bar for sake and smoked dishes.” While Sumibi Kazuya focuses on charcoal-grilled dishes, Ibushigin Kazuya provides a more casual setting where guests can savor smoked dishes paired with a wide selection of sake. Over 120 types of sake, sourced from across Japan, including seasonal and rare selections, are available to complement the smoked dishes. The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and the delightful combination of smoky aromas and flavors make for a memorable dining experience.
Taste the Seasons at Historic Kyoto Restaurants
Tagoto, a Kyoto cuisine institution with a history spanning 144 years, offers an authentic taste of the city through its Kaiseki cuisine. This traditional style of Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonality, showcasing unique Kyoto vegetables and seasonal seafood. The restaurant’s refined ambiance, adorned with Arita-yaki and Shigaraki-yaki ceramics, hanging scrolls, and fresh flowers, creates an immersive experience that reflects the changing seasons. Each visit to Tagoto provides an opportunity to savor the charm of Kyoto’s seasons while indulging in luxurious and refined cuisine.
Feliz-malto, nestled in the heart of Shijo-Karasuma, invites guests to savor Japanese cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients and carefully selected miso from across Japan. The restaurant’s emotional ambiance, housed in a renovated Taisho-era machiya, offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Private rooms with tokonoma (alcove) are available, perfect for hosting guests or meetings. Indulge in the “Hiei” course, featuring Kyoto’s Japanese black beef steak and three miso-infused dishes, a culinary journey from appetizers to desserts. Their wide selection of Japanese sake and craft beer complements the dishes, creating a complete culinary experience.
Kyoto’s Culinary Delights: From Traditional to Modern
Kyoto Gion Kawamuraryorihei, located near the Yasaka Shrine and Kenninji Temple, offers authentic Kaiseki cuisine in a beautifully renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse. The dishes, crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients, are both delicious and reasonably priced. With monthly menu changes, guests can savor the best flavors of each season. The restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for romantic dates, business meetings, or any occasion, whether you choose to dine solo at the counter or relax in a private room.
Kushinobo specializes in deep-fried kushiyaki dishes. Selected ingredients are coated in a special batter and breadcrumbs before being fried to perfection, creating golden and crispy bites. Their dishes boast creative flavors, such as the “Crab Meat Roll with Japanese Whiting” and the “Shrimp Wrapped with Japanese Basil.” A recommended option is the “Chef’s Choice of Assorted Kushiyaki,” featuring a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Diners can enjoy unlimited freshly fried dishes, with options available for fixed numbers of kushiyaki depending on the party size. The restaurant’s convenient location near Kyoto Station makes it easy to pair your meal with a refreshing beer or shochu.
A Culinary Journey: Explore Kyoto’s Culinary Treasures
Yuba Higashiyamayuuzu offers a unique culinary experience, specializing in yuba (tofu skin) dishes. This traditional delicacy, made from the surface of heated soymilk, features prominently in their exquisite dishes. A popular lunch item is the “Yuuzu Meal,” a rich dish featuring Kyoto-produced soybeans. The restaurant provides a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Kyoto, offering a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality.
Explore Kyoto’s vibrant food scene by visiting these 20 must-try restaurants, each offering a unique and memorable culinary experience. From traditional Kaiseki cuisine to innovative smoked dishes and deep-fried kushiyaki, you’re sure to discover your new favorite culinary gems in this captivating city. Bon appétit!
