Top 5 Traditional Restaurants in Kyoto

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Top 5 Traditional Restaurants to Visit in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, is a city where tradition and modernity meet harmoniously. It is renowned for its majestic temples, Zen gardens and refined cuisine. For food lovers, Kyoto offers a myriad of traditional restaurants where you can enjoy authentic dishes in historic and picturesque settings. Here are our picks for the top five traditional restaurants in Kyoto that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

1. Kikunoi Honten

Address: 459 Shimokawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Kikunoi Honten is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves kaiseki cuisine, a traditional Japanese meal consisting of several small courses. Led by chef Yoshihiro Murata, Kikunoi Honten is distinguished by its culinary precision and use of seasonal, local ingredients. The setting is elegant and serene, with private rooms offering views of an immaculately maintained Japanese garden.

2. Hyotei

Address: 35 Nanzenji Kusagawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

Hyotei is another three-star Michelin restaurant with over 400 years of history. Located near Nanzenji Temple, Hyotei also serves kaiseki cuisine, but with a unique twist and artistic presentation. The setting, a former teahouse, adds to the charm and authenticity of the dining experience.

3. Gion Kappa

Address: 570-125 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

For a more casual but equally authentic experience, Gion Kappa is a great choice. This small izakaya restaurant offers traditional Japanese dishes, including fresh sashimi, crispy tempura, and tasty grilled meats. Located in the historic Gion district, the restaurant offers a warm and friendly atmosphere.

4. Owariya

Address: 322 Niomontsukinukecho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Founded in 1465, Owariya is Kyoto’s oldest restaurant, famous for its soba (buckwheat noodles). Their soba are prepared by hand using recipes that have been passed down for generations. The restaurant, located in an old traditional house, transports you back in time and allows you to taste an essential part of Japanese culinary culture.

5. Misoguigawa

Address: 196-3 Shincho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Misoguigawa is a unique restaurant that combines the techniques of French cuisine with the ingredients and aesthetics of kaiseki cuisine. Housed in an old machiya (traditional townhouse), the restaurant offers tasting menus that change with the seasons. It is an innovative and delicious dining experience, perfect for those who want to discover a modern side of Kyoto's gastronomic tradition.

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Immerse yourself in the world of Kyoto, savor its culinary delights and take home a piece of its charm and elegance with Obōro Kyoto T-shirts.

Photo: Evgeny Chebotarev