The Best Casual Restaurants in Kyoto

Monk is a small restaurant near the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto that highlights local, seasonal ingredients through wood-fired cooking. Every morning, the team visits nearby farms to pick the freshest produce, bringing simple and balanced flavors to each meal. The cozy atmosphere and focus on natural elements create an inviting space that reflects the harmony of the region.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

Just a stone's throw from the iconic Philosopher's Path lies Monk. Here, farm-to-table ingredients marry with wood-fired cooking techniques, culminating in the iconic sourdough pizza featuring locally harvested seasonal toppings. Chef Yoshihiro Imai lets the vegetables shine. His culinary philosophy mirrors the essence of Kyoto itself: simple, harmonious, yet deep. Every morning, the team ventures to the farmer's market nestled in the rustic farming community of Ōhara, where Imai-san diligently selects the freshest vegetables for the dishes of the day.

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Pizzeria MAMA is a relaxed spot in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area, known for offering both Japanese seasonal and classic pizza. Its laid-back setting, featuring a comfortable interior and wine displays, invites guests to settle in and tailor their meal to the day’s mood. Though a bit outside central Kyoto, it provides a calm atmosphere for anyone seeking a cozier dining experience.

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Peter Atzen

Copenhagen Foodie

Japanese seasonal and classic Pizza. A good pizza place has to be a fun place, it has to be relaxed, it has to be a la carte so you can adapt to the day and see what you feel like and above all the food has to be delicious. Pizzaria Mama was all of those. Already walking in the door I fell In love with the interior and the wines on display. I nodded to myself saying “This is going to be good” and it was. We had 4 different pizzas where we naturally tried a great mix of seasonal pizzas and classic pizza such as margherita. All were of very high quality and with the cool space we loved every bit of our evening there. It is a bit outside Kyoto but it is definitely worth the trip.

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Ramen Toritani is a small ramen shop in Kyoto recognized by local critics for its authentic experience. It’s a bit outside the city center, so the atmosphere tends to feel more relaxed and laid-back. People appreciate its no-frills setup and the personal touch you get when ordering.

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Jaclyn Kong

Chef

A hidden diamond in Kyoto. Japan is ramen heaven! My short 3 weeks trip is definitely not enough for me to taste all I want but this 麺処 鶏谷 (Ramen Toritani) definitely made me cry a bit from its taste. This place was the most-mentioned by all local Japanese ramen critics, thus, I decided to take the trip. The location is a bit far off the city, which I’m happy as it’s normally a common indication that it’s authentic and less touristy. I was lucky that I did not have to wait for too long, about 45 mins. (p.s: in Asia, queueing for food is insane! I queued for 3 hours for my okonomiyaki) and I was apparently the only foreigner there. This little 12 seaters ramen restaurant does not use a ramen-ordering-vending machine (those commonly seen in most ramen places in the cities). They only have a Japanese menu and I picked the one with a star logo (which I assumed it’s the chef’s recommendation/popular choice) and added all extras I saw (extra char siu and free-range chicken)(about 1300¥, +/- 13€) The portions were really generous and the milky chicken broth was heaven. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the char siu was also different from the usual ones we've commonly seen/tasted in other places. The julienne spring onion (white part only) and daikon cress give crisps of tangy spiciness to the ramen. I tried other tori paitan base ramen in other cities and none could beat/even come close to the flavours I had at Tori Tani!

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Seiwasou is a third-generation, family-run restaurant set in a traditional sukiya-style building, surrounded by serene Japanese gardens in Kyoto’s Fushimi neighborhood. Chef Tetsuo Takenaka, who speaks English, welcomes visitors with genuine hospitality. It’s just a short walk from Sumizome station, offering an inviting space to experience Kyoto’s dining culture in a peaceful residential setting.

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Yukari Sakamoto

Food Writer

Seiwasou in Fushimi, Kyoto is led by third-generation chef Tetsuo Takenaka. The restaurant is housed in a traditional sukiya-style building surrounded by manicured Japanese gardens. Seasonal ingredients such as kabura turnip and buri winter yellowtail represent winter. Nama fu wheat gluten, a Kyoto traditional source of protein, is deep-fried and garnished with grated ginger. A flight of sake is presented with colorful glassware. Not far from the restaurant is Tsuki no Katsura, a historic sake brewery which is represented on the sake list. Chef Takenaka's wife oversees the front of the house. Chef Takenaka speaks English and is very welcoming of visitors to Kyoto. The menu is vast and ranges from kaiseki, shokado bento, and tempura. Weekday prices are less than weekends and national holidays. The tempura counter is very special and has seats overlooking the garden. Seiwasou is in a residential area a short walk from Sumizome station on the Keihan line connecting Kyoto to Osaka.

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Shokudo Ogawa is a small eatery in Kyoto, tucked away near the Kamo River. It offers a relaxed, counter-style setup where guests can appreciate a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Seats are limited, so booking can be difficult, but the welcoming atmosphere keeps regulars coming back.

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Charles Chen

F&B Producer

One of Kyoto’s finest Perhaps one of Kyoto’s best cost performance restaurants is also one of Kyoto’s hardest to book. Nestled in a backstreet near the Kamo river, Shokudou Ogawa is a fine example of pure flavors with confident execution. This small counter restaurant offers an a la carte menu but Chef’s omakase is the common call here. Filled with regulars, the counter is a fun place to watch Chef Ogawa prepare dishes to order or to make friends with neighbors. His food is simple yet highlights the high-quality local ingredients of Kyoto with a harmony not reliant on heavy seasoning or fats. If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the counter, the value and quality is unparalleled.

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Handmade Soba Minagawa in Kyoto is known for its carefully crafted soba noodles and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s conveniently located near Nijo Castle, making it easy to stop by while exploring the area. Locals and visitors alike often praise its friendly service and attention to detail.

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Tristin Farmer

Chef

Handmade soba noodles at Soba Minagawa in Kyoto. Soba Minagawa serves some incredible handmade soba noodles and beer. I was recommended this place by a chef friend and it’s definitely worth a visit and worth queuing for!

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Taiho is a casual Chinese restaurant tucked away in a residential part of Kyoto, drawing a lively crowd with its welcoming atmosphere. Visitors note that it often stays busy and offers a notable selection of natural wines. Its menu leans bold, with flavors that can be quite spicy for those who enjoy a kick.

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Ioanna Morelli

Bar Owner / Consultant

Chinese and natural wine combo that is incredible. This spot is in a residential area but always full. Authentic food, super casual atmosphere an insane wine list, food to write home about. Spicy food here is spicy.

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Yutaka Steakhouse in Kyoto is known for its connection to a legendary chef and draws praise for its good value lunch options. People appreciate its relaxed setting and find it a satisfying spot for a well-prepared meal.

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Roni Xu

Potato

Steak sandwich Steak spot the legendary Kawamura used to work at. Favourite hambaagu ever! Highly recommended. Great value lunches too.

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Ashioto is a relaxed, casual spot in Kyoto that focuses on using local vegetables for lighter, modern flavors. There’s no English menu, but the friendly staff is always happy to help. It’s a welcoming place for anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying dining experience.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

At Ashioto, you'll find beautiful dishes primarily featuring locally sourced Kyoto vegetables, all within a very relaxed and casual setting. The menu offers a modern izakaya selection with a focus on lighter, fresher fare. While there's no English menu, the staff exude great energy and are eager to ensure you have the best experience possible.

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Gyoza Taizou is a small, no-frills restaurant in Kyoto that focuses on freshly made gyoza with thin wrappers. The casual setting and straightforward approach let the flavors shine, making it a great pick for an affordable, tasty meal. Guests often return for the simple, satisfying experience that keeps them coming back again and again.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

This no-frills, hole-in-the-wall spot serves up some serious gyoza. Crispy on the outside, packed with juicy fillings on the inside. They offer a few options such as coriander gyoza and shiso gyoza, plus some side dishes. All gyozas are freshly made to order, thin as a whisper, and absolutely delicious. A hidden gem for some cheap eats!

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Hassun in Kyoto is praised for its pristine, delicious flavors, crafted by a master craftsman and his team. The inviting setting and attention to detail make it a welcoming place for anyone looking to enjoy thoughtfully prepared cuisine.

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Jenifer Kuah

Restaurateur

Pristine and delicious flavours by a master craftsman and his team. Thoroughly delicious!

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Juugo is a modest restaurant along Kyoto’s Philosopher's Path, run by a former fashion executive who now farms his own ingredients. With everything handled by its sole chef, guests can experience a quiet meal that reflects the restaurant’s simple, handmade approach.

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Charles Chen

F&B Producer

Located along the historic Philospher’s Path in Kyoto is one of the best soba restaurants in Japan. Ishibashi-san, a former fashion executive turned farmer, only serves two things: soba and sobagaki (buckwheat dumpling). His country-style soba is kneaded and cut to order with buckwheat that he grows on his farm located an hour north of Kyoto. The restaurant and farm is completely a 1-man operation which makes the whole experience even more impressive. An absolute must when visiting Kyoto.

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Masuya Saketen in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward has a relaxed bar atmosphere with a wide variety of sake from around Japan. A blackboard by the entrance shows you which bottles lean toward fruity sweetness or crisp flavors, making it easy to find something you’ll enjoy. You can choose to sit at the counter or stand around a communal table, depending on your mood.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

Masuya Saketen, located in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward, offers a wide selection of quality sake from various regions across Japan, alongside small plates of food. It's the ideal spot to drink your favorite type of sake or explore new varieties. A blackboard near the entrance displays some of the bottles, categorized by fruity sweetness or refreshing, sharp flavors, aiding in your selection process. The bar has a very casual atmosphere and allows you to choose between sitting at the counter or standing at the communal table, depending on your mood.

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Gion Rohan is a tucked-away spot in Kyoto’s Gion district where you can watch fresh, local ingredients cooked simply right at the counter. The welcoming chefs speak enough English to make ordering easy, and the comfortable setting often appeals to other culinary professionals. It’s the kind of place that feels both relaxed and special, without being over the top.

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Tom Jenkins

Food Writer

You could easily walk past this restaurant front amidst the bright lights of Gion, but don't: head inside, take a seat at the counter and enjoy plate after plate of high quality local ingredients cooked simply in front of you from a shortish a la carte. Make sure to order the signature mackerel sando. Menus are in Japanese but the friendly chefs spoke enough English on our visit to help. The kind of place where chefs like to eat.

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Matamoya in Kyoto is tucked away a few floors up and has a funky, kitschy vibe that pairs a sake bar with small plates. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, where the owner comes up with creative bites in a tiny space. It’s a cozy, offbeat spot for those seeking a relaxed dining experience.

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Sebastian Himmelstrup

Food and travel writer

Such a funky spot. Take the elevator up a few floors to this rather kitsch sake bar/restaurant and just dive into the experience. I think it’s mostly a sake bar, but the owner creates amazing tiny servings out of nothing. It’s hard to see if they even have a kitchen. All I know is that he pulled all sorts of magic out of the bottom of the sake fridge, combining things to really punchy tasty dishes like fresh tomato with gelatinized reduced tomato-consommé and the best plate of sashimi. I guess this is what a true hidden gem looks like.

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Mihana in Kyoto offers carefully prepared, ethically sourced dishes and a well-stocked natural wine selection. Its relaxed atmosphere invites you to trust the chef and enjoy a comfortable evening. This spot is a welcoming choice for anyone looking to unwind in the city.

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Dylan Jones

Dad, Cook … Crusader

This yakitori spot rocks! Expertly cooked ethical chicken with a very well stocked natural wine selection. Trust the chef and enjoy your night.

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Takocho is an old-school, no-reservations spot in Kyoto known for its honest, comforting fare. It’s especially busy in the colder months, so be prepared for a wait if you visit then. The menu can sometimes offer off-the-beaten-path seasonal options, making each visit a bit of an adventure.

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Dylan Jones

Dad, Cook … Crusader

Old school, no reservations honest food. Best enjoyed in the winter months but be prepared for a cold wait. This is “Odeng” at its finest. The mooli alone is worth the queue. If you can ask for the off menu items or specials and you may be challenged / surprised depending on the season.

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Iso Stand in Kyoto has a lively vibe and a good selection of sake and natural wine. Even though it’s popular, walk-ins often don’t have to wait long. It’s a comfortable spot to enjoy fresh flavors in an easygoing setting.

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Peter Atzen

Copenhagen Foodie

Fried chicken, claypot rice with juicy chicken, sashimi and pickled vegetables. Sounds good? I think that sounds good to everybody. Combine this with a lively atmosphere, sake and natural wine and you have a winner in my book which is exactly what you will find if you visit ISO Stand in Kyoto. Despite being a very popular place walk ins is still possible also without long waits, but lets see how long that will last.

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