Discover the Best Restaurants in Central Kyoto

When it comes to dining out in Kyoto, the city offers an eclectic mix of Japanese and international cuisine, with a wide range of food options to satisfy any palate. From traditional Japanese dishes to modern fusion cuisine, there are plenty of excellent restaurants to explore in central Kyoto. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a great meal, this guide will help you discover the best restaurants in central Kyoto.

The Top 15 Restaurants in Central Kyoto

🍱 1. Kikunoi

🍜 2. Ippudo Ramen

🍣 3. Sushimasa

🍲 4. Okariba

🍛 5. Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station

🍝 6. Pomme’s Pasta and Cafe

🍺 7. Beer Komachi

🍰 8. Saryo Tsujiri Gion Honten

🍢 9. Hyoto Kyoto

🥘 10. Moritaya Shijo Karasuma

🍴 11. Gogyo

🍱 12. Tempura Endo Yasaka Gion

🍜 13. Ramen Sen no Kaze

🍣 14. Musashi Sushi

🥘 15. Zakuro Shabu Shabu

Introduction

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, Kyoto is considered one of the best destinations in Japan. The city is known for its traditional dishes and unique flavors that have been passed down through generations. Kyoto is also a city that is a blend of traditional and modern culture, which is reflected in its food scene. In this article, we will be exploring some of the best restaurants in central Kyoto that offer a variety of Japanese and international cuisines.

The Best Restaurants in Central Kyoto

Central Kyoto is a bustling area with plenty of dining options. From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble noodle shops, there is something for everyone in the area. Here are some of the best restaurants in central Kyoto:

Kikunoi

🍱 Location: Nakagyo Ward

Kikunoi is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant has a serene and tranquil atmosphere, and the food is beautifully presented. Kikunoi’s kaiseki menu changes seasonally, and it features fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.

Ippudo Ramen

🍜 Location: Shimogyo Ward

If you’re looking for a hearty bowl of ramen in central Kyoto, Ippudo Ramen is the place to go. This popular chain restaurant is known for its rich and savory pork broth, which is simmered for over 18 hours. The noodles are cooked in-house, and the toppings include tender chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, and crunchy bean sprouts.

Sushimasa

🍣 Location: Nakagyo Ward

Sushimasa is a traditional sushi restaurant that serves some of the freshest and most delicious sushi in Kyoto. The restaurant’s chef, Mr. Masayoshi Kadowaki, is a master sushi chef who has trained in top-rated sushi restaurants in Tokyo. The menu features a range of nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls, and the ingredients are sourced from the best markets in Japan.

Okariba

🍲 Location: Nakagyo Ward

Okariba is a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Japanese dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a range of hot pot dishes, such as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, which are cooked at the table. The restaurant also offers a variety of grilled dishes, such as yakitori and grilled fish.

Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station

🍛 Location: Shimogyo Ward

Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station is a popular restaurant that serves traditional Japanese sweets and green tea. The restaurant has a stylish and modern interior, and it offers a range of sweet and savory dishes that are made using matcha (green tea). Some of the must-try dishes include matcha soft serve ice cream, matcha soba noodles, and matcha parfait.

Pomme’s Pasta and Cafe

🍝 Location: Nakagyo Ward

Pomme’s Pasta and Cafe is a cozy restaurant that serves Italian-inspired dishes with a Japanese twist. The menu features a range of pasta dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara and tomato sauce pasta, as well as a variety of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian and vegan menu.

Beer Komachi

🍺 Location: Shimogyo Ward

Beer Komachi is a craft beer bar that offers a wide range of local and international beers. The bar has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and it’s a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. The menu features a range of snacks, such as cheese platters and chicken wings, that pair perfectly with the beer.

Saryo Tsujiri Gion Honten

🍰 Location: Higashiyama Ward

Saryo Tsujiri Gion Honten is a dessert cafe that serves a range of Japanese sweets made with matcha. The cafe has a stylish and modern interior, and it offers a range of desserts, such as matcha parfait and matcha roll cake. The cafe also serves a variety of drinks, such as matcha latte and matcha soda.

Hyoto Kyoto

🍢 Location: Nakagyo Ward

Hyoto Kyoto is a classic Japanese restaurant that serves traditional Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant has a traditional and elegant interior, and it’s a great place to experience the local culture. The menu features a range of dishes, such as eel, tofu, and pickled vegetables, that are made using local ingredients.

Moritaya Shijo Karasuma

🥘 Location: Shimogyo Ward

Moritaya Shijo Karasuma is a popular restaurant that serves hot pot dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and rustic interior, and it’s a great place to enjoy a warm meal on a cold day. The menu features a range of hot pot dishes, such as chicken sukiyaki and seafood hot pot, that are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Gogyo

🍴 Location: Higashiyama Ward

Gogyo is a restaurant that specializes in charred ramen. The restaurant has a dark and moody interior, and it’s a great place to enjoy a unique dining experience. The menu features a range of ramen dishes, such as burnt miso ramen and burnt soy sauce ramen, that are cooked over an open flame.

Tempura Endo Yasaka Gion

🍱 Location: Higashiyama Ward

Tempura Endo Yasaka Gion is a high-end tempura restaurant that serves some of the best tempura in Kyoto. The restaurant has a sophisticated and elegant interior, and it offers a range of tempura dishes that are made using fresh and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian and vegan menu.

Ramen Sen no Kaze

🍜 Location: Nakagyo Ward

Ramen Sen no Kaze is a small and cozy ramen shop that serves some of the best ramen in Kyoto. The restaurant has a simple and minimalist interior, and it’s a great place to enjoy a quick and tasty meal. The menu features a range of ramen dishes, such as miso ramen and tonkotsu ramen, that are made using homemade noodles and broth.

Musashi Sushi

🍣 Location: Nakagyo Ward

Musashi Sushi is a popular sushi restaurant that offers a range of affordable and delicious sushi dishes. The restaurant has a casual and relaxed atmosphere, and it’s a great place to enjoy a quick meal. The menu features a range of nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls that are made using fresh and high-quality ingredients.

Zakuro Shabu Shabu

🥘 Location: Shimogyo Ward

Zakuro Shabu Shabu is a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Japanese hot pot dishes. The restaurant has a homely and welcoming atmosphere, and it’s a great place to enjoy a warm meal with friends and family. The menu features a range of hot pot dishes, such as beef and vegetable shabu-shabu, that are cooked at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the dress code for restaurants in Kyoto?

There is no specific dress code for restaurants in Kyoto, but it’s always a good idea to dress neatly and avoid overly casual clothing.

2. Are reservations necessary for restaurants in Kyoto