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$$$ | Shimogyo-ku |
Popular Giro Giro has a lively atmosphere, excellent food, and great Takase-gawa River location. Sit at the counter to watch the busy chefs, many of whom have studied at the owner's Paris location, or grab a table upstairs. The set menu changes monthly to showcase seasonal ingredients. The chef's style has been described as "punk kaiseki ryori" cuisine; what this means is that you can have a multicourse, kaiseki-style menu without the strict convention. Expect an elaborate hassun (appetizer) tray followed by seven more courses. You will be hard-pressed to find a better high-end value than these meals. Giro Giro is easiest to find by walking the narrow lane along the Takase-gawa; look for the glow of the massive window a few blocks north of Gojo-dori.
420--7 Nanba-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 602-8027, Japan
Known For
- Ever-changing menu
- Innovative dishes
- Convivial atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Kamigyo-ku |
Since 1722 Mankamero's specialty has been yusoku ryori, cuisine intended for members of the Imperial Court. Every step of the meal is incredibly elaborate, down to the ceremonially dressed chef who prepares your dishes using specially made utensils. A dramatic if oddly named course is the "dismembered fish," in which each part of a single fish is prepared and served on pedestal trays, and prices reflect the aristocratic experience. A wonderful take-kago (bamboo box) lunch set contains a series of steamed surprises and is much cheaper than the full dinner. Mankamero is on the west side of Inokuma-dori north of Demizu-dori. Look for the white noren (short curtain) hanging in the doorway.
387 Ebisu-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 602-8118, Japan
Known For
- Historic ambience
- Lively service
- Imperial cuisine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
Dark-wood furnishings create a provocative and intimate environment for sampling the bountiful brews at Kyoto's top Korean teahouse. Unlike Japanese and Chinese teas, which pull flavor from leaves or powder, the house favorites here are brewed full of berries, spices, and herbs. The intense aromas are complemented by a menu of vegetable stews, stuffed fritters, and innovative versions of Korean staples like organic bibimbap (a rice bowl topped with various ingredients). Reserve ahead to sample the Gozen menu, with nine bronze pots filled with royal cuisine good enough to leave you wishing you were an ancient Seoul nobleman. Seating is in a cozy private room at the back, on cushions at floor-level tables or at the sturdy wooden counter with a better chance to chat with the convivial proprietors. The restaurant closes at 8 pm, with the last order taken at 7 pm.
73 Mikura-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8166, Japan
Known For
- Unique interior
- Please add one more known for here.
- Imperial Korean dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed
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The two well-trained Thai chefs here prepare several dozen of their country's dishes at very reasonable prices. Spicy green papaya salad, hot-and-sour prawn soup with rice noodles, and green curry with chicken are all on the menu—there's a version in English—and vegetarian dishes are served. The restaurant is on the Kamo River, so the view, especially in good weather on the outdoor terrace, is as splendid as the food and friendly service.
Kiyamachi-dori, Higashi-iru, Shijo Minami, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, Japan
Known For
- Extensive menu
- Riverside setting
- Traditional Thai cuisine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
The signature dish at this well-regarded trattoria is handmade pasta topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. Carefully selected organic vegetables and fine Italian ham are among the antipasti stars. Entrées that might include tender pork steaks or grilled fish in orange-infused balsamic vinegar are uniformly excellent, and the decadent desserts are a great way to finish a meal: the lychee mousse alone is worth the visit. Savoring your multicourse meal on the terrace is a delight in this trendy, bustling area of town.
Kitagawa Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8415, Japan
Known For
- Skilled and knowledgeable chefs
- Outdoor terrace
- Authentic Italian food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
Leafy banana trees visible from several blocks away mark this airy two-story town-house café that's especially popular at night with young people. Lunch options that include sandwiches, rice dishes, and curries change regularly. All go well with Moroccan chai or imaginative seasonal smoothies like one with strawberry, mint, and ginger. Among the desserts are mango and coconut cream and French toast with candied almonds. While waiting for your meal, you can browse the wall of books. Attached is an art gallery. The cafe is a 10- to 15-minute walk from either the Oike or Marutamachi subway station.
650 Haremeicho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-0951, Japan
Known For
- Stylish and cozy
- Casual atmosphere
- Reasonably priced menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
The estate of a former prime minister has been turned into a kaiseki (multicourse-meal) restaurant, and the stroll garden by landscape artist Ogawa Jihei ensures wonderful views by day or night. The century-old traditional structure, between the Kamo and Takase rivers, suits the delicate tasting courses served by kimono-clad women.
Kiyamachi-dori, Nijo sagaru, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-0922, Japan
Known For
- Garden setting
- Traditional cuisine
- Some Maiko performances
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$ | Nakagyo-ku |
A great backpacker hangout, this café is especially popular midday, when a devoted clientele of students and artists comes for the cheap, bountiful plate lunches (including curries, salads, and soups), friendly service, live music, and convivial atmosphere. The setting is the former Mainichi Newspaper Building, with its brick-and-plaster basement, colorful mosaic tiles, and exposed masonry. If the scene here is too frenetic for you, head up to the pleasant Cafe Chocolat, on the second floor.
Sanjo-dori and Gokomachi-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8082, Japan
Known For
- Hip atmosphere
- Excellent desserts
- Vintage and stylish interior
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
Imported spices and very fresh vegetables are the secrets to this second-floor Indian restaurant's success. Dishes may not be as spicy as you would expect, but the spinach, lamb, and chickpea curries—also the tandoori chicken—are deeply flavorful. The house special chicken Kerala curry is the most popular dish. The evening set courses are reasonably priced, though lunch is better value. The furnishings are on the tatty side.
Kawaramachi-dori Sanjo-agaru Nishigawa, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8091, Japan
Known For
- Welcoming and kind staff
- Hearty Indian food
- Casual atmosphere
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Authentic and delicious Korean food in the heart of Kyoto. While the presentation and surroundings won't win any prizes, the basic no-frills vibe fits well with the general punchiness of the flavors. Wonderfully varied menu, and the friendly owners make everyone feel welcome.
37 Kamanza-cho, Sanjo-dori, Kyoto-fu, Japan
Known For
- Hearty homestyle dishes
- Central location
- Great service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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The lively café occupies a classroom in a former elementary school the city converted into an arts center. Maeda serves simple fare, an assortment of beverages, and some innovative desserts. With its creaky wooden classroom floors and the artworks of many university students and local artist groups, the arts complex is heavy on atmosphere.
546--2 Kyoto Arts Center, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, Japan
Known For
- Light fare
- Arty vibe
- Housed in former classroom
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Uradeyama-cho |
The unpretentious vibe, the sense of adventure, and the superb cuisine—Japanese-based, with European and other Asian influences—have made Manzaratei a local favorite. Depending on the season, the ample menu includes handmade soba, oven-roasted chicken, or spring rolls with citrusy ponzu dressing. Outdoor dining in warm months and counter seating on both floors of the two-story town house facilitate mingling with other patrons; for a more intimate experience, ask for a table upstairs under the eaves. An English menu is available.
317 Nishi-iru, Nakagyo Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8155, Japan
Known For
- Friendly atmosphere
- Innovative cuisine
- Outdoor dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
Five generations of chefs have preserved the delicious sukiyaki recipe prepared since 1873 at this restaurant that was among the nation's first to serve beef. A kimono-clad attendant will serve and assist with the dishes cooked at your table. The beef dishes include sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oil yaki. All beef is of the highest quality and price, as shoppers buying from the associated shop nearby can attest. The Lunch Course is good value for such high-end dining.
405 Sakuranomachi, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8035, Japan
Known For
- Vintage vibe
- Excellent beef
- Gracious service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Reservations essential
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$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
This branch of the famed soba noodle shop is convenient to the downtown shopping area, just across the river from Gion. It's a perfect place to drop in for a lunch of udon noodle soup with a liberal sprinkling of sesame seeds.
171--1 Kashiwaya-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 606-8044, Japan
Known For
- Great service
- Large selection of noodle dishes
- Casual setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Thurs., Reservations not accepted
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$$$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
An adventurous menu sets this restaurant inside a 150-year-old town house apart from its competition. The chef here goes to the market daily and improvises based on what's fresh. Charcoal-color walls, wooden staircases, and a great view of the Kamo River provide an elegant setting for dishes like sea urchin in wasabi broth, grilled river fish, and the ever-popular kami-nabe, a hot pot made of treated paper and cooked on an open flame at your table: it's mesmerizing and tasty. Deck seating is an option during the summer.
137--4 Wakamatsu-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8011, Japan
Known For
- Stylish presentation
- River views
- Popular hot-pot dish
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$ | Nakagyo-ku |
Nestled along the atmospheric Pontocho Alley, this establishment's black-and-white latticed storefront with a lantern above the door conceals a vegetable lover's paradise. The dining area is raised with sunken seating, allowing customers to view the busy chefs in the open kitchen. For a survey of typical Kyoto dishes, opt for the Obanzai course menu. The cooks here bring out the flavors of local organic vegetables, fish, and meats with a conspicuously restrained hand, creating flavors so light they seem to float in your mouth. Suishin, meaning "drunken heart," is a popular chain with other branches around the city.
181 Zaimoku-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8017, Japan
Known For
- Reasonable prices
- Local produce
- Comfortable setting
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$$$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
The best in Kyoto-style nouvelle cuisine is served in this intimate spot in the center of town. Dishes depend on the chef's whims as much as on what's in season, but the menu might include buttery, risotto-like rice pilaf topped with delicate sea urchin; duck meat and foie gras in bite-size portions; and hors d'oeuvres such as oyster gratin, crab-and-scallop stew, and wild mushroom tempura. The fruit and vegetable salads are exceptional, and for dessert there's a take-all-you-want dessert tray with tarts, tortes, and pastries. With notice the chef will even grant special-order requests.
362 Nijo, Kawaramachi-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-0911, Japan
Known For
- French and Japanese fusion dishes
- Take-all-you-want dessert tray
- Chef grants special requests with notice
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues., Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
Adjacent to an inn of the same name, Yoshikawa serves multicourse kaiseki ryori lunches and dinners. The beautifully presented meal includes soup, vegetables, grilled or baked fish, and a light, crisp tempura that is the house specialty. Roasted duck is available for those who don't eat raw fish. Tempura dinners include 13 pieces of fried fish, meat, and vegetables. A special shabu-shabu set is offered to hotel guests, and a visit by a maiko or geiko can be arranged by the hotel staff. The establishment boasts a breathtaking Enshu-style landscaped garden that greatly complements this truly elegant experience.
Tomino-koji, Oike-sagaru, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8093, Japan
Known For
- Exquisite servings of tempura
- Steeped in tradition
- Beautiful garden setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
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$$ | Nakagyo-ku |
A Taisho-era kimono business office and home was meticulously renovated into this restaurant whose Chinese cuisine is prepared as though it were Japanese. The streetside former office is furnished with Chinese tables and chairs and tatami rooms with low tables and cushion seating; some of the areas have views of the well-groomed inner-courtyard garden. The restaurant derives its name from the wall in the bar displaying ornate pocchiri clasps used by maiko-san as decoration on the front of their obi (kimono sashes). Lunch is a Japanese-style bento box but with Chinese food. Dinner may be tofu dishes, chicken stews, and delicately flavored sea bream. For ¥11,000 you can order a meal inspired by Imperial Court cuisine, featuring savory Peking duck and seasonal delicacies such as spiny lobster and crab stew.
283--2 Tenjinyama-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8221, Japan
Known For
- Beautiful courtyard
- Chinese and Japanese fusion dishes
- Ornate decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
