The Best Local Restaurants in Kyoto

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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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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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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Tsuroku is a restaurant in Kyoto where a skilled cook prepares local Kansai produce with a relaxed, down-to-earth approach. Its welcoming atmosphere and focus on seasonal ingredients make it a comfortable place to enjoy a satisfying meal.

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Dylan Jones

Dad, Cook … Crusader

Local Kansai seasonal produce cooked deftly by a very talented cook! Omakase and buy the chef a drink!

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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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Tempura Matsu is a family-run spot on the outskirts of Kyoto, offering a warm, casual take on familiar Japanese fine dining traditions. Its modest exterior contrasts with a creative and thoughtful menu that surprises diners in the best way. The welcoming atmosphere and scenic river views add to its memorable appeal.

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Tara Montegriffo

Foodie

Mindblowing tasting menu overlooking the river Tempura matsu is a family run restaurant on the outskirts of Kyoto. A humble & modest exterior, its menu is everything but. Dish after dish, our jaws dropped at creativity of the chef - cold noodles in an ice cube & wagyu with truffle shavings and and gold. Uni nigiris - a omakase you will remember for a lifetime

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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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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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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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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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Momoharu is a small, welcoming café in Kyoto that carefully roasts beans each day for a fresh coffee experience. The calm, unhurried atmosphere invites you to sit back and enjoy a break from the city’s bustle. Housemade items and friendly service add to the cozy feeling, making it a peaceful spot to unwind.

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Tom Jenkins

Food Writer

Insanely delicious egg sando and great coffee at this unassuming and quaint cafe. Bring a book and enjoy the peace and quiet. Maybe have a cake too.

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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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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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