Kyoto Food Guide
Kyoto cuisine (Kyo-ryori) is refined, seasonal, and beautiful. From imperial court dishes to humble temple food, eating here is an art form.
Kaiseki
Multi-course traditional Japanese haute cuisine. Art on a plate, seasonal ingredients, and meticulous presentation.
Kikunoi
Higashiyama
3 Michelin stars, accessible kaiseki
Gion Sasaki
Gion
Modern interpretations, intimate setting
Hyotei
Nanzen-ji
400+ years of history, garden dining
Yoshikawa
Central
Tempura kaiseki specialty
Tip: Reservations required weeks ahead. Expect ¥15,000-50,000+ per person. Dress smartly.
Matcha & Sweets
Kyoto is matcha heaven. Green tea everything - from traditional ceremonies to modern desserts.
Nakamura Tokichi
Uji
The matcha source, legendary parfaits
Tsujiri
Gion
Historic tea house, excellent soft serve
Saryo Suisen
Higashiyama
Quiet garden, traditional experience
%Arabica
Arashiyama/Higashiyama
Modern coffee with matcha options
Tip: Visit Uji (30min from Kyoto) for the best matcha - it's where it all started.
Tofu
Kyoto-style tofu is silky, delicate, and nothing like what you've had before. A temple cuisine staple.
Junsei
Nanzen-ji
Full yudofu course in garden setting
Okutan
Nanzen-ji
400 years old, simple perfection
Tousuiro
Central
Modern tofu cuisine, affordable
Yudofu restaurants near Kiyomizu
Higashiyama
Multiple options, temple views
Tip: Yudofu (simmered tofu) is the classic preparation. Best in winter but available year-round.
Nishiki Market
Kyoto's Kitchen - a 400-year-old covered market with 100+ stalls of local specialties.
Tako Tamago
Nishiki Market
Octopus head stuffed with quail egg
Konnamon
Nishiki Market
Tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) on a stick
Pickles (Tsukemono)
Multiple stalls
Kyoto's famous pickled vegetables
Fresh Yuba
Tofu stalls
Tofu skin, silky and delicate
Tip: Go hungry, eat as you walk. Best before noon to avoid crowds. Some stalls closed Wednesdays.
Ramen
Kyoto-style ramen features rich, creamy chicken broth (not pork). A local specialty worth trying.
Menya Inoichi
Central
Chicken paitan, cult following
Takabashi Ramen
Kyoto Station
Classic Kyoto-style, late night
Ramen Sen no Kaze
Central
Modern interpretations
Honke Daiichiasahi
Kyoto Station
24 hours, rich pork broth
Tip: Kyoto chicken broth ramen is lighter than Tokyo's - try both to compare!
Deep Dive: Hidden Gems in Kyoto
Discover the secret spots most tourists never find - including incredible local restaurants.
Read the full guide →