Kyoto is a gourmet city the likes of which surpasses even Tokyo.
While it is home to many beloved long-standing traditional restaurants, there has also been an influx of new stores that have garnered attention in recent years.
Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, udon, French cuisine, Spanish cuisine....
Here we'll be introducing gems of restaurants that serve all sorts of food, for you who wants to enjoy their trip to Kyoto to the fullest in both sights and meals!
This list is a timeless edition! Be sure to give it a read before your trip!

Ogata is a Japanese restaurant located on Kyoto's highest peak.
Many gourmands across Japan are enamored by the "simple but deep" and "bold but delicate" dishes put forth by the owner, who spent many years honing his skills at famous restaurant "Wakuden."
Getting a seat at Ogata in the winter, the only season when you can get the highest quality "Taiza crab" from the northern part of Kyoto, is quite the challenge. Customers come from around the world come to taste the seasonal flavors from the Sea of Japan.

★Ogata
Address: 726 Shinkamanzacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-344-8000
Hours: 16:00-18:30, 19:00-21:30
Budget: 30,000-14,999 yen
Closed: Mondays

This Japanese restaurant is tucked away in Shinbashi Dori, a place that still retains an old town feel.
The dishes created by its unique chef bring many fans out even all the way from Tokyo.
The highlight of Yukifuran Sato is its abundance of charcoal-grilled dishes, made at the grill in the center of the restaurant.
You can enjoy the appeal of seasonal ingredients throughout the year, like bamboo shoots in the spring, ayu in the summer, unagi in the fall, and wild game (like deer and bear) in the winter.

★Yukifuran Sato
Address: 2 Minamigawa Higashi-Iru, Hanamikoji, Shinbashi Dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-531-3778
Hours: 16:00-1:00am the following day
Budget: 20,000-29,999 yen (Lunch)
Closed: 1st, 11th, 21st, 31st

This modern restaurant is the most popular Spanish restaurant in Kyoto.
It sees a significant number of customers coming all the way from overseas to see how Japanese chefs using Japanese ingredients recreate these unique dishes.
A frequent feature of gourmands' Instagram pages is the restaurant's "paella," an iconic Spanish dish made by simmering seasonal ingredients together.
From ingredients like crab to blackthroat perch, scabbard fish to anago, the delicious and umami-packed rice that has been cooked with these seasonal delights is enough to take your breath away.

★aca 1゜
Address: 2F 55 Masuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-223-3002
Hours:
[Lunch] 12:00 onward
[Dinner] 18:00-21:00
Budget: 15,000-19,999 yen (Lunch), 20,000-29,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Sundays

Hyotei Bekkan is one of Kyoto's most prestigious restaurants and was first opened around 200 years ago.
Their "asagayu (breakfast rice porridge)," which is served in the early morning, is popular as a comparatively accessible way to enjoy the restaurant's cooking among foreign customers.
The asagayu is a simple dish, made with simmered and steamed ingredients, soup, and rice porridge, but it has a deep flavor that really gives you an idea of the talents behind this famous restaurant.
If you're looking for luxury during your trip to Kyoto, we highly recommend starting your day here at Hyotei.

★Hyotei Bekkan
Address: 35 Nanzenji, Kusagawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-771-4116
Hours:
[April-November] 8:00-11:00, 12:00-16:00
[December-March] 9:00-11:00/12:00-17:00
Budget: 4,000-4,999 yen
Closed: Every Thursday

This Japanese restaurant boasts such popularity that it has become one of the "three fingers" of Kyoto.
Its unique and original omakase (chef's choice) course, which features moving dishes made with seasonal ingredients and finishes off with its famous "Uni Dokku,"has become very popular.
As it receives a large amount of attention on social media, some people may consider it a "fad" restaurant, but its dishes, carefully crafted by the owner who has deep experiences in flower arrangement, tea ceremony, and calligraphy, are absolutely authentic.
Be sure to enjoy the fun little accents, inspired by traditional tea dishes, served alongside the otherwise strictly traditional dishes!

★Tominokoji Yamagishi
Address: 560 Honeyanocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-708-7865
Hours: 18:00-23:00
Budget: 20,000-29,999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays, every 2nd and 4th Wednesday

This up-and-coming Japanese restaurant newly opened in 2017.
The owner, who worked as head chef at famous restaurants since a young age, sources ingredients from all across Japan in order to perfect the flavor of his "dashi," made with only the finest materials and water.
The dashi, made with 2 types of bonito flakes and tuna flakes, is as delightful as a fine champagne.
If you're vising Kyoto, you should absolutely visit here and try the "liquid gold" painstakingly crafted by the chef.

★Kiyama
Address: 136 Kinuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-256-4460
Hours:
[Lunch] 12:00 onward
[Dinner] 18:00-19:30
Budget: 10,000-14,999 yen (Lunch), 20,000-29,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Irregular holidays

Kuishinbo Yamanaka is one of Japan's best steakhouses, and it offers customers authentic wagyu beef raised without any additional vitamin treatments.
There's no downside to experiencing the delicious flavor of the steaks here, cooked with the owner's conviction that you should enjoy "fresh, healthy beef."
If you truly want to experience the essence of Japanese wagyu beef, we recommend trying the full-course option here at "Kuishinbo Yamanaka," including delights such as consomme soup, steak, hamburger steak, beef cutlet, and curry.

★Kuishinbo Yamanaka
Address: 26-26 Goryomizouracho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-392-3745
Hours:
[Lunch] 11:30-14:00
[Dinner] 17:00-21:00
Budget: 10,000-14,999 yen (Lunch), 20,000-29,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Tuesdays, every 3rd Monday

This popular wagyu kappo-ryori restaurant features the finest Kobe beef prepared with Japanese cooking techniques.
The owner-chef is self-taught with regards to cooking, allowing them to discover new ways to use wagyu beef without being limited by traditional methods.
There are many delightful and unique wagyu beef dishes that you can only get here at Miyoshi, such as "Harami (beef skirt steak) with Bamboo Shoots," "Sirloin with Swordtip Squid," and "Beef-Bone Soup with Puffer Fish Roe."

★Niku no Takumi Miyoshi
Address: 570-15 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-561-2508
Hours: 18:00-23:00
Budget: 20,000-29,999 yen (Lunch)
Closed: Sundays

SAMBOA is a 100-year-old historic bar located in Kyoto.
If you step into "Gion Samboa," located in Hanamikoji, you'll be greeted by the proprietress, over 70 years old, wearing a kimono and shaking martinis.
Their specialty is their whisky soda, made without ice.
Whether you just want a drink before your meal or something more, you're sure to find what you're looking for here.

★Gion Samboa
Address: 570-186 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-541-7509
Hours: 18:00-23:00
Budget: 3,000-3,999 yen
Closed: Mondays

As Kyoto's most popular ramen restaurant, this shop has a perpetual long queue to get in.
There has also been an increase in the number of foreign customers visiting in the past few years.
The shoyu (soy sauce) base ramen here has a light flavor, so you can easily gulp it all down even early in the day.
You get a great feeling of Kyoto's hospitality thanks to the way the restaurant staff tries to fulfill customer requests, like "extra meat" or "I'd like fattier pieces of meat," despite being perpetually packed.

★Honke Daiichi Asahi Takabashi Honten
Address: 845 Higashishiokoji Mukaihatacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 050-5570-0973
Hours: 5:00-2:00am the following day
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Thursdays

Sushi Matsumoto is Kyoto's #1 most talented sushi restaurant, opened in 2005 by an owner who studied at famous and admired Tokyo restaurant "Shinbashi Shimizu."
Despite having moved from Tokyo to Kyoto, the chef's diligent work is unchanged from when he was part of the famous restaurant.
The delightfully sour sushi rice seasoned with red vinegar and paired with kohada (gizzard shad) that is finished with vinegar is a true taste of classic Tokyo-style Edo-mae sushi.

★Sushi Matsumoto
Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-531-2031
Hours:
[Lunch] 12:00-14:00
[Dinner] 17:30-21:00
Budget: 10,000-14,999 yen (Lunch), 20,000-29,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Lunchtime Tuesdays and Wednesdays

This is Kyoto's #1-ranked Japanese restaurant on Tabelog, praised even by famous Spanish chef El Bulli and leading authority in the French culinary world Alain Ducasse.
The owner-chef gathers flowers and vegetables himself to use in his original course meals, made focused on enjoying the flavors of the earth.
There is also exquisite harmony between the gorgeous dishes served, reflecting Japanese aesthetics, and the antique dishware used, collected as a hobby by the owner. You can truly experience traditional Kyoto cuisine here through all of your senses.

★Soujiki Nakahigashi
Address: 32-3 Jodoji Ichibashicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-752-3500
Hours:
[Lunch] 12:00-14:00
[Dinner] 18:00-21:00
Budget: 8,000-9,999 yen (Lunch), 20,000-29,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Mondays

This popular izakaya offers customers authentic Japanese cuisine cooked with traditional kappo methods.
The dishes here, including sashimi, oden, and gyudon, have a lovely refined flavor to them that sets them apart from dishes at other izakaya, thanks to being prepared as orders come in by the owner who worked at famous restaurant "Wakuden."
Washoku Haru also sees many female customers coming by alone, perhaps because of its casual atmosphere where you can enjoy Japanese dishes.
On Saturdays and Sundays, Haru opens earlier than usual at 16:00. It's always a great experience to enjoy some sake along with delicious dishes while the sun is still out and shining!

★Washoku Haru
Address: 230-2 Shimeicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-351-1881
Hours:
[Tuesday-Friday] 17:00-23:30
[Saturday, Sunday] 16:00-23:30
Budget: 6,000-7,999 yen
Closed: Mondays

Ebata is a counter yakiniku restaurant beloved by locals.
The restaurant staff will gladly help you cook your meat to perfection depending on the cuts you've ordered, so even those new to yakiniku can relax and enjoy their meal!
Popular choices include the fresh organs, and we highly recommend the "minozashi (beef tripe sashimi)" and "giara negi (beef reed tripe and spring onions)."
Ebata is packed with family groups from opening onward on weekends.
Hanging out around locals at this bustling yakiniku restaurant can be a lot of fun!

★Ebata
Address: 148-1 Yonbancho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-463-8739
Hours: 17:00-22:00
Budget: 6,000-7,999 yen
Closed: Wednesdays

This is Kyoto's most popular yoshoku (western-style cooking) restaurant.
The owner, who once worked at popular bistro among meat-loving locals "Bistro Sept," opened Yoshoku Ogata in 2015. Shortly thereafter it became a popular restaurant with hard-to-get reservations thanks to its delicious dishes made with legendary hard-to-obtain wagyu "Ozaki beef."
While Yoshoku Ogata is open for both lunch and dinner, we recommend visiting for the plentiful dinner options.
Give their a la carte dishes made with Ozaki beef a try, like their beef stew, beef shank, and beef cutlet sandwich.

★Yoshoku Ogata
Address: 32-1 Tojijicho, Yanaginobaba, Oshikoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-223-2230
Hours:
[Lunch] 11:30-14:30
[Dinner] 17:30-22:00
Budget: 2,000-2,999 yen (Lunch), 10,000-19,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Tuesdays

This super-popular restaurant is located in an area called "Demachi Yanagi," about 40 minutes from Kyoto Station by city bus.
The groups of tourists who flood the shop as early as 8:30am are after their "mame mochi."
While the mame mochi may seem like a simple treat, the saltiness of the plenty of green peas worked into the dough and the smooth, sweet flavor of the smooth red bean paste inside are in absolutely perfect harmony, possibly the tastiest mochi in all of Kyoto!
They're sold for the super-affordable price of 180 yen each, and most days they're sold out by the afternoon.
We highly recommend visiting early in the morning and combining it with some sightseeing around local spots like Shimogamo Shrine.

★Demachi Futaba
Address: 236 Seiryucho, Demachi-Dori Imadegawa Agaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-231-1658
Hours: 17:00-22:30
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays, every 4th Wednesday

This popular yakiniku restaurant is located in Gion Shijo, the heart of Kyoto sightseeing.
While it calls itself a yakiniku restaurant, Horumon Chiba, as its name suggests, only serves organs (horumon).
Different cuts, like heart, small intestine, large intestine, stomach, and throat, are grilled with one of two special tare sauces, kuro (black) and shiro (white).
The highlight of a meal here is their "yaki-udon," made cooking the noodles on the same teppan grill as the meat.
The noodles, cooked delightfully in the fragrant remaining fat and tare sauce from the meat, are absolutely addicting!

★Horumon Chiba
Address: 123 Saitocho, Shijo Kudaru, Kiyamachi-Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-352-6162
Hours: 17:00~
Budget: 3,000-4,999 yen
Closed: Mondays

This is a popular udon restaurant that was opened in 2016 by a long-standing specialty store with over 100 years of history in Kyoto.
Delightfully soft noodles, made from flour carefully selected from over 30 choices, are paired with a deeply flavorful soup, made with kombu kelp and 5 varieties of flaked bonito.
Of course, they offer delicious classic options such as "kitsune udon" and "curry udon," but their seasonal udon varieties such as "sake kasu udon" and "gochujang udon" are also interesting takes on the dish to try.

★Niomon Uneno
Address: 41 Shinmarutacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-751-1188
Hours:
[Lunch] 11:30-15:30
[Dinner] 16:30-19:30
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Thursdays, 2nd Wednesday each month, irregular other holidays

This popular cafe is located near Nijo Castle.
Most customers who visit have their eyes set on the cafe's "egg sandwich," made with a recipe passed down from an old cafe that is no longer in business.
Made by sandwiching freshly-cooked fluffy eggs, demi-glace sauce, and mayonnaise between two slices of freshly-baked bread, their egg sandwich is an absolute masterpiece.
It's definitely a must-try, even if you have to wait in line! (You can also make a takeout reservation up to 2 days in advance of your visit)

★La Madrague
Address: Oshikoji-dori Nishinotoin-higashi-iru Kita-gawa, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-744-0067
Hours: 11:30-22:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Sundays

This breakfast specialty restaurant is run by a chef who trained at "Shoujiki Nakahigashi," Kyoto's #1-rated Japanese restaurant on Tabelog.
Their menu consists exclusively of a course meal for 2,500 yen, which includes tofu, rice, soup, grilled fish, and pickles.
You can choose your preferred type of soup from 3 options: "vegetable pot-au-feu," "Japanese-style seafood tomato soup," and "Kyoto light miso pork soup."
The fragrant freshly-cooked rice and deeply flavorful soup make for a pleasant breakfast early in the morning.

★Choushoku Kishin
Address: 555 Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-525-8500
Hours: 7:30-14:30
Budget: 3,000-3,999 yen
Closed: Mondays

This is Kyoto's most popular bakery, located in the northern part of Kyoto.
While it's a relatively small shop located in a residential area rather than in heart of the city, it sees a constant stream of customers in search of the perfect bread from open to close every day.
We recommend their croissants, made with cultured butter.
They are absolutely irresistible thanks to the combination of flaky dough and delightful buttery fragrance.
Since their most popular baked goods sell out quickly, it might be a good idea to call ahead and reserve some of their more popular items, like croissants and pan au chocolat.

★Klore
Address: 6 Takagamine Fujibashicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-495-6313
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays

This super-popular Chinese restaurant happily sates the appetites of hungry workers in Gion.
From opening at 11:00am until closing at 6:00am the following morning, this restaurant sees a constant stream of customers, both local Kyotoites and tourists from Japan and overseas.
Most customers order the restaurant's famous specialty, their "tenshinhan."
You'll never want to stop eating once you try the tenshinhan, a delicious blend of fluffy, runny eggs and a sweet-and-sour bean paste, along with their also-popular "yaki-gyoza."

★Marushin Hanten
Address: 431-3 Minami Saikaishicho, Sanjo Kudaru, Higashioji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-561-4825
Hours: 11:00-6:00am the following day
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays

This long-standing yakisoba specialty restaurant is beloved by Kyoto locals.
They fry up noodles along with their toppings, like pork, beef, sakura shrimp, and egg, on a teppan grill, then finish off the dish with a sweet and salty sauce.
The delicious fragrance wafting from the sauce sizzling on the grill is sure to get your appetite going!
Many customers even show up to the restaurant with a large bowl in-hand to get takeout yakisoba. It's no wonder that Oyaji's yakisoba is known as Kyoto's soul food!

★Oyaji
Address: 259 Kitagomoncho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours:
[Lunch] 11:30-13:15
[Dinner] 17:00-19:15 (Closed evenings on Sundays and holidays)
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Wednesdays

This popular Japanese restaurant is tucked away on Nawate Dori, east of Shijo Bridge.
Their casual a la carte authentic Japanese cuisine made in the style of famous restaurant "Wakuden" is a popular way to enjoy their dishes.
The menu consists of about 30 items with ingredients that rotate seasonally, such as wild mountain vegetables in the spring, ayu in the summer, matsutake mushrooms in the fall, and fugu (puffer fish) in the winter, but you'll definitely want to try their famous "saba (mackerel) sandwich" when you visit.
While the combination of vinegared mackerel with browned toast might seem odd, once you've taken a bite you're sure to fall in love with the beautiful harmony of flavors.

★Gion Rohan
Address: 232 Nijuikkencho, Yamatoojidori, Shijo Agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-533-7665
Hours: 17:00-22:30
Budget: 10,000-14,999 yen
Closed: Sundays

This long-standing cafe is home to the popular drink with jewel-like beauty, "jelly punch."
Their jelly punch, reflecting the shop's decorated interior, shimmers almost like an illusion.
Of course, it's a popular cafe for local youth as the home of Kyoto's most photogenic dessert!
When you take a taste, it even manages to hit all the right flavors even though it's so pretty.
The refreshing carbonated jelly drink is a delightful respite from Kyoto's sultry summer heat!

★Soirée
Address: 95 Shinchyo Sijo Agaru, Kiyamachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-221-0351
Hours: 13:00-19:30
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Mondays

This popular ramen restaurant opened in 2015 and serves shoyu ramen exclusively.
It was published in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list in 2016.
Its most popular dish is the "chicken shoyu ramen (750 yen)."
The sharp flavor of soy sauce is also lightly fragrant, and combined with the condensed umami from the chicken it makes for an incredibly delicious soup.

★Ramen Touhichi
Address: 33-6 Omiya Kitahakonoicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-432-8818
Hours:
[Lunch] 11:00-14:30
[Dinner] 18:00-21:30
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays

This established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop is located near Katsura Imperial Village, a popular sightseeing location.
There's always a long line of customers looking to purchase their famous "mugite mochi," made by wrapping red bean paste in freshly-pounded mochi and sprinkling with kinako (roasted soy flour).
From June through September, Nakamura Ken also serves their "monthly shaved ice."
Their simple shaved ice, made with seasonal fruits like strawberry, mango, and sudachi citrus, are becoming a big hit!

★Nakamura Ken
Address: 61 Katsuraasaharacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-381-2650
Hours: 9:30-18:00
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Wednesdays

This popular izakaya is located in Kawaramachi, the heart of Kyoto sightseeing.
You can enjoy a refreshing draft beer along with yoshoku fare, like hamburger steak, croquettes, and cutlets, from noon onward every day.
Watching the woman in charge of service deftly take care of the constant stream of orders from customers of all walks of life is a strangely calming experience.
Be sure to stop by for a drink while you're out sightseeing!

★Kyogoku Stand
Address: 546 Shinkyogoku Dori Shijo Noboru, Nakanomachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-221-4156
Hours: 12:00-21:15
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays

This is a wagashi cafe managed by long-standing traditional Japanese restaurant "Kikunoi."
It was popularized thanks to how guests can enjoy their delightful refined sweets as they look out over the establishment's garden that shows off the beauty of the seasons.
Their most popular dish is their "Mugesanbo Thick Matcha Parfait (1300 yen)."
The combination of rich matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, and ginger spongecake makes for a delightfully mature flavor.

★Salon de Muge
Address: 524 Washiocho, Shimokawara Dori, Kodaiji, Kitamonzen, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-744-6260
Hours: 11:00-18:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month

Founded in 1934, Shime is Kyoto's oldest izakaya.
It is currently run as an established traditional Japanese restaurant in Kyoto by its 3rd generation owner, and it serves a wide variety of both luxury dishes, like fugu and crab, to more standard popular fare, like tempura and oden.
They also take great care in the sake that they serve, blending 6 varieties of hot sake to produce a unique flavor.
When you're visiting Kyoto, this should be your favorite high-quality izakaya to patronize.

★Shime
Address: 38 Tamayacho, Senbodori, Nakatachiuri Agaru Nishgawa, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-461-3635
Hours: 17:00-21:30
Budget: 6,000-7,999 yen
Closed: Sundays

This is the iconic sukiyaki specialty restaurant of Kyoto.
The deliciously marbled wagyu beef here is seasoned with a tare sauce made with plenty of sugar and soy sauce, then cooked over a high heat teppan grill.
Perhaps because the meat is aged using a special method, the beef here isn't overly rich despite its heavy marbling.
The experienced staff carefully prepare all components of the sukiyaki themselves, so customers can enjoy the meat and vegetables at their perfect doneness.

★Mishima-tei Honten
Address: 405 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-221-0003
Hours: 11:30-22:00
Budget: 10,000-14,999 yen
Closed: Wednesdays

Imai Shokudo is a famous eatery near Kamigamo Shrine that made a name for itself thanks to its rendition of "saba no miso nikomi (mackerel simmered in miso)," a type of Japanese soul food.
High-quality mackerel from Norway is slow-cooked for 3 days and 3 nights in brown sugar and the same proprietary sauce used since the restaurant's founding, resulting in such a soft and tender piece of fish that you could even eat the bones.
A piece of the mackerel is placed atop a mound of freshly-cooked rice and topped with the tare sauce to make the best "Original Saba Gohan" that you'll ever taste.

★Imai Shokudo
Address: 2 Kamigamo, Misonoguchicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-791-6780
Hours: 11:00-14:30
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Wednesdays

Yamamoto Menzou is widely considered to be Kyoto's #1 udon specialty restaurant.
There's a huge line of customers out the door every day looking to get their hands on this restaurant's delightfully slippery and chewy noodles, hand-made daily by the owner-chef who honed his skills in Kagawa, the home of udon.
Their most popular dish is their "zaru-udon (630 yen)," which lets you truly enjoy the rich-bodied noodles.
We recommend adding on the extra topping "tsuchigobou tempura (290 yen extra)," an original take that's eaten topped with curry powder.

★Yamamoto Menzou
Address: 34 Okazaki Minamigoshocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-751-0677
Hours:
[Wednesday] 11:00-14:30
[Other Days] 11:00-18:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Thursdays, every 4th Wednesday

This dashi-maki tamago (Japanese-style rolled omelette) specialty restaurant is located in Kyoto's Nishiki Market.
You can always expect from early morning onward to see a long line of customers looking for their delicious dashi-maki tamago, cooked carefully by a skilled chef using the restaurant's secret dashi blend.
If you're a lover of sweets, we recommend trying their "tamagoya-san no kimi anpan (170 yen)," a small, easy to hold piece of bread stuffed with plenty of egg yolk and white bean paste.

★Miki Keiran
Address: 182 Higashi Uoya-cho, Nishikikoji-dori Tominokoji-nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-221-1585
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Never

Bar Calvador is a super-popular Kyoto bar run by an owner who loves Calvados apple brandy above all else.
Behind the counter you'll see a lineup of valuable bottles of Calvados, the owner's personal collection that they've amassed over the years.
We recommend their shaken cocktail "Jack Rose," made with pomegranate and Calvados.
The acidity and distinctive aroma of the pomegranate blends delightfully with the slight sweetness of Calvados.

★Bar Calvador
Address: 2F Wakabayashi Building, Teramachi Nijo Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-211-4737
Hours: 19:00-1:00am the following day
Budget: 6,000-7,999 yen
Closed: Thursdays

Kitone is a popular cafe located in Shijo.
Their "daily shaved ice," a limited time item available from early summer to early fall made with house-made syrups, has become quite popular.
The syrups, carefully made with seasonal fruits like kiwi, plum, and white peach, have both sweet and tart notes, making them a mature treat.
During the summer there can be a long line outside, but it's a relatively small store, so groups over 4 people cannot enter together.

★Kitone
Address: 589-1 Torocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-352-2428
Hours: 12:00-17:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Wednesdays, Thursdays

This popular izakaya is located next to the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market.
It has become quite popular thanks to its amazing quality lunch for the price, offering customers lots of high-quality fish like that used in upscale restaurants for a fraction of the price.
We highly recommend their "daily set meal," which comes with a seafood dish, sashimi, and plenty of side dishes for just 800 yen.

★Uogashi Miyatake
Address: 6-5 Nishi Shin Yashiki, Shimonocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-203-1855
Hours:
[Lunch] 10:30-14:00
[Dinner] 17:00-23:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen (Lunch), 5,000-6,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Sundays, holidays

Ryokujuan Shimizu is Japan's one and only konpeito (small bumpy Japanese sugar candy) specialty shop.
They offer around 50 different konpeito flavors that are all made in-house every day, from flavors like seasonal fruits and vegetables to more mature flavors like "estrela" that taste like black tea or coffee.
These beautiful and colorful treats make for great souvenirs to bring back home for friends and family!

★Ryokujuan Shimizu
Address: 38-2 Yoshidaizumidonocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-771-0755
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Budget: ~999 yen
Closed: Wednesdays, every 4th Tuesday

Gion Ichidou is an up-and-coming teppanyaki restaurant that created a new genre of cooking, "teppan kappo."
The owner, who trained at traditional Japanese restaurants, is always coming up with fun new teppan dishes, like "Foie Gras on Beef Tenderloin," "Hamburger Steak with Wasabi," "Tomato Sukiyaki," and "Summer Truffle Yakisoba."

★Gion Ichidou
Address: 589 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-561-1949
Hours: 17:00-22:30
Budget: 15,000-19,999 yen
Closed: Thursdays

This fruit specialty store is owned and operated by a long-standing fruit shop that has been in business for 120 years.
Many customers come seeking their "fruit sandwich (702 yen)," which is packed with plenty of seasonal fruits.
It's a very popular sandwich, featuring deliciously mellow cream which helps to showcase the sweet and tart flavors of the fruits.
Repeat customers also go for the "Special (864 yen)," which is packed with even more fruit, or the "Royal (1,080 yen)," which switches out the standard melon for the fancier muskmelon and adds mango.

★Fruits & Fruit Parlor Yaoiso
Address: 496 Tatsunaka-cho, Shijo Omiya Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-841-0353
Hours: 9:30-17:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Never

Hinode Udon is a long-standing udon restaurant near Nanzen-ji located about 15 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station.
The most-ordered item is their "special curry udon (1,000 yen)."
The restaurant is known for this incredibly addictive and spicy soup, made with a bonito-based dashi broth and a blend of 15 spices.
The staff also are proficient in foreign languages, so visiting tourists can stop by without worry.

★Hinode Udon
Address: 36 Nanzenji Kitanobocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-751-9251
Hours: 11:00-15:30
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Sundays, 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month

This restaurant is famous for its "negiyaki," Kyoto's version of okonomiyaki, and is frequented by locals.
The owner makes each negiyaki fresh at the teppan grill at the counter as orders come in, and the resulting blend of tender beef and sweet green onions is delightfully melt-in-your-mouth.
As Gion Negiyaki Kana is open from noon until 4:00am the following day, it makes for a great stop for any meal; whether you want lunch, an afternoon snack, or something to sate you late at night, it's sure to be open.

★Gion Negiyaki Kana
Address: 13 Tsukimicho, Higashioji, Yasuikitamondori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-561-4529
Hours: 12:00-4:00am the following day
Budget: 2,000-2,999 yen
Closed: Mondays

This patisserie is located off of the Teramachi Shopping Arcade, a popular sightseeing location.
Its delightful and photogenic parfaits, made by the owner who trained at Kyoto Hotel Okura and Andaz Tokyo in Toranomon Hills, are becoming quite popular.
If you're visiting during the summer we also recommend their deliciously rich pride-and-joy gelato, which comes in a variety of flavors like milk, chocolate, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

★SUGITORA
Address: 488-15 Nakasujicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-741-8290
Hours: 13:00-22:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays

This hugely popular cafe is located about 5 minutes on foot from Kitano Tenmangu.
One of their popular items is unique "dashi-maki sandwich," made with bread from the well-known bakery "Le Petitmec."
Its popularity stems from the delicious combination of the lightly sweet bun with the dashi-maki.
Their coffee is also made with care, each cup drip-brewed to order, and it is served in original mugs decorated with an image of a swallow, said to be the familiar of the kami of Kitano Tenmangu.

★Knot Cafe
Address: 758-1 Higashiimakojicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-496-5126
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Budget: 2,000-2,999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays

This is Kyoto's #1 most popular unagi specialty restaurant.
Their specialty is their original unadon, "Uoke (serves 3)," a bucket crafted by a Living National Treasure filled with tare-seasoned rice and topped with delicious unagi kabayaki.
The eel is first steamed then grilled over charcoal, keeping the resulting unagi tender and delicious. Just as irresistible, however, is their rice, seasoned with their special tare sauce made with mirin aged for 3 years instead of sugar.

★Gion Uokeya U
Address: Gion Nishi Hanamikoji Shijo Sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-551-9966
Hours:
[Lunch] 11:30-14:00
[Dinner] 17:00-20:00
Budget: 5,000-5,999 yen (Lunch), 9,000-9,999 yen (Dinner)
Closed: Mondays

This unconventional tonkatsu specialty restaurant in Marutamachi is open until 2:00am.
All of the customers come in search of the "thickest katsu sandwich in Japan," measuring in at a hearty 4cm.
It is a unique dish, overflowing with delicious juices when you bite into the thick-cut meat, that you can't experience anywhere else in Japan.
Orders are ready about 20 minutes after they are placed.
Why not try some of the shop's wide selection of sake while you wait?

★Tonkatsu Shimizu
Address: 248-5 Kamiikesucho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 080-3786-5425
Hours: 18:00-2:00am the following day
Budget: 2,000-2,999 yen
Closed: Sundays

Many do not know that Kyoto is also known as the "City of Gyoza."
While there are many gyoza specialty restaurants scattered about Kyoto, "Gyoza Oh," a restaurant run by a Manchurian couple, has been quickly climbing the ranks of popularity.
The most popular order here is their "mizu-gyoza," made by boiling a dumpling made from a variety of bean pastes enveloped in house-made dumpling wrappers.
The chewy wrapping just slips right down your throat, the cherry on top of this irresistible dish.

★Gyoza Oh
Address: 28-22 Okazaki Tokuseicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 050-3692-5499
Hours:
[Lunch] 12:00-14:00 (Saturdays only)
[Dinner] 17:00-22:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Sundays, Mondays

This popular curry shop is changing the view on curry in Kyoto's restaurant scene.
The couple in charge of the restaurant love curry to the point of eating it every day of the year, and in 2013 they opened their dream curry shop after many years of research.
They carefully cultivate all of the rice and herbs used in their beloved curry.
Curry fans come from far and wide to experience this curry, heated up for each and every order and made with vividly aromatic spices.

★Shinrin Shokudo
Address: 24-4 Nishinokyo Uchihatacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-202-6665
Hours: 11:30-22:00
Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen
Closed: Irregular holidays

This yoshoku restaurant is a well-kept secret, located near Kiyomizu-dera and run by a lovely parent and child pair.
It doesn't get too much attention because its frequent patrons try to keep it to themselves, as the restaurant has just a scant 12 seats, so popularity would lead to it being hard to just stop by.
The menu is expansive, with over 40 options available, some of which vary by the day.
Every single thing on the menu, from yoshoku dishes like beef cutlet, egg sandwiches, and hamburger steaks, to French-esque dishes like beef tongue and beef shank in gelatin or roast lamb, is absolutely delicious and made with extreme care.

★Korisu
Address: 2-101 Rokurocho, Matsubaradori Yamatooji Higashi-Iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-561-9281
Hours: 11:30-19:00
Budget: 5,000-5,999 yen
Closed: Tuesdays

This sumibiyaki restaurant is run by owners who search across Japan to find the finest ingredients so that they can highlight their flavors.
The omakase course, priced at 6,000 yen, starts with 3 cuts of "Amakusa Daio" brand chicken, followed by grilled vegetables and wagyu sumibiyaki, and finished off with rice.
They have a wide selection of sake and wine, so you can relax and unwind here at night in Kyoto.

★Nihonshu, Wine, and Sumibiyaki Nakamura
Address: 2F 3-13 Benzaitencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-531-5865
Hours: 18:00-23:00
Budget: 10,000-14,999 yen
Closed: Mondays