One of the most important cities, which was the capital for a long time and today is the soul of old Japan and timeless elegance. Exactly, I mean Kyoto! With countless temples, blooming cherry blossoms, dreamy autumn foliage, and artful gardens, it is the center of seasonal beauty.
Explore Kyoto’s restaurants, market food and traditional tea culture. The recommendations below include updated visitor information. Please note that Honke Owariya is currently closed until further notice; its former listing is retained as a closure notice.
Tip #1: Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market offers many food shops along a covered street about 390 metres long. Known as Kyoto’s kitchen, it has more than 400 years of market history. Explore local ingredients and prepared foods, and eat purchases inside or in front of the shop rather than while walking.
Many vendors have taken over the shops from their families, so they are now run in the 3rd to 5th generation, impressive, isn't it? It is a market that lives and constantly evolves. Experience the transformation of Kyoto and the best food right there!
Opening hours and closing days vary by shop. Please check individual shops on the market’s official website before visiting.
- Nishiki Market, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Tip #2: Menbaka
Menbaka is known for its Fire Ramen presentation: the chef pours flaming oil over spring onions in the bowl. Follow the staff’s instructions throughout the experience.
The most important thing for the kitchen team is to preserve the original flavor of the ramen, which means: soy sauce with broth. Menbaka cooks under the motto "Happiness lies in every bowl" and this is accompanied by first-class service. So it is a must where you have to eat in Kyoto.
- Daily: 11am–9pm. Reservations are made online for set menus; walk-in options differ.
- 757-2 Minamiiseyacho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8153, Japan
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Honke Owariya – closure notice
Honke Owariya traces its history to 1465 and was known for its soba and traditional confectionery. Its restaurant operations were suspended indefinitely from January 11, 2026.
The restaurant is currently closed until further notice. No reopening date has been confirmed, so please choose another venue for your visit. This entry is retained as a closure notice for readers familiar with the restaurant.
Currently closed until further notice; former opening hours no longer apply.
- Japan, 〒604-0841 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Niomontsukinukecho, 322
Tip #3: Kikunoi Honten
This 3-star Michelin cuisine must be tried, because at Kikunoi Honten, the most renowned chefs of Japan are cooking. Here, not only are traditional courses reinterpreted and served, but there is also a special spring water tradition.
Kikunoi opened as a restaurant in 1912. Its family history is connected to the Kikusui well, once used for tea by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife. Today the restaurant serves seasonal kaiseki in a setting that emphasizes its garden, art and surroundings.
Lunch arrival: 12pm–12:30pm. Dinner arrival: 5pm–7:30pm.
Normally closed on the first and third Tuesday of the month, with additional year-end closures. Please check the current calendar when booking.
- Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Shimokawaracho, 459
Tip #4: Izusen
Izusen’s Daiji-in branch is located within the Daitoku-ji temple complex. It specializes in shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, with seasonal dishes served in traditional bowls.
The dishes are small but artful — in Spain one would call them tapas. Let yourself enter a new level and enjoy a meal in the garden of the temple — who knows what else you might experience besides a sensational taste.
- Daily from 11am; last orders at 4pm. Closed December 28–31. Please check the website for exceptional closures.
- Japan, 〒603-8231 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Murasakino Daitokujicho, ４−4 大慈院内
Tip #5: Kikyo Sushi
A perfect spot for a dinner in Kyoto is Kikyo Sushi. Housed in a traditional Kyomachiya, a wooden townhouse and a symbol of Kyoto's cultural heritage, traditional Japanese food is also served: sushi.
There is nigiri sushi, tempura, grilled fish, and delicious desserts. Not too expensive, but all the more delicious! It is the favorite restaurant for sushi among the locals. The special thing — for those who want to stay longer or come more often: they even offer a workshop to make sushi yourself.
Dinner: 5pm–10pm. Closed every Wednesday and on some Tuesdays; please check the restaurant’s business calendar.
- 43 Daimonji-cho, Aburanokoji-dori Marutamachi-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0071, Japan
Tip #6: Towerland – Rooftop Bar & BBQ
Under blue skies or during a beautiful sunset – one thing is always there: a breathtaking view of the city. Towerland is a restaurant where time passes by and the fun only builds up. Different seating areas create different atmospheres, but in any case, it is a modern city experience.
TOWERLAND offers rooftop BBQ set menus and a bring-your-own-ingredients plan. Selected BBQ menus include unlimited salad and grilled vegetables. Check the current menu and event calendar for details, including DJ events.
Best to book and reserve early, otherwise the BBQ gets booked out and eaten up quickly!
Current September schedule: daily 11:30am–11pm. Food last orders: 9pm; drinks: 10:30pm. Please check the website calendar for seasonal changes and weather-related closures.
- Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Higashishiokojicho, 721-1 京都タワービル 10階 屋上
Tip #7: Gion Tsujiri
One of the most famous tea houses in Kyoto is Gion Tsujiri. In the middle of the old town, it is the perfect place for a break from sightseeing. Here, you'll find tea from the best location in Uji – you can even taste it before buying and take it home as a souvenir for your loved ones.
For seated matcha desserts such as parfaits, visit Saryo Tsujiri on the second and third floors of the same building. The Gion Tsujiri tea shop and the Saryo Tsujiri tearoom have different opening hours and telephone numbers.
The tea shop lives by the motto "Tea brings back the original nature of the human being" – experience your personal tea-transformation and enjoy a piece of Kyoto's culture.
Gion Tsujiri tea shop: 10:30am–9pm; soft-serve last orders at 8pm.
Saryo Tsujiri tearoom: 10:30am–8:30pm; last orders at 7:30pm.
Irregular closing days; please check the official website.
573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Tea shop: +81 75 551 1122
Tearoom: +81 75 561 2257
Tip #8: Arashiyama Yoshimura
Arashiyama Yoshimura specializes in handmade soba, with views of Togetsukyo Bridge, the river and the surrounding scenery.
The menu focuses on soba dishes, including noodles with tempura and duck-broth soba. Tofu and yuba dining is offered by the group’s separate Matsugae restaurant, so check that you are booking or visiting the intended venue.
A good stop for handmade soba during a visit to Arashiyama.
Weekdays: 11am–4pm. Weekends and public holidays: 11am–5pm.
During peak sightseeing seasons: 10:30am–5pm. Closed January 1. Please check for seasonal changes.
- Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, ３
Tip #9: Tominokoji Tempura Matsui
Tempura is a popular method of preparation in Japanese cuisine and the best food in Kyoto! In this process, fish and vegetables are battered and deep-fried, then served. Tominokoji Tempura Matsui is known for the artistry of tempura cuisine.
The open kitchen allows guests to look over the chef's shoulder during preparation and be amazed. There are lunch menus as well as dinner menus available, which are based on refined and luxurious ingredients and impress with their flavors. Since it is located near a train station and many sights, it is an ideal spot!
Lunch: 11:30am–2pm. Dinner: 5:30pm–8:30pm.
Irregular closing days; please check the restaurant’s website.
- 富小路マンション 1階, 540 Asakuracho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8074, Japan
