Kyoto Gourmet! 20 Top-Rated Restaurants on Tabelog

Photograph:焼肉姉妹

The highly recommended lunch course is known for its excellent value. You can enjoy a full, satisfying course here for a fraction of what it would cost in central Kyoto.

Savor an omakase menu featuring the best of both seafood and seasonal mountain ingredients.

Photograph:むむむムーちゃん

There are several price options available, and the menu is for take away only.

Please note that bento boxes are not offered during the summer months (June to September). Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this authentic taste of Kyoto’s culinary tradition while they are available.

Photograph:ぴーたんたん

This eye-catching cookie, which could easily be mistaken for an Oreo at first glance, is made with black garlic.

Blended with garlic and bamboo charcoal powder, it offers a playful, artful twist that makes for a truly unique dining experience.

Photograph:みるみんく

The restaurant's specialty, "Tori Kara-age," features chicken wings that have been air-dried overnight. These wings are simply deep-fried and served with a selection of spices for added flavor. They pair perfectly with your favorite drink.

As this is a very popular restaurant where reservations fill up quickly, we recommend booking well in advance.

Photograph:bottan

This is the restaurant's renowned "Saba Sushi"—beautifully presented and featuring a generous cut of mackerel for a satisfying bite.

The mackerel is marinated in soy sauce for three days, and a layer of sansho pepper is placed between the rice and fish to add a distinctive accent. This gourmet specialty showcases exceptional craftsmanship.

Photograph:みるみんく

The house specialty at Nanaharu is kushikatsu—deep-fried skewers prepared fresh to order. With a wide variety to choose from, you can enjoy each skewer just the way you like, seasoned with your choice of ponzu sauce, salt, or a savory worcestershire based sauce.

Unique offerings such as "Tenshi no ebi no maki age"（a kushikatsu skewer made with tenshi no ebi brand shrimp curled into a ball and fried) and "Soft-Boiled Egg with Grated Yam" showcase the restaurant’s creative approach and attention to detail.

Photograph:サプレマシー

When it comes to unagi restaurants, "Unaju" (grilled eel over rice in a lacquered box) is an absolute must-try.

At Unagiya Hirokawa, the eel is expertly grilled to a crisp and fragrant finish on the outside, while remaining tender and fluffy inside. It is perfectly complemented by a mildly sweet sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Photograph:ぴーたんたん

Hyotei is renowned for its morning rice porridge, or "asagayu," a popular dish that highlights the natural sweetness of rice and the delicate flavor of dashi broth.

This special porridge is available exclusively in the morning, drawing many guests who make a point to visit early. It is a comforting meal that gently nourishes the body at the start of the day.

Photograph:浜崎龍

There is a wide variety of curry udon dishes available, including Cheese Kitsune Curry Udon, Katsu Curry Udon, and Tempura Curry Udon.

In addition to curry udon, the menu also features classic udon, rice bowls, soba, and more.

Photograph:yama-log

The shop offers a stunning array of traditional Kyoto sweets, including the exquisite "Chiyo Tansu," a beautifully presented in a chest-shaped box of confectionary made from Kyokanoko washi paper, and the "Maru Monaka," a rice cake filled with bean paste made using only large Kyoto Dainagon adzuki beans.

In spring, the selection features sakura-themed treats and other seasonal Japanese confections, all beautifully crafted and vibrant.

Be sure to stop by during your stroll through Kyoto to experience these unique local delicacies.

Photograph:tamtam0306

Ramen Touhichi offers a wide variety of handmade ramen dishes, including ramen, tsukesoba (dipping noodles), and mazesoba (brothless noodles), all made with their own house-made noodles.

The photo shows their signature "Chicken Shoyu Ramen." The amber-hued chicken oil floats atop a clear, refined broth with a delicate, elegant flavor.

The medium-thin, straight noodles pair perfectly with the soup, offering a smooth texture and a satisfying slurp.

Photograph:ぽちのかいぬし

The shop’s signature cake, "S," features a mousse made from fromage blanc (similar to no-bake cheesecake) atop a lemon-scented sponge cake.

Filled with fruit for a touch of tartness, this dessert is known for its light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious flavor.

A must-visit in Kyoto for anyone who loves sweets. Dine-in is also available.

Photograph:ドクトルぼん

The menu at Kushi Tanaka features only the "Kushiage One-Way" course, where you can enjoy up to 20 different seasonal skewers, served continuously until you say stop.

This charming Kyoto restaurant is highly regarded for offering 20 kinds of kushiage at the great price of JPY 3,800.

Enjoy freshly fried, crispy yet tender skewers—a true culinary delight that lets you experience Kyoto nights to the fullest.

Photograph:ななしょう

Among the many breads available, the curry bread and croissants are especially popular.

The curry bread features flavorful dough filled with spicy curry and generous chunks of meat.

Although located in Uji City—a bit off the beaten path—Tama Ki Tei is well worth a visit for anyone seeking authentic Kyoto gourmet experiences.

Photograph:kamokawa

The signature dish here is the "Special Keema Spinach Curry," which can also be served as a 2-curry combo meal.

The flavors are robustly spiced yet refined, offering a mellow taste that reflects the essence of Kyoto’s culinary style.

You can also enjoy a variety of Kyoto-inspired curries, such as the Yamato Chicken Curry and Vegetable Curry.

Photograph:「まっすん」

The "zaru soba" features noodles with a pleasantly firm texture and a rich, savory flavor. For the best experience, dip them lightly into the robust, flavorful dipping sauce.

Enjoy with a touch of wasabi or pair with Japanese sake. Relax in the tranquil atmosphere of Kyoto and savor authentic soba in a traditional Japanese setting.

Photograph:ひろっし(会長)

The ramen soup is made by gently extracting the natural umami of seafood at low temperatures, blending several carefully selected types of dried fish for a rich, flavorful taste. The noodles are made with whole wheat flour, blending two varieties of Hokkaido wheat, resulting in a slightly thin noodle that pairs perfectly with the soup.

The photo features their signature "Dashi Soba" with white soy sauce. In addition to white soy sauce, a black soy sauce version is also available.

Photograph:まろんママ

The highly recommended monaka features a fresh, moist red bean filling with an impressive richness and texture.

Kyogashi Tsukasa Shojuken is also known for its "Kimi Shigure," a confection that perfectly pairs white bean paste with the flavor of egg yolk. This is one Kyoto specialty shop worth reserving in advance for your visit.

Photograph:大哉心乎

Recommended items include croissants, rustic breads, and tarts.

The Rum Raisin Milk France features a crusty French-style loaf generously filled with milk cream and rum-soaked raisins—offering a true taste of Europe.

Le Petit Mec is a must-visit destination for Kyoto food lovers. Dine-in is also available.

Photograph:チリペッパ～

The highly recommended "Tentoji Udon" and "Tentoji Donburi" feature a large tempura shrimp simmered with fluffy egg.

The udon noodles are known for their soft yet pleasantly chewy texture and delicious flavor.

This popular restaurant often has long lines, so be sure to allow extra time for your visit!