12 Kyoto Eateries for A Memorable Dining Experience - Where to Eat in Kyoto

Discover the Best Restaurants and Must-Eats in Kyoto for Singaporean Foodies
Traveloka Accomodation
10 Aug 2023 - 8 min read

Where to eat in Kyoto - Kyoto is one of the cities that is often the best destination besides Tokyo when you visit Japan. While exploring the city, of course you need to think about where to eat in Kyoto so that your vacation feels memorable. Apart from the names, this guide also includes opening hours and price ranges to help you create an itinerary.

Especially if you haven't tried Ramen or Omurice in their country of origin so that it becomes one of the must eats in Kyoto. Check out the following review to find out more about the best restaurants in Kyoto that can be your choice.

Where to Eat in Kyoto?

1. Kichi Kichi Omurice

Address: 〒604-8031 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Nakagyō-ku, Shimomaruyachō, 596-2.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 1,000 - 1,999 / SGD 12.10 - 24.20.

It is very easy to visit this restaurant because it is located in the heart of Kyoto City, 5 minutes walk from Kyoto Sanjo Station. As the name suggests, Kichi Kichi Omurice is famous for its omelet rice dishes with quite large portions.

But don't worry because you can also choose the half size omurice available on the menu. While waiting for the food to be served, you can see the action of the chefs who are preparing your food with their best talents.

This legendary restaurant, which has been open since 1983, always keeps up with the times and its technology. For that, they also have a Youtube channel to reach more consumers and get closer to them. Through this Youtube, you can see the unique cooking process as well as the special menus.

2. Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto

Address: 〒605-0073 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Ishibashichō, 433.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 1,000 - 1,999 / SGD 12.10 - 24.20.

Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto - Where to eat in Kyoto

Source: Instagram - @nakamura_tokichi_official

This legendary restaurant that has been serving premium tea for more than 160 years currently has 3 grades of matcha. So whether you are a matcha fan or not, this restaurant will suit your taste buds.

You have to come early in the morning because there's usually a long line in front of the restaurant even though it's not open yet. There are also matcha soba noodles, noodles made from green tea dipped in a soup broth topped with mizuna and tenkasu.

The highlight of the menu is matcha jelly, tea jelly with added matcha ice cream and sweet red bean. Served in a frozen bamboo container, you only need to order one for two people because the portion is big.

3. Ippudo Ramen

Address: 〒600-8091 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Shimogyō-ku, Higashishiokōjichō, 76.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 1,000 - 1,999 / SGD 12.10 - 24.20.

It won't be complete if you don't try ramen in its home country. Visit Ippudo Ramen, which has been around since 1995. This legendary restaurant has many branches not only in Japan but also in various countries such as England and Singapore.

You have to try the noodles and a spoonful of the soup to understand why this restaurant is opening up everywhere. The texture that fits with the thick, rich gravy and the crispy dumplings will spoil your tongue. Order a plate of gyoza (dumplings) to go with your ramen and you're in for a real treat.

4. Gogyo Ramen

Address: 〒605-0073 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Ishibashichō, 505-1.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 1,000 - 1,999 / SGD 12.10 - 24.20.

Gogyo Ramen - Where to eat in Kyoto

Source: Instagram - @muimui1031

Gogyo Ramen is famous for its scorched kogashi ramen with miso and soy-based broth cooked in lard. The cooking method is very unique, the soup is heated in a pan over very high heat, causing a delicious aroma of smoke.

The Kogashi Miso Ramen is served with a layer of black oil with flecks of charcoal and a seductive smokey aroma. For a lighter and fresher taste, you can try the Kogashi Shoyu Ramen version and add gyoza if desired.

It took about 40 minutes to queue even though it wasn't very crowded but there was no way anyone could eat hot ramen in such a fast time. While waiting you can enjoy the traditional charm of the surroundings because the Gogyo Kyoto branch is in a former geisha house.

5. Kyoaji Hachi

Address: 〒605-0075 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Sanjōkeiokuchichō, 30-1.
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 5,000 - 9,999 / SGD 60.50 - 121.

Every dish at Kyoaji is served in a simple way but the taste is unquestionable. A popular dish is a small portion of konowata (salted sea cucumber filling) atop mochi-gome (glutinous rice).

Other delicious dishes include karasumi (dried mullet) and kakimasu (a dish of persimmon and vegetables seasoned with vinegar).

6. Giro Giro Hitoshina

Address: 〒600-8092 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Shimogyō-ku, Kiyamachi-dōri Shijō-agaru, Tachibana-chō, 35-2.
Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 5,000 - 9,999 / SGD 60.50 - 121.

Giro Giro Hitoshina - Where to eat in Kyoto

Source: Instagram - @tamagerard

It's quite easy to visit this restaurant, you only need to walk 5 minutes from Kiyomizu Gojo Station. Giro Giro Hitoshina offers a unique dining experience with its visually stunning dishes.

This restaurant serves creative Japanese cuisine with a modern twist and a set menu that changes monthly using seasonal ingredients. Popular menus include kaiseki and several other traditional set menus that are offered at low prices.

7. Sobanomi Yoshimura

Address: 〒605-0087 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Kiyomizu 4-chōme, 446.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 1,000 - 1,999 / SGD 12.10 - 24.20.

Being in a machiya townhouse makes it stand out among the modern office buildings, near the Gojo subway station. This restaurant, which has many branches overseas, is always full of tourists and balanced with English-speaking waiters.

A popular menu item is Moriawase-Zen, a set featuring sashimi, tempura, cold soba, soba oroshi (shredded radish) and buckwheat ice cream. The sake at Sobanomi Yoshimura is also very unique, so you should try it but remember to avoid lunch time as it is always busy.

8. Menbakaichidai

Address: 〒605-0074 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Shishigatani Kurumamichichō, 757-2.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 1,000 - 1,999 / SGD 12.10 - 24.20.

Menbakaichidai - Where to eat in Kyoto

Source: Instagram - @kobe_studies_meister_in_kyoto

Menbakaichidai are famous for their fire ramen, where the chef lights a bowl of ramen before serving it to you. This unique way of cooking has led to many videos of Menbakaichidai circulating on social media and attracting a large number of viewers.

Many visitors who want to try are willing to wait for hours outside because there are only 10 seats available. There are several ramen sets that you can choose from, for example with the addition of fried rice, gyoza, or fried chicken.

9. Hyotei

Address: 〒605-0064 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Gionmachi Kitagawa, 35.
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 10,000 - 19,999 / SGD 121 - 242.

There is no need to doubt the delicacy of the food at Hyotei because it is a Michelin-starred restaurant. This legendary restaurant is located in a historic building dating back to 1716 that has been family run for 15 generations.

When visiting this restaurant, you need to choose several set menus according to meal times. There are also kaiseki dishes, shokado bento, and several seasonal set menus.

If necessary, you can order catering with a menu of choices such as kaiseki dishes, various bento, dim sum, and tea for an event.

Buy food for souvenirs such as canned quail senbei, Jakoenoki (Small fish with enoki mushrooms) and Sea bream denbu (Powdered sea bream).

10. Kitcho Arashiyama

Address: 〒616-8375 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Nishikyō-Arashiyama Bunbu-chō, Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, 3.
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 20,000 - 29,999 / SGD 242 - 363.

Kitcho Arashiyama - Where to eat in Kyoto

Source: Instagram - @yukiko.k0321

Kitcho Arashiyama is another Michelin-starred restaurant that offers set menus, usually consisting of appetizer, soup and sashimi. You will also get some baked goods, fruit, green tea and sweets for dessert.

Apart from choosing the delicious food, there are several rooms to choose from such as Ohiroma, Shiroma, and Chroma. All rooms have large windows with open green gardens so that visitors can enjoy the changing scenery every season.

11. Gion Nanba

Address: 〒605-0074 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Shishigatani Kurumamichichō, 309.
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 1,000 - 1,999 / SGD 12.10 - 24.20.

located in the heart of Geisha town Gion, this restaurant serves food only from fresh, high quality, seasonal ingredients. Its location in a narrow alley does not make it take so long to get a Michelin star.

Because this restaurant offers a traditional kaiseki dinner with unique dishes and a very private space. In March, you can try Hassun, conger eel rolls with peas, octopus-rice, and vegetables seasoned with miso.

12. Tempura Endo Yasaka

Address: 〒605-0825 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Yasakakamimachi, 272-2.
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Price range: JPY 10,000 - 19,999 / SGD 121 - 242.

Tempura Endo Yasaka - Where to eat in Kyoto

Source: Instagram - @jonathan.alden_

As the name suggests, this restaurant has a special set menu of tempura between Aoi and Gion with different contents. In each set you will get a variety of seafood such as shrimp, sea urchin, shiitake mushrooms, and many more. You will also get rice, vegetables, and a dessert in the form of a fresh special salad.

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Those are the reviews about the best restaurants in Kyoto that will spoil your tongue during your visit to this cherry country. Don't forget to always use Traveloka to make your trip easy and memorable. Because with Traveloka, you can get the best accommodation at affordable prices so you can save money during your vacation.

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