Best Restaurants in Kyoto
A curated guide to the best restaurants in Kyoto — from iconic local institutions to under-the-radar spots worth crossing the city for.
Where to eat in Kyoto
Kikunoi Honten
Three-Michelin-star kaiseki in a serene setting overlooking a private garden. Chef Murata's seasonal courses are edible art. Book months ahead and prepare for the most beautiful meal of your life.
Nishiki Warai
A tiny okonomiyaki shop in the Nishiki Market area. The Kyoto-style okonomiyaki with green onions is crispy-edged and custardy inside. Cash only, six seats, and always a queue at lunch.
Omen Kodaiji
Famous for their signature udon in a clean dashi broth with seasonal vegetable tempura. The noodles are handmade and perfectly chewy. The traditional wooden building near Kodaiji Temple is atmospheric.
Gion Namba
A hidden kaiseki restaurant in a Gion machiya with a counter facing the chef. The multi-course meal changes daily based on what's at the market. The attention to detail in every dish is staggering.
Honke Owariya
A soba noodle shop that's been in the same family since 1465 — one of the oldest restaurants in the world. The seasonal soba set with tempura is simple and perfect. The building itself is a treasure.
Kyoto Gogyo
The best ramen in Kyoto, famous for their burnt miso broth — intentionally charred for a smoky, complex flavour. The noodles are firm and the chashu is melt-in-your-mouth. Open late.
Izuju
Near Yasaka Shrine, this sushi shop specializes in Kyoto-style pressed mackerel sushi (sabazushi). The vinegared rice and cured mackerel are a revelation if you only know nigiri. Simple, elegant, perfect.
Yoshikawa
A tempura restaurant in a beautiful ryokan-style building where the chef fries each piece to order at the counter. The prawn tempura shatters when you bite into it. Lunch is more affordable than dinner.
Plan your Kyoto trip
Share an Instagram Reel about Kyoto and Triply will extract every place mentioned — mapped and organized automatically.
Get on the App Store