Kyoto Restaurants: The Best Places to Eat in the Ancient Capital

Feast your way through the vibrant and ancient city of Kyoto, a captivating blend of tradition, refinement, ritual and innovation.

Kyoto is a seamless blend of old and new, and that duality is reflected in its food. Alongside centuries-old institutions, Kyoto has a growing crop of modern, chef-led spots reworking traditional flavours. Here, you can go from a quick noodle stop to a multi-course kaiseki dinner in Gion – often in the same day.

If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to Kyoto restaurants, you’re in the right place.

What makes Kyoto food different?

a Japanese lunch set in a Kyoto restaurant — Kyoto developed a more refined style of cuisine. (Credit: Getty/Michael Derrer Fuchs)

Kyoto stood as Japan’s capital for over 1000 years, and in that time became a hub of culture and politics. Its imperial status meant the city developed a more refined style of cuisine built on seasonality and presentation – after all, it had to appeal to the discerning tastes of aristocratic figures.

This is why Kyoto foods are typically delicate and balanced, with a special tradition known as kaiseki – multi-course haute cuisine that celebrates the seasons through meticulously crafted dishes.

What food is Kyoto famous for?

wagashi store in Kyoto — Wagashi is a must-try on your Kyoto adventure. (Credit: Getty/ LewisTsePuiLung)

Kyoto has a diverse and deeply traditional spread of foods, with famous specialties including kaiseki, yudofu and yuba (types of tofu dishes), kyo-yasai (certified heirloom vegetables), shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian temple cuisine), obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking) and wagashi sweets. The city’s inland positioning also means ingredients like preserved fish and tofu are everyday staples.

Kyoto restaurants by cuisine

Kaiseki

Kaiseki is world-famous, and you’ll find plenty of exceptional spots to try it. 

●  Kikunoi Roan: Boasting two Michelin stars, this is the more approachable sibling to the three-star Kikunoi Honten, serving multi-course kaiseki at an intimate counter, where each dish is introduced as it’s plated

● Hyotei: This historic tea house sits amid the tranquil Nanzenji Temple gardens, serving season-driven kaiseki in a centuries-old teahouse overlooking the grounds.

● Guilo Guilo Hitoshina: If you’re after something more casual, visit this intimate spot for a more relaxed, counter-style take on kaiseki with a lively, slightly theatrical feel.

Tofu cuisine

a tofu dish from Kyoto, Japan — Sample soya-based tofu dishes. (Credit: Getty/Suebsiri)

 Soybean products are staple Kyoto foods, making them a must-try during your visit here.

● Tousuiro: Perched right on the picturesque Kamo River in a gorgeous old machiya townhouse, Tousuiro focuses entirely on tofu, from silky yudofu to multi-course tofu kaiseki.

● Okutan Kiyomizu: Dating all the way back to 1635, this is Kyoto’s oldest restaurant and the best spot to try yudofu – a regional specialty of silken tofu gently simmered in broth.

Ramen and soba

Ramen from Kyoto, Japan — Cosy up with a comforting bowl of authentic ramen. (Credit: Getty/holgs)

Noodles are a daily ritual in Kyoto, whether you’re grabbing a quick soba or settling in for a carefully composed bowl of ramen.

● Arashiyama Yoshimura: With sweeping views over the Hozu-gawa River and Arashiyama Mountains, this no-fuss noodle house makes soba from freshly hand-ground buckwheat.

● Men-ya Inoichi: With only 10 seats, you may have to queue for over an hour to nab a spot – but the wait will be worth it. Men-ya Inoichi serves up clear, umami-rich broths built on seafood stock.

● Kombu to Men Kiichi: You’ll find a modern spin on ramen at Kombu to Men Kiichi, a delicate bowl made with a unique kelp broth – a rare, completely fish-free approach that’s made it a standout for vegetarians. 

Sushi

Sushi is ubiquitous in Japan, but Kyoto has a style all of its own.

● Sushi Matsumoto: This Michelin-starred counter focuses on Edomae-style sushi, with each piece shaped and served one by one using top-quality seafood flown in daily.

● Gion zuju: Here, you can try Kyo-sushi (Kyoto-style sushi), including saba sugata sushi (whole mackerel sushi).

● Den Shichi: The quality of the seafood at Den Shichi is hard to beat, with top-quality fish served simply and a focus on balance and knife work. Just don’t be surprised if you have to queue for a seat! 

Matcha

Matcha is a Kyoto icon, thanks to the city’s status as the birthplace of Japanese tea culture.

● Tsujirihei Honten: In a classic teahouse setting in serene Japanese gardens, Tsujirihei Honten is a go-to for authentic matcha drinks and a full lineup of matcha desserts, from parfaits to soft-serve.

● Nakamura Tokichi: With a convenient location inside Kyoto Station, you can easily stop by Nakamura Tokichi for a quick matcha latte or dessert parfait en route to one of your next stops.

● Gion Tsujiri: In the heart of the historic Gion district, this institution is a must-visit for experiencing Kyoto’s ancient matcha traditions, with a well-stocked store for picking up keepsakes of your trip.

Wagashi

These traditional Japanese sweets are a must-try on your Kyoto adventure.

● Kagizen Yoshifusa: With multiple locations across Kyoto, sample one of the delicate, artful or classic sweets from Kagizen Yoshifusa.

● Toraya Ichijo: Try yokan, manju and seasonal confections at this historic shop before wandering over to the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace.

● Demachi Futaba: The mochi here is a local standout, but the many other sweet treats – including daifuku and rice cakes – are absolutely worth trying.

Best Kyoto restaurants by neighbourhood

Kyoto’s neighbourhoods are as diverse as its food, with each area home to its own culinary highlights.

Gion

a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan — Join a tea ceremony in one of the traditional tea houses in Gion. (Credit: Getty/redonion1515)

Gion is the focal point of Kyoto’s historic geiko and maiko culture, marked by its laneways, tea houses and centuries-old wooden buildings.

● Gion Sasaki: It’s notoriously hard to book, but if you get a seat, expect a tightly paced kaiseki progression where each course is introduced at the counter and built around what’s in season that week.

● Chidoritei: This family-run sushi joint is popular for its Kyoto-style sushi – think pressed sushi, mackerel and pickled flavours.

Nishiki Market area

skewered meats in Kyoto, Japan — Make a beeline for skewered meats and grilled seafood. (Credit: Getty/y-studio)

Nishiki Market is in itself a destination well worth visiting, a hub for fresh produce, street food, snacks and more, but there are great spots around it, too.

● Kyoto Engine Ramen: Expect rich, slow-simmered broths and a surprisingly strong lineup of vegan ramen, with options built on soy milk and vegetable stock rather than pork.

● Onimaru Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi: This unassuming spot does creative onigiri (rice balls) with less typical fillings like seasoned beef, pickled veg and rich egg yolk.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Arashiyama

a Bento breakfast box in a ryokan — A traditional bento breakfast in a ryokan in Arashiyama. (Credit: Getty/Mixellany)

In the far west of the city, Arashiyama is a peaceful pocket of temples, shrines and a sprawling bamboo forest.

● Kitcho Arashiyama: The set menus at this riverfront institution are meticulously paced and season-driven, and one of Japan’s most exclusive restaurants. From 40,000 to 50,000 yen per head, it’s great for a special occasion.

● Shoraian: Set within a peaceful riverside forest in Kameyama Park, Shoraian is equal parts scenic and serene. Come for the tofu-based sets, which focus on tofu in many different forms.

Central Kyoto

spicy tsukemen noodles with soup — Enjoy a bowl of spicy tsukemen-style noodles. (Credit: Getty/Zoie Chow)

The centre of Kyoto is a busy commercial core and transport hub, where modern development sits alongside restored machiya townhouses.

● Mishima Tei: This iconic restaurant specialises in beef, hand-selecting the finest cuts and serving them in an array of rich dishes.

●  Wajoryomen Sugari: Housed in a converted townhouse, Wajoryomen Sugari serves richer, more modern ramen – think thick tsukemen-style noodles with deeply flavoured dipping broths built on pork and seafood.

Kyoto’s Michelin-starred restaurants

a kaiseki dinner in Kyoto, Japan — Every Kaiseki meal is a multi-sensory experience. (Credit: Getty/kendoNice)

With such a depth of high-quality food and refined experiences, it’s little surprise Kyoto boasts so many Michelin stars.

● Mizai (3 stars): Mizai offers an ultra-refined kaiseki experience with just a handful of seats, where each course is served in sequence and built entirely around the day’s best ingredients.

● Ogata (2 stars): Ogata strips kaiseki back to its essentials, focusing on minimal, seasonal dishes where the quality of each ingredient does the heavy lifting.

● Cenci (1 star): At Cenci, Japanese ingredients meet Italian technique – like handmade pasta paired with local seafood and seasonal vegetables in a light, produce-driven menu.

Best budget restaurants in Kyoto

a Kyoto-style Beef Tofu Udon — Slurp soft udon noodles. (Credit: Getty/ken6345)

Unassuming these eateries may be, but they’re no less delicious.

● Chao Chao Gyoza: True to the name, gyoza are the specialty here – and they’re crispy-bottomed with a huge range of fillings. Try everything from classic pork to creative variations, and soak up the fun, casual atmosphere.

● Omen: Udon noodles are Omen’s specialty, served hot, cold and alongside a selection of seasonal dishes.

● Musashi Sushi: Musashi Sushi is a chain, but that doesn’t mean it’s average. Come here for affordable sushi served conveyor belt-style.

Tips for dining in Kyoto

Tonkatsu group dining in Japan — Be sure to sit, as walking while eating on the streets of Kyoto is considered rude. (Credit: Getty/primeimages)

● The reservation struggle is real: Some high-end restaurants don’t accept reservations from first-time customers unless they have a connection with a regular, a practice known as ichigen-san okotowari. Having your hotel concierge make the booking on your behalf can improve your chances of scoring a seat.

● Learn proper etiquette: With so many ancient spaces and customs, it pays to understand the local rules. Remove your shoes at the entrance or when required, and place them neatly at the entrance. You’ll be on tatami mats in some traditional spots, so decent socks are a must.

● Practice good table manners: Some of the essential customs include saying itadakimasu before eating, using chopsticks correctly, not sticking them upright in rice and avoiding passing food chopstick-to-chopstick.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Kyoto restaurants: the best places to eat in the ancient capital