Where to eat in Kyoto. Restaurants in Kyoto (Recommended by Locals)

Kyoto cuisine image

The three most popular areas for sightseeing in Japan are Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Kyoto is one of the most popular cities in the world, although there are many different places to visit.

With a history of over 1,300 years, Kyoto is said to be alluring in its streets, personality, and food. The ancient capital of Kyoto is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, many of which are hard to find anywhere else in Japan but Kyoto. Furthermore, it is a place where you can find many traditional Japanese cultural traditions such as shrines, temples, and maiko (apprentice geisha).

And to top it all off, the area is a popular destination for its high-level gourmet cuisine, which is uniquely Japanese. Kyoto is home to many of Japan's top-ranked restaurants, so if this is your first visit to Kyoto, it can be a difficult task to choose where to go and what to eat. In this article, we will introduce restaurants recommended by locals that are easy to visit even for tourists who have never been to Kyoto before, Japanese restaurants that are typical of Kyoto, and restaurants that serve Kyoto's unique obanzai.

Please note that the content may be temporarily changed. We recommend checking with the store before going out.

A creative yakitori restaurant, highly popular in Kyoto.

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Wabiya Korekidou Gion-Hanamikoji-honten (侘家古暦堂 祇園花見小路本店)
〔Gion, Kyoto-Kawaramachi, Gion-Shijo〕

Wabiya Korekidou Gion-Hanamikoji-honten's Yakitori

Located in Kyoto's renowned Gion Hanamikoji area, a top tourist destination for visitors from around the world, this restaurant is celebrated for its yakitori, chicken dishes, and fine wines. Recognized as one of Kyoto's most reputable establishments, it has received praise as a top restaurant on several review sites.

Known for its refined yakitori, the restaurant emphasizes careful preparation and minimal seasoning, allowing diners to experience flavors unique to this establishment. The yakitori course changes monthly, incorporating seasonal ingredients and techniques distinctive to Kyoto. The head chef offers a range of inventive dishes, developed through years of experimentation. The courses provide excellent value for money, and for those unsure of what to order, the course menu is recommended. Dinner also features a curated selection of wines, including hidden Japanese labels for wine enthusiasts.

Wabiya Korekidou Gion-Hanamikoji-honten's counter seats

For lunch, the signature “Stone-Grilled Oyako Don,” widely featured in the media, is a must-try. The dish is served in a heated stone bowl, containing rice, chicken thigh, and three fresh Kyoto-sourced red eggs. After mixing to ensure the egg coats everything, diners first enjoy a soft, creamy texture. As time passes, the ingredients blend together, creating a crispy texture from the rice crust. At the end, a special chicken broth is added, allowing guests to savor an array of textures and flavors in this popular dish.

Situated in a renovated townhouse along the cobblestone paths of Gion Hanamikoji, the restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese architecture. The first floor features an open counter, perfect for a lively yet sophisticated dining experience, ideal for dates. The second floor has private rooms seating 4, 6, and 8 guests, with a unique wall mural in the 8-person room crafted by a renowned Kyoto artist, blending a touch of Japanese culture into the dining experience.

Located in an easily accessible area for Kyoto sightseeing, this restaurant is an ideal stop during or at the end of a Kyoto tour, offering a memorable meal filled with surprises and delight.

Wabiya Korekidou Gion-Hanamikoji-honten

store information
Wabiya Korekidou Gion-Hanamikoji-honten (侘家古暦堂 祇園花見小路本店)
to call
075-532-3355
Yakitori restaurant
Gion-machi, Shijo Hanamikoji Shimeru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto-fu
5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
10-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Lunch: 2,000 JPY- 3,000 JPY, Dinner: 10,000 JPY - 15,000 JPY
11:30 A.M. - 2:30P.M. /5:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Sundays
Accepted

Enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine, including obanzai, in a traditional townhouse built in the Meiji era.

Kyoya THE KIYOMIZU Gokoumachi (京家 THE KIYOMIZU 御幸町)
〔Kyoto-Kawaramachi〕

Kyoya THE KIYOMIZU Gokoumachi's Japanese cuisine

"Kyoya THE KIYOMIZU Gokomachi" is a restaurant offering Japanese cuisine centered around obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking) made with locally sourced Kyoto ingredients. Set in a Western-style townhouse over a century old, originally built in the Meiji era, the renovated space lets guests enjoy both the ambiance and culinary culture of Kyoto in one visit.

The menu features a wide range of creative dishes that elevate Kyoto’s local ingredients into unique and original recipes. Although rooted in Japanese cuisine, a touch of Western influence adds a contemporary feel, making many dishes accessible and enjoyable for international visitors as well.

Kyoya THE KIYOMIZU Gokoumachi's counter seat

When visiting Kyoto, the recommended starting point is the popular obanzai platter, which showcases an array of small, seasonal dishes. Don’t miss trying Kyoto’s signature yuba (tofu skin) and fu (wheat gluten), known for their healthy, refined, and delicate flavors that embody the essence of Kyoto’s gourmet scene.

Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station is a major transportation hub in Kyoto. This restaurant is conveniently located near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and not far from Kyoto's major tourist spots, including Gion, Kiyamachi, and Ponto-cho. This area is ideal not only for sightseeing but also for shopping, making it an excellent spot for enjoying Kyoto shopping with easy access.

Kyoya THE KIYOMIZU Gokoumachi's table seats

store information
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Kyoya THE KIYOMIZU Gokoumachi (京家 THE KIYOMIZU 御幸町)
to call
075-205-5114
Obanzai (Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes) Restaurant, creative Japanese cuisine
415-23 Maruyamachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu (Gosho-machi-dori Ayakoji-sagaru)
3-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
4-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
8-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
4,000 JPY- 5,000 JPY
4:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.
Tuesdays
Accepted

A casual restaurant where you can enjoy Kyoto cuisine featuring freshly fried bean curd and tofu.

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Kitsune-Biyori (キツネ日和)
〔Kyoto station〕

Kitsune-Biyori's food

A casual izakaya-style restaurant where you can enjoy Kyoto's unique Japanese cuisine, featuring specialties like freshly fried tofu skins, tofu, and a variety of obanzai (Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes). It’s an ideal spot for young tourists visiting Kyoto to drop by casually and enjoy authentic local flavors.

The restaurant offers a wide range of signature tofu dishes, including heartwarming chicken-broth yudofu (simmered tofu). Freshly made tofu is carefully prepared from the highest-quality soybeans and homemade soy milk, giving it an exquisite aroma and rich flavor. Each type of tofu and tofu skin is crafted with its own dedicated soybeans, using expert techniques to ensure that every serving captures the taste of “just-made” freshness. Here near the Kyoto station, you can easily explore the profound world of traditional Japanese tofu.

Kitsune-Biyori

When visiting, be sure to try the popular "Kyoto Soybean Sampler," a must-taste specialty. This dish lets you enjoy small servings of Kyoto's unique, flavorful soybean cuisine, making it the perfect pairing with drinks. It's also visually appealing and highly rated for being Instagram-worthy. Another must-try is the "Aged Beef Menchi-Katsu," a superb combination of aged meat and house-made tofu. The pairing of meat and tofu creates a juicy, richly flavored experience.

A lively yet relaxed atmosphere to unwind from Kyoto sightseeing. The space, filled with warm smiles and the aromas of delicious food, features a U-shaped counter where you can watch the cooking process, along with table seating. The casual, bar-like atmosphere allows first-time visitors to relax without feeling self-conscious. It’s conveniently accessible and close to Kyoto Station, where the Shinkansen stops.

Kitsune-Biyori

store information
Kitsune-Biyori (キツネ日和)
to call
075-574-7102
Tofu and yuba cuisine, Obanzai Restaurant
1-6 Higashikujo Nishiyamaocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
4-minute walk from Kujo Station on the Kyoto Subway U-Line
5-minute walk from Kyoto Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line (Kyoto Line)
13-minute walk from Toji Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line
3,000 JPY- 4,000 JPY
5:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.
Non-scheduled holiday and Sundays
Accepted

A famous lunch of Kyoto cuisine at a traditional restaurant located just near the historic Heian Shrine.

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Kyo-ryouri Rokusei (京料理 六盛)
〔Okazaki, Sakyo-ku〕

Kyo-ryouri Rokusei's "Teoke Bento"

Located right next to Heian Shrine, this long-standing Kyoto restaurant boasts a 120-year history. The refined, traditional Japanese ambiance makes it a perfect venue for wedding receptions and celebratory meals following Shinto weddings, as well as for any special occasion, with an outstanding location to match. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom all around, and guests can enjoy the changing seasons in this lush natural setting.

The menu highlights Kyoto cuisine, featuring an abundance of local ingredients. A standout recommendation is the specialty "Teoke Bento," a must-try for lunchtime visitors. The restaurant's specialty is beautifully presented on handcrafted dishes made by a Living National Treasure. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also visually stunning, with an array of colorful dishes presented in a handcrafted wooden pail. Seasonal rice, with variations like crab rice or matsutake mushroom rice depending on the month, is also served. The vibrant dishes, meticulously prepared with traditional Japanese care, reflect a refined elegance unique to Kyoto, creating an experience that’s truly captivating.

Kyo-ryouri Rokusei's food

Additionally, they offer a luxurious monthly-changing course menu, incorporating seasonal ingredients from Kyoto in grilled dishes, simmered assortments, and more. There’s also a children’s menu, making it a family-friendly option.

The spacious table seating and private rooms, available for parties of four or more, make it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch while traveling.

Located in the Okazaki area, the restaurant is surrounded by cultural institutions such as museums and theaters, along with famous landmarks like Heian Shrine, with its striking red torii gate reaching toward the sky, and Nanzen-ji Temple, perfect for a stroll through the Kyoto streets before or after your meal. Enjoy a sophisticated lunch in Kyoto and create memorable experiences with iconic scenery and exquisite cuisine.

Kyo-ryouri Rokusei

store information
Kyo-ryouri Rokusei (京料理 六盛)
to call
075-751-6171
Japanese Restaurant, Kaiseki Restaurant, Kappou Restaurant
71, Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
10-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station, Keihan Electric Railway
11 min walk from Higashiyama-Kyotofu Station on the Kyoto Municipal Tozai Line.
15-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan Station on the Kyoto Municipal Tozai Line.
Lunch: 3,000 JPY- 4,000 JPY, Dinner: 6,000 JPY- 8,000 JPY
11:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. /5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Mondays and Non-scheduled holidays
Accepted

Enjoy a healthy Kyoto cuisine at a kaiseki restaurant nestled in the back alleys of Gion.

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Gion Kurashita (祇園 くらした)
〔Gion 〕

Gion Kurashita's food

A Japanese restaurant specializing in Kyoto-style cuisine, located on Hanamikoji Street in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Here, guests can enjoy a full range of Kyoto flavors, including kaiseki dishes, hot pots such as yudofu (tofu hot pot) and mizutaki (chicken hot pot).

This restaurant offers dishes crafted with carefully selected ingredients: yudofu made with tofu from a long-established Kyoto tofu shop, namafu dengaku (grilled wheat gluten), healthful Kyoto vegetables, tender Tamba chicken, and fresh seafood. In summer, Kyoto’s famous hamo (pike conger) is also available. The Kyoto dining experience is expressed not only in the flavors but also in the careful presentation and the unique tableware, specially chosen by the owner. Each dish reflects the season, allowing guests to truly feel the essence of Kyoto. Additionally, the restaurant offers a selection of sake brewed with Fushimi water, which enhances the flavors of the Japanese cuisine, making it ideal for a memorable dinner that doubles as a sightseeing experience.

Gion Kurashita's counter seat

The restaurant, with its traditional Kyoto machiya (townhouse) architecture, blends seamlessly into Kyoto’s beautiful streetscape. Located on the cobblestone-lined Hanamikoji Street, it is close to well-known Kyoto landmarks such as Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple, exuding an elegant atmosphere. The interior is steeped in Kyoto charm, providing an inviting space for visitors. Private tatami rooms and counter seats are available, creating a relaxing environment to unwind. The counter seats on the first floor are particularly suitable for a casual lunch and ideal for couples.

Situated conveniently near Kyoto’s major tourist areas—including Gion, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Yasaka Shrine—the restaurant is an easy addition to any sightseeing itinerary. Reservations are recommended before visiting.

Gion Kurashita

store information
Gion Kurashita (祇園 くらした)
to call
075-551-1505
Japanese Restaurant, Kaiseki Restaurant
570-157, Gionmachi Minamicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto-fu
6-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Keihan Railway
8-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
11-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Kamoto Line and Keihan Main Line
Lunch: 3,000 JPY- 4,000 JPY, Dinner: 5,000 JPY- 6,000 JPY
12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. /5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Non-scheduled holidays
Accepted

A charming Japanese restaurant near Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, where guests can enjoy hot pot and traditional “obanzai” dishes.

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Gion Gyuzen (祇園 牛禅)
〔Gion〕

Gion Gyuzen’s shabu-shabu

Located in Gion, near Yasaka Shrine, this restaurant offers all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. The menu features an extensive selection of courses, allowing diners to savor top-quality domestic Japanese beef to their heart’s content. For those looking for variety, there is also a course that lets guests enjoy both sukiyaki and shabu-shabu in two separate pots simultaneously. In addition, the restaurant offers an array of seasonal Kyoto vegetables, small dishes made with yuba, nama-fu, and other ingredients, allowing visitors to enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine at reasonable prices.

The most popular items are the classic sukiyaki and shabu-shabu courses, which vary in content and price based on the quality of meat selected, allowing customers to choose and enjoy their favorite cuts to their liking.

Gion Gyuzen’s sukiyaki

The interior is spacious with high ceilings and an open, airy feel. There is a large sunken kotatsu seating area, as well as private rooms, table seating, and a casual counter perfect for a relaxed dining experience. For those looking to take their time, the kotatsu seating and private rooms are ideal, while the counter seats are perfect for couples on a date.

Situated right in front of Kyoto's iconic Yasaka Shrine, the restaurant is conveniently located near other major Kyoto attractions, such as Kiyomizu-dera, Kodaiji, and Chion-in, as well as the Kamogawa River and Hanamikoji Street. It’s a fantastic choice for meat lovers to enjoy a relaxed meal during their Kyoto sightseeing.

Gion Gyuzen’s seat

store information
Gion Gyuzen (祇園 牛禅)
to call
075-533-3344
Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant
Gion Kaikan (祇園会館) 4F, 323 Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto-fu
6-minute walk from exit (7) of Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway line
Lunch: 1,000 JPY- 2,000 JPY, 4,000 JPY- 5,000 JPY
5:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.
31 December and 1 January
Accepted

A machiya-style restaurant in the Kyoto-Kawaramachi and Karasuma area, offering a range of traditional Japanese dishes that highlight Kyoto’s finest ingredients.

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Kyo-ya Kiyomizu Nishikifuyacho (京家きよみず 錦麩屋町)
〔Kyoto-Kawaramachi, Karasuma〕

Kyo-ya Kiyomizu Nishikifuyacho's food

Located near one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist spots, Nishiki Market, this Japanese restaurant offers Kyoto-style cuisine and sake. The menu is both affordable and generous, featuring a wide array of dishes made with Kyoto vegetables and ingredients, such as obanzai (traditional Kyoto side dishes), assorted sashimi, salads, and hot pots. Among them, the obanzai is a signature dish, showcasing locally sourced ingredients seasoned delicately for a unique Kyoto flavor. The "Kyoto Obanzai," rich with Kyoto ingredients and vegetables, is a house specialty.

The restaurant’s famous dish is its “miso simmered dishes” made with miso from Kyoto’s renowned miso producers. Guests can choose between two options: the "Aka Miso Nikomi," featuring a rich combination of dashi and red wine, or the "Shiro Miso Nikomi," with aromatic dashi made from Hokkaido kombu, tuna flakes, and bonito.

Kyo-ya Kiyomizu Nishikifuyacho's food

Other seasonal creations include sashimi with fresh fish, a healthy soy milk hot pot, comforting dishes like nikujaga (meat and potatoes) and okara (soy pulp), as well as colorful dishes like “Teppei” (shellfish and Kujo green onions dressed in Saikyo miso) and a vibrant potato salad in red, white, and yellow hues. Guests can savor Kyoto's distinct flavors in these inventive seasonal dishes, and the restaurant also boasts a wide selection of local sake that pairs beautifully with the cuisine.

With a charming exterior that features elements like noren curtains, lanterns, and traditional lamps, the restaurant embodies the classic ambiance of Kyoto. Inside, spacious seating is available for various occasions. The stylish, blended Japanese-modern counter seating offers a front-row view of the bustling atmosphere, perfect for couples and solo diners alike. The tatami-style tables capture the wabi-sabi of a traditional machiya, allowing guests to stretch out and relax, and private rooms are also available. Conveniently located near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, this restaurant is an ideal stop for sightseeing, dates, or outings in Kyoto.

Kyo-ya Kiyomizu Nishikifuyacho's table seat

store information
Kyo-ya Kiyomizu Nishikifuyacho (京家きよみず 錦麩屋町)
to call
075-205-5442
Kyoto-style cuisine restaurant
493 Umeya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto-fu
4-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
4-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
7-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
3,000 JPY- 4,000 JPY
4:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.
Wednesday
Accepted

A traditional Kyoto cuisine restaurant near Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites.

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Kyo-ryori Tategami (京料理 立神)
〔Nijo Castle (Nijojo) 〕

Kyo-ryori Tategami's Kyoto cuisine

Near Nijo Castle (Nijojo) , one of Kyoto’s most iconic castles and a registered World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” lies a hidden Kyoto-style restaurant. This popular establishment offers refined Kyoto cuisine crafted from carefully selected ingredients, providing a sensory experience that delights all five senses.

They take pride in using ingredients sourced daily from local markets, including Kyoto vegetables, organic produce, and fresh seafood. The dishes, marked by delicate craftsmanship and artistic presentation, embody traditional Kyoto culinary methods while showcasing seasonal beauty through taste and color, offering enjoyment for both the palate and the eyes. Specialties vary with the season, such as salt-grilled natural ayu (sweetfish) grilled over binchotan charcoal, or top-quality sea urchin, meticulously prepared in various styles. Guests can savor these seasonal flavors paired with recommended sake.

Kyo-ryori Tategami's Kyoto cuisine

The spacious interior features private rooms for a calm and relaxed setting, making it an ideal stop to rest while exploring Kyoto. The comfortable ambiance might even make you want to linger a little longer.

"Kyo-ryori Tategami" also has an extensive takeout menu, offering items like various bento boxes, curries, rice bowls with duck or eel, and Western-inspired dishes. Takeout options are recommended for tourists who wish to enjoy Kyoto’s scenery while dining outdoors.

Additionally, their signature “Asatsuki Soy Sauce,” is a popular souvenir option for those looking for a memorable Kyoto gift. It is a unique blend flavored Soy Sauce with shallot oil and enhanced with kelp and bonito for extra richness, which has been featured in media.

Kyo-ryori Tategami

store information
Kyo-ryori Tategami (京料理 立神)
to call
075-256-8733
Japanese restaurant, Kyoto-style cuisine restaurant
24-1 Marutamachi, Marutamachi Aburaokoji Nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu
8-minute walk from Marutamachi Station (Exit 2) on the Subway Karasuma Line.
8-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nijojo-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line.
Lunch: 2,000 JPY- 3,000 JPY, Dinner: 8,000 JPY- 10,000 JPY
12:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. /5:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Mondays
Accepted

Founded over 100 years ago in Maruyama Park, Kyoto, this traditional Kyoto restaurant offers vibrant seasonal kaiseki cuisine.

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Shigure (志ぐれ)
〔Maruyama Park, Higashiyama〕

Shigure's lunch

Maruyama Park is one of Kyoto's iconic spots, showing cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn leaves in fall. Nestled next to famous sites such as Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in, this long-established restaurant, founded in 1913, has served beautiful kaiseki and hot pot dishes made with the finest seasonal ingredients for over a century, allowing guests to enjoy exquisite Kyoto flavors alongside stunning natural scenery.

A highlight of the restaurant is its reasonably priced kaiseki meals, featuring local Kyoto vegetables and seasonal ingredients. The artfully crafted, visually delightful dishes showcase the skills of dedicated artisans, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Shigure's zashiki seat

The traditional Japanese interior includes private tatami rooms, each designed as a completely private space with a refined ambiance. The serene atmosphere makes it ideal for special occasions, such as anniversaries, birthdays, and memorable celebrations.

The restaurant’s location in Kyoto is exceptional. Surrounded by seasonal landscapes year-round, it offers a tranquil, elegant setting to enjoy a leisurely, luxurious meal. Nearby are not only Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in but also other famous sites like Shoren-in, and, with a short walk, Kiyomizu Temple, Heian Shrine, and Nanzen-ji, making it easy to combine a visit to the restaurant with Kyoto sightseeing.

Shigure

store information
Shigure (志ぐれ)
to call
075-525-0490
Japanese restaurant, kaiseki cuisine restaurant
In Maruyama Park, north side of Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto-fu
8-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
10-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Lunch: 2,000 JPY- 3,000 JPY, Dinner: 6,000 JPY- 8,000 JPY
11:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Mondays
Accepted

An elegant, traditional Japanese restaurant located on the famous Pontocho Street, a popular tourist area in Kyoto, this longstanding establishment specializes in authentic Kyoto cuisine.

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Pontocho Fujita (先斗町 ふじ田)
〔Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae, Sanjo, Pontocho〕

Pontocho Fujita's food

For over 30 years, this restaurant has thrived in front of the Kaburenjo Theatre in Kyoto's Pontocho district, one of the city's renowned geisha districts. Here, guests can savor traditional Kyoto kaiseki dining in an atmosphere brimming with old-world charm.

The Kyoto dishes crafted here are a testament to the chef's artistry, emphasizing the delicate balance of flavors in the dashi. Made with kelp and bonito, the clear and rich umami of the broth is exceptional. The menu features iconic Kyoto dishes, such as “duck roast” and classic “kakimochi-age” (fried mochi crackers), each showcasing the chef's meticulous skills.

Pontocho Fujita's table seat

The chef's curated selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients brings each dish to life. Courses like appetizers, soups, sashimi, seasonal delights, grilled selections, main dishes, simmered vegetables, rice, and desserts are all presented as works of art. The colors of the seasons and gentle textures reflect Kyoto’s unique culinary style. Central to this cuisine is the signature dashi, carefully extracted from three types of kelp and bonito over two hours. In addition to à la carte options, the restaurant also offers kaiseki courses for lunch and dinner, ideal for newcomers to kaiseki dining. The chef engages guests with friendly conversation, allowing them to enjoy a relaxed meal alongside Kyoto's local sake.

Stepping past the refined entrance, adorned with traditional "inuyarai" (wooden fences) and a faint scent of incense, guests enter an intimate Japanese space. The seating includes comfortable counter seats with horigotatsu (sunken floor) seating, and private rooms with views of the Kaburenjo Theatre. The counter seats, where guests can enjoy the chef's skill up close, are highly recommended for first-time visitors to Kyoto, offering a special and immersive experience. This is an ideal spot for those visiting Kyoto on a sightseeing trip.

Pontocho Fujita's counter seats

store information
Pontocho Fujita (先斗町 ふじ田)
to call
075-255-0500
Japanese Restaurant, Kaiseki Restaurant
In front of Utamairenjo, Ponto-cho Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto-fu
3-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Kamoto Line and Keihan Main Line
4-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan Station on the Kyoto Municipal Tozai Line
5-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Tozai Line
6,000 JPY- 8,000 JPY
11:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. /5:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
Mondays and Tuesdays
Accepted

Long-established Edo-style tempura restaurant in Kyoto.

11
Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Kyoto store (天ぷら新宿つな八 京都店)
〔Kyoto-Kawaramachi, Kyoto Takashimaya〕

Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Kyoto store's Tempura

Located on the 7th floor of Kyoto Takashimaya, directly connected to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, this long-established Edo-style tempura specialty restaurant has been in business since 1924.

Focused solely on tempura, the restaurant has built a strong reputation by preserving the traditional flavors and techniques passed down since its founding, offering authentic tempura at reasonable prices.

Tempura here is primarily fried in sesame oil. At "Tsunahachi," they use pure 100% sesame oil, enhancing the flavor with the rich, nutty aroma of sesame. It’s recommended to enjoy the crispy tempura with either tentsuyu dipping sauce or simply a dash of salt.

Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Kyoto store's Tempura

In addition to classic tempura made from fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, they offer a wide range of creative tempura options unique to "Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Kyoto." These include distinctive items like whole-shell clams such as giant asari and hamaguri, sea urchin wrapped in nori, and an inventive combination of oyster and green pepper.

Both lunch and dinner options are organized as set courses, allowing guests to enjoy a worry-free meal, though individual items can also be ordered separately if you wish to try specific tempura.

The restaurant's prime location within Kyoto Takashimaya, just steps from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, makes it easily accessible even for first-time visitors to the city. Inside, the refined, stylish Japanese decor provides a comfortable dining experience, with counter seats for a front-row view of tempura being freshly fried, as well as private rooms and box seats suited for couples and families. The counter seats, in particular, are popular for the live experience of watching tempura being prepared, with the sounds and aroma of frying adding to the anticipation-a favorite among tourists. With its convenient access in a bustling area known for shopping and sightseeing, this restaurant is an ideal stop for Kyoto visitors.

Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Kyoto store's counter seats

store information
Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Kyoto store (天ぷら新宿つな八 京都店)
to call
075-252-7885
Tempura restaurant
Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. (京都髙島屋S.C.) 7F Dining Garden Kyo Kairo (ダイニングガーデン京回廊), Shijo-dori Kawaramachi Nishi-iru Makamachi 52, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto-fu
1 min walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
5-min walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
Lunch: 2,000 JPY, Dinner: 5,000 JPY
11:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M.
Closed irregularly (as per Takashimaya)
Accepted
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