Traditional Kyoto cuisine restaurants
When you come to Kyoto, you should try traditional Kyoto cuisine at least once. As well as offering delicious food, a good Kyoto restaurant provides a great atmosphere with traditional architecture, beautiful gardens, excellent service and elegant tableware. Make sure you make a reservation if you plan to dine at one of these restaurants.
$$$ Kyoto Kitcho (京都吉兆) Kitcho is a very special, very expensive Japanese restaurant. The lunch menu starts at over 50,000 yen. It is located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist destinations. Kitcho also has a branch in Gion called Hana Kitcho. This restaurant is more affordable than the one in Arashiyama.
$$$ Hyotei (瓢亭) is also one of the best restaurants for Kyoto cuisine. It is located near Nanzen-ji Temple. Hyotei’s asagayu (morning rice porridge) is very famous, and is more affordable than the lunch and dinner menus. You can enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast here to start your day.
$$$ Tankuma (たん熊) is another very famous restaurant in Kyoto. It is located near city-center area. Hot pot with soft-shell turtle (Suppon) is delicious.
$$$ Takeshigero (竹茂楼) is my favourite Kyoto-style restaurant. It is located near Nanzen-ji Temple. Although not as expensive as the previous three restaurants, this restaurant is very classy.
$$ Heihachi Jyaya (平八茶屋). I love the rolled barley and rice with grated yam soup (mugimesi tororo-jiru), which is the restaurant’s signature dish. The restaurant is located by the Takano River. The cherry blossom along the riverbank is beautiful in spring, and the restaurant itself has a stunning garden. This restaurant is more affordable than others and has a more casual atmosphere.
Popular Japanese Restaurant
$$ Ganko Takasegawa Nijyoen: This restaurant was originally built as a business tycoon’s mansion in the early 17th century. It boasts traditional Japanese architecture and a beautiful garden. It was purchased by a Japanese chain restaurant and converted into a popular eatery. It offers a wide variety of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, Kobe beef, crab, pufferfish and kaiseki (course dishes) as well as nabe (hot pot). Ganko offers a Maiko (Geisha) package priced at 60,000 yen. Prices may vary depending on the dining package selected.
Sushi
Take out/Delivery Sushi
Yayoi Sushi
Yayoi Sushi is a Takeout/delivery only sushi shop in Sakyoku, Kyoto. Compared with Delivery Chojiro, Yayoi sushi is a clear winner. However, Chojiro is a popular Sushi chain and there are many restaurants and delivery/pick up shops in Kyoto. You should be able to find Chojiro without too much hustle.
Chojiro Sushi, Delivery/Take out
Chinese Restaurant
Ohsho (王将) The full name is Gyoza no Ohsho meaning the king of dumpling. This is the most popular Chinese chain restaurant in Kyoto. There must be dozens of Ohsho in Kyoto City alone.