Where to Eat in Kyoto: Best Restaurants, Cafes, Izakayas & Street Food

Kyoto isn’t just temples, shrines, and geishas, it’s also one of the best food cities in Japan. From steaming bowls of udon and ramen to sizzling wagyu beef, tiny izakayas, and bustling street markets, eating your way through Kyoto is part of the experience.

After spending five days exploring Kyoto, these were our favourite restaurants, cafes, izakayas, and market bites that made the trip unforgettable.

Best Restaurants in Kyoto

UDON Arashiyama-tei – Best Udon in Arashiyama

Located right across from the famous Togetsukyō Bridge in the Arashiyama district, this humble restaurant specialises in just one thing: udon. The homemade noodles are silky and thick, served in a rich dashi broth that’s full of umami. Perfect for a quick and authentic lunch after visiting the bamboo grove.

Prices: Around ¥1,000–1,500 per bowl (EUR 5 – 8)

Saganakanoshimacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto,

Yakiniku Yazawa Kyoto – Wagyu Beef Experience

For a truly indulgent Kyoto dining experience, head to Yakiniku Yazawa. Yakiniku means Japanese BBQ, where premium cuts of meat and vegetables are grilled right at your table. We chose a selection of wagyu beef, each one cooked in front of us by our waiter. Every bite was different, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The restaurant has a modern wooden entrance and stylish interior decorated with artwork, adding to the sense of occasion.

Prices: From ¥5,000–8,000 per person (depending on cuts of meat) (EUR 30 – 45)

Japan, 〒600-8092 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shinmeicho, 243 雅綾小路ビル 1階

Ichiryu Manbai – Best Late-Night Ramen

After a karaoke night at Barcode, this became our hangover cure. Ichiryu Manbai is a ramen chain where you order from a vending machine, insert your money, and in minutes, you’re handed a steaming bowl.

It’s no-frills, fast, and absolutely hits the spot when you need comfort food.

Prices: Around ¥800–1,200 (EUR 4,50 – 6,50)

Japan, 〒600-8031 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Teianmaenocho, 586 寺町綾小路ビル 1階

Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Kyoto

There are so many coffee shops in Kyoto, called “kissaten” (traditional Japanese coffee shops).

% ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama

In Higashiyama district, on the road leading up to Yasaka Pagoda, you will find % ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama, a modern cafe with a bit of a queue sometimes. It all started in Tokyo and now they have 4 in Kyoto and they have spreading their coffee to the world except for Belgium!

Best Izakayas and Bars in Kyoto

Saku no ma サクの間 – A Homely Izakaya

This tiny 16-seat izakaya was a gem recommended by a friend who lives in Kyoto. To find it on Google Maps, search using the Japanese name (サクの間).

The owner once worked here part-time before taking over the business, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. We dropped in twice during our stay — drinking sake and beer, chatting with locals, watching football, and letting the chef serve us his favourite seasonal dishes. It feels less like a restaurant and more like visiting a friend’s home.

Prices: Around ¥3,000–5,000 per person for food + drinks (15 – 30EUR)

Japan, 〒604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 13 番路地東入る北側

Eating Your Way Through Nishiki Market

Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a must for food lovers. Stretching through Nakagyo Ward, it’s lined with stalls selling fresh seafood, pickles, sweets, and local delicacies.

Most shops are open from 9am to 5/6pm, making it the perfect place for grazing. Some of the highlights we tried:

Baby squid on a stick (a Kyoto street food classic)
Tuna “totoro” (incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth)

Tip: Go in the morning before it gets too crowded, or later in the afternoon for a more relaxed experience.

Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan

Final Thoughts – Where to Eat in Kyoto

Kyoto’s food scene is as diverse as its temples, from casual noodle shops and late-night ramen to wagyu beef feasts and homely izakayas. Whether you’re sipping specialty coffee in Higashiyama, sharing sake with locals, or snacking your way through Nishiki Market, eating in Kyoto is as memorable as sightseeing.

Don’t be afraid to let the chef recommend their favourite dishes, it’s often the best way to discover the real taste of Kyoto.