18 Must-Try Sukiyaki Restaurants in Kyoto: From Fine Dining to All You Can Eat

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A 4-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Mishima Tei is a renowned Kansai-style sukiyaki restaurant established in 1873.

The restaurant is housed in a traditional Kyoto townhouse built in the early Meiji era, offering a classic Kyoto atmosphere that has earned high praise. Most of the building remains as it was at the time of its founding, including a beautiful courtyard garden that changes with the seasons.

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Mishima Tei offers sukiyaki made with carefully selected kuroge wagyu (Japanese Black Wagyu) raised in natural-rich environments across Japan. Following the traditional method, the marbled beef is first grilled on a layer of beef tallow and coarse sugar.

For the first bite, the beef is enjoyed with just warishita sauce ( a simple dashi-based sauce), allowing you to fully appreciate the rich umami, sweetness of the fat, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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For the second and subsequent servings, the beef is accompanied by additions such as fu (wheat gluten), and fresh Kyo-yasai (Kyoto's regional heirloom vegetables) including green onions and aka-manganji peppers. Enjoy the rich flavor of the meat and the crisp texture of the vegetables, all dipped in raw egg.

There are three different courses to choose from, including a lunch option. The courses vary in the amount of meat and appetizers included.

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Just a 2-minute walk from Sanjo Station, Morita Ya is a long-established sukiyaki restaurant founded in 1869.

The restaurant features traditional Kyoto-style sukiya architecture and offers 100 seats, including private Japanese-style rooms and dining on a terrace over the Kamo River, allowing guests to fully experience the charm of Kyoto.

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The sukiyaki at Morita Ya allows you to choose between premium loin and lean cuts of beef. The sukiyaki itself is prepared with their house-made warishita sauce, Kyoto-grown Kujo green onions, and Awaji onions. For dinner, guests can select from four different course menus.

The beef is exceptionally tender, the seasoning perfectly balanced, and the crisp vegetables are equally delicious.

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Oil-yaki (ingredients grilled in oil in a flat-bottom pan), shabu-shabu, and steak are also highly recommended here. Pictured is the "Oil-yaki," featuring thickly sliced beef served with a rich homemade sauce and a special grated daikon radish and egg yolk mixture.

The "Kimi Oroshi"—a blend of grated daikon radish, egg yolk, and ginger juice—together with the savory house sauce, creates a mild condiment mix to enjoy with both the beef and vegetables.

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A sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant operated by a long-established butcher shop with over 100 years of history in Kyoto.

Just a one-minute walk from Sanjo Station, the restaurant offers riverfront dining with views of the Kamo River, as well as private rooms with both table and tatami seating. Guests praise the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and comfortable setting.

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Choose from three sukiyaki courses. The restaurant’s signature style uses only white sugar and soy sauce to cook the meat. The recommended "Yuki" course features tender female Omi beef, renowned for its exceptional quality.

Reviews consistently praise the outstanding flavor of the meat.

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After enjoying the meat, you can add vegetables such as Kujo green onions and Awaji Island onions. These vegetables are not only visually impressive but are said to be even more exceptional in flavor.

They absorb the rich umami from the meat, making them especially delicious. The udon noodles served at the end of the meal are also highly praised.

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Just a 2-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Sukiyaki Iroha is a long-established sukiyaki restaurant founded in 1911.

The Kita branch is housed in a building that originally operated as a teahouse during the Edo period and was renovated in 1964.

The restaurant features a number of traditional private rooms of various sizes, separated by sliding fusuma doors (the traditional paper and wood doors used in Japanese architecture), offering a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere.

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Sukiyaki Iroha uses coarse "goan" sugar, which has larger crystals than regular zarame, along with premium "Kyoto Beef" in their signature sukiyaki. The aroma of the beef searing in an iron pot is part of the experience.

The thick-cut lean beef is exceptionally tender and rich in flavor. The slightly sweet seasoning perfectly embodies the classic taste of sukiyaki.

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The house-made warishita sauce has just the right balance of flavor, allowing you to savor the juiciness of the beef. The vegetables and fu (wheat gluten), soaked in the rich, melted fat, are also delicious.

In addition to their signature sukiyaki set—which includes an appetizer, rice, pickles, and fruit—they also offer dishes such as mizutaki (chicken hot pot) and oil-yaki (beef grilled in oil).

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The meat at Gion Mikaku is carefully aged and deboned in-house, with meticulous attention given to every step of the cutting and preparation process. This dedication is especially evident in dishes like sukiyaki, where the thinly sliced beef allows you to truly appreciate the difference in quality.

The richly marbled loin can be ordered starting from 100 grams.

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The second floor features teppan-yaki, the third floor offers Western cuisine, and the fourth floor is dedicated to a beef hot pot corner. On the second floor, it's especially popular to combine the "Teppan-yaki Sukiyaki" with other course menus.

The beef is quickly seared with sugar, finished with a special sauce, and enjoyed by dipping it in a lightly beaten onsen-style egg. This method allows you to savor the full flavor of the beef in a short time.

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Located a 4-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Junidan Ya is renowned for its delicious "gyuniku no mizutaki" (beef hot pot), said to be the origin of shabu-shabu. The restaurant also serves sukiyaki.

Housed in a two-story traditional Kyoto townhouse, the interior offers a distinct Kyoto atmosphere. Guests can relax in a variety of private rooms, both large and small, ensuring a comfortable and leisurely dining experience.

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The "Kyoto Special Black Wagyu Sukiyaki Set" offered at lunch features a full course beginning with an appetizer and ending with dessert. The meal is centered around 150g of wagyu spencer roll (rib roast).

The beef is flavorful, with a delicate fat that makes it easy to enjoy. When dipped in egg, it achieves a perfectly mellow taste at just the right temperature.

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The convenient "Sukiyaki Bento" is also highly popular. Generously packed with beef, shirataki noodles, tofu, and more, it offers a surprisingly hearty portion.

The tender yet satisfyingly firm beef and tofu, which soaks up the savory flavors, pair perfectly with rice.

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Just a 4-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Kyoto Gyuu Kaiseki Inayoshi is a refined meat kaiseki restaurant located along the Kamo River in Pontocho.

Dine in an elegant, quintessentially Kyoto setting and savor dishes featuring "Kyoto Beef" as the star ingredient.

Private rooms and traditional horigotatsu seating are available, and in summer, guests can enjoy dining on the open-air terrace overlooking the Kamo River.

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The "Sukiyaki Kaiseki" course is available in three variations—Pine, Bamboo, and Plum (representing large, medium and small sizes in traditional Japanese cuisine)—depending on the number of dishes. Each features Kyoto beef with just the right amount of marbling, cooked in a specially made hot pot using coarse sugar and a house-made warishita sauce.

The beef is expertly cooked, resulting in a natural sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, even without any additional condiments.

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After enjoying sukiyaki, you can choose from ochazuke (rice with tea), curry rice, or hayashi rice.

The "Spicy Kyoto Beef Curry Rice" is especially recommended, offering a rich and flavorful taste that highlights the umami of Kyoto beef.

The course also includes generous portions of appetizers, dessert, and more, ensuring a satisfying meal.

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This is a meat-focused kaiseki restaurant operated by Daikichi Shoten, established in 1896. The menu features innovative dishes crafted with generous portions of Omi beef from Shiga Prefecture.

Located just a 4-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, the restaurant offers a tranquil atmosphere with fully private rooms, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their meal in comfort.

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The "One-Bite Sukiyaki" features charcoal-grilled beef paired with "Ryu no Tamago" eggs from Oita Prefecture.

The moment you take a bite, the rich aroma of truffles fills your senses. The dish allows you to fully enjoy the robust flavor of the beef combined with the rich, creamy egg yolk.

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The "Japanese-style stew" features a generous portion of Senbon-suji, a rare cut from Omi beef, with only 500 grams available per cow.

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef is perfectly complemented by a uniquely Japanese sauce made from a blend of white and red miso.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, Negiya Heikichi is a specialty restaurant featuring a variety of leek-based dishes. You can enjoy their popular sukiyaki at a great price.

The restaurant is housed in a renovated traditional Japanese home, offering a warm and inviting wooden interior. With spacious tatami seating and high ceilings, guests can relax and enjoy their meal in comfort.

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This is the "Beef and Green Onion Sukiyaki Set" offered at lunch. The dish features generous amounts of white leek, beef, tofu, and shirataki noodles.

The rich, flavorful sukiyaki pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the green onions and steamed rice. The optional grated yam (tororo) is also highly recommended.

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This dinner specialty, "Negiya's Sukiyaki," allows you to choose from beef short rib, Wagyu, or Kobe beef, making it easy to match your budget.

The set course features beautifully marbled beef and grilled vegetables, and every dish is praised for its delicious flavors.

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A beloved neighborhood sukiyaki restaurant established in 1932, Sukiyaki Kimura is cherished by locals for its long-standing tradition. The interior blends Kyoto's unique charm with a retro atmosphere reminiscent of a classic Showa-era film set.

Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, the restaurant is also close to popular landmarks such as Shiunzan Choho-ji Temple (known as Rokkakudo) and Honno-ji Temple.

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Enjoy Wagyu Sukiyaki for lunch at Sukiyaki Kimura, available in the JPY 2,000 range. Each table is equipped with an illustrated, easy-to-follow guide, so even first-time guests can prepare authentic Kansai-style sukiyaki with confidence.

The lean Wagyu beef ensures a light and satisfying meal.

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Even the premium "Loin Sukiyaki" is available starting from the JPY 3,000 range. The large, beautifully marbled loin melts in your mouth with exceptional flavor.

Another highlight is that you can adjust the warishita sauce and sugar yourself to create your preferred taste.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Sanjo Station, Kyoto Dining Masayoshi is a renovated traditional townhouse specializing in sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and steak.

The two-story interior, adorned with modern fusuma art and antique furnishings, offers a selection of private and semi-private rooms in various sizes.

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Enjoy premium sukiyaki prepared with carefully selected ingredients such as Kuroge Washu Pineapple Beef, Awaji Island onions, Kujo green onions, and Ran-Oh eggs from Oita Prefecture, all available for just over JPY 5,000.

The beef is light and perfectly suited for sukiyaki, while the eggs feature a rich, deeply colored yolk and a robust flavor.

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The restaurant is highly regarded for offering quality steaks at reasonable prices. Choose from Angus beef, Japanese Black Wagyu, and more, with orders starting from 200g.

The steaks are praised for their tender lean meat and just the right amount of marbling. For sauces, you can select from their house-made sukiyaki-style warishita or the rich "Ganso Tamago Dare" egg sauce, making it highly recommended to enjoy your steak in the sukiyaki style.

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A 5-minute walk from Shijo-Omiya Station, Gyu Kimura is a casual, affordable restaurant specializing in meat dishes, operated by a butcher shop.

The restaurant offers recommendations on the best way to enjoy each cut of meat. The interior, softly lit and partitioned by traditional noren curtains, creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

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The "Sukiyaki Gozen" lunch features generous portions of premium, tender beef simmered in a mildly sweet sauce.

Served in a large iron pot for one, it includes yaki-dofu (grilled tofu), shimeji mushrooms, napa cabbage, and more—all at an excellent value for under JPY 1,000.

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The restaurant’s signature "Gyu Harihari Nabe" features beautifully marbled Wagyu beef and Kyoto mizuna greens simmered in a special warishita sauce, then dipped in egg before enjoying.

The tender beef pairs perfectly with the crisp mizuna, creating a light and flavorful dish.

In addition to this specialty, the dinner sukiyaki course is also highly recommended for its excellent value.

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A restaurant where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat sukiyaki at any time of day.

The spacious interior seats 80 guests, with plenty of room between tables for a comfortable dining experience.

Conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from Kyoto Station, on the 6th floor of Kyoto Yodobashi, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.

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The "All You Can Eat Sukiyaki Course" is available for lunch starting from just over JPY 1,000. Guests can choose from options such as beef chuck, pork loin, and chicken thigh. The thinly sliced meats quickly absorb the flavors, allowing you to enjoy plenty within the allotted time.

The sukiyaki sauce is well-balanced—neither too sweet nor too salty—bringing out the best in the meats.

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The "Set Portion Lunch" at Tajimaya allows you to enjoy both shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, starting from 150g, with the option to mix and match your preferred cuts and types of meat. Prices are also very reasonable, starting from just over JPY 1,000.

The beef chuck shabu-shabu is especially delicious when enjoyed with ponzu sauce, sesame dipping sauce, and generous servings of grated Japanese radish and green onions.

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Just a 6-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station and steps from Yasaka Shrine, Gion Gyuuzen offers all-you-can-eat sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and steak at a great price.

With 230 seats, the spacious restaurant features private rooms and a high ceiling, creating an open and relaxed atmosphere.

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A wide variety of all-you-can-eat options are available, allowing you to choose your preferred meats and hot pot ingredients. Enjoy unlimited beef starting from just JPY 3,000, and even the premium Kuroge Wagyu pictured is offered at a reasonable price in the JPY 7,000 range.

The beautifully marbled beef is hand-cut in the restaurant, slice by slice.

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The restaurant is known for its popular "Suki-shabu," which lets you enjoy both sukiyaki and shabu-shabu at the same time. With the all-you-can-eat course featuring premium beef or higher, you can also enjoy unlimited selections from 20 additional dishes and 20 side menu items.

The shabu-shabu, served with ponzu or sesame dipping sauces, is also highly recommended.

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A 6-minute walk from Ichihara Station, Tori Ryori Seto offers chicken sukiyaki made with freshly prepared chicken. The restaurant is housed in a former farmhouse still operated by local farmers, providing a relaxed atmosphere with private rooms featuring traditional sunken kotatsu seating.

With only three groups served per day, reservations are essential at this highly sought-after restaurant.

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Enjoy a course menu featuring charcoal-grilled dishes, sukiyaki, and rice porridge, all prepared over a traditional irori hearth.

The chicken, raised on homegrown vegetables, is expertly prepared just before your arrival to ensure maximum freshness.

You can truly taste the rich flavor and firm texture of the exceptionally fresh chicken.

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This sukiyaki features a light, delicate warishita broth and is served with house-grown vegetables. The sweet, flavorful green onions are especially noteworthy.

The chicken is renowned for its ideal texture—firm yet tender—and pairs perfectly with the rich, fresh egg. Guests can enjoy unlimited refills of the egg, making for an exceptional combination.

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Just a one-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station, Hachikian is a specialty restaurant dedicated to chicken dishes, established in 1970.

The restaurant carefully selects and ages freshly prepared chicken using a unique technique, then chooses the best cuts for each dish.

The interior features a traditional Japanese ambiance, with both counter seating and private rooms available.

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The signature "Chicken Sukiyaki" features tender, flavorful chicken with a pleasantly firm texture, thanks to careful aging.

The thick Kujo green onions are also specially selected, retaining their natural crispness and sweetness even after simmering.

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This specialty is "Duck Sukiyaki." Like their chicken, Hachikian carefully selects premium duck and uses flavorful, firm-textured thigh meat. The appetizers are also delicious and generously portioned, ensuring a satisfying meal.

The restaurant uses Nambu ironware hot pots, known for their excellent heat retention and even temperature, to keep the dish warm throughout your meal.

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Just a five-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, Chisou Inaseya offers a refined Japanese dining experience featuring jidori chicken sukiyaki and a variety of dishes prepared with locally sourced Kyoto ingredients.

Tucked away in a traditional Kyoto townhouse, the restaurant features private rooms and tatami seating. Some tables offer views of a charming courtyard garden, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in an elegant and tranquil setting.

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The "Jidori Chicken Sukiyaki" features pieces of chicken and chicken meatballs simmered with Kujo green onions in a slightly rich, sweet-and-savory warishita sauce. The ingredients absorb the flavorful broth, making each bite especially delicious. In addition to this, "Shamo Chicken Sukiyaki" is also available.

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The "Tanba Jidori Zanmai" course offers a full-course dining experience centered around premium local chicken sukiyaki.

At the end of the meal, you can enjoy "Tamago-jime," where a fresh egg is added to the remaining sukiyaki sauce and poured over rice. The combination of rich flavors from the ingredients and the egg makes for a delicious finish.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station, Akariya is an izakaya specializing in chicken dishes, including chicken sukiyaki.

The restaurant is housed in a traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse, offering counter seating, private rooms, and tables overlooking a charming courtyard garden. The tranquil and refined atmosphere provides a relaxing dining experience.

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The "Omi Shamo Sukiyaki Gozen" lunch set is served piping hot and bubbling. It features ingredients such as Omi game fowl, nama-fu (wheat gluten), Kyoto tofu, and Kujo green onions.

Enjoy the tender, springy texture of the game fowl and the flavorful nama-fu that soaks up the sukiyaki broth.

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Their specialty, "Omi Jidori Chicken Sukiyaki," features various cuts of Omi Jidori chicken simmered in a perfectly balanced sukiyaki sauce that is not overly sweet. The dish pairs especially well with the black shichimi pepper provided at the table.

To finish, enjoy their handmade soba noodles by dipping them into the remaining sukiyaki sauce and then coating them in egg for a delicious final touch.