5 Delicious Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto may be best known for its temples, shrines, and historic charm, but the food scene deserves just as much attention. From conveyor belt sushi to tiny spots packed with locals, there are so many delicious places to eat in Kyoto.

During our 4 days in Kyoto, we found mouthwatering goodness in the form of a cozy ramen stop after sightseeing, a group-friendly restaurant in Arashiyama, and even quick convenience store dinners when we were too tired to do anything but crash at the hotel.

Here are my favorite restaurants in Kyoto worth adding to your trip, plus a few quick and easy options for when you need a fast meal between temples and train rides.

Best Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Musoshin Gion

Ramen

Musoshin Gion was one of my favorite ramen stops in Kyoto, partly because we earned our meal after doing a ramen noodle-making class in their kitchen.

It’s known for its fresh homemade ramen noodles, and someone has eaten noodles made with my very own hands. You’re welcome; I did an adequate job.

One thing that makes this place stand out is that it offers a truly vegetarian or vegan ramen. That’s pretty rare, since a lot of vegetable ramen options still use a meat-based broth. If you want ramen in Kyoto but need a vegetarian-friendly option, this is a great one to know.

We did not go vegetarian. Instead, we went for the Special Musoshin Ramen with all the toppings, plus fried chicken on the side and umeshu (plum wine) to drink.

558-2 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan

2. Saganoya

Rice Bowls, Noodles, Sushi

Saganoya is a solid restaurant option if you’re traveling with a group and everyone is craving something different. The menu includes everything from tofu dishes and zaru soba to sashimi and rice bowls.

Our group ordered a mix of items, including zaru soba, a sashimi meal, a tuna bowl, a special egg bowl, tempura shrimp, and a tempura shrimp bowl.

Everything was delicious, and it was a great meal before heading on our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest ghost tour.

11 Sagatenryuji Kurumamichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan

3. Musashi Sushi

Conveyor Belt Sushi

Musashi Sushi is a fun conveyor belt sushi restaurant where plates of nigiri, maki, and other sushi options pass by your seat and you grab what looks good.

Each plate color corresponds to a different price point, usually ranging from around 150 yen to 900 yen, so it’s simple to keep track of what you’re ordering. As with conveyor belt sushi restaurants in the States, we found that this is an affordable way to try new things.

We tried a range of sushi here, including tuna, mackerel, yellowtail, salmon, sakura, and hamo oshizushi, which is a Kyoto specialty made with pressed conger eel sushi. There’s also complimentary hot green tea at each seat, which pairs really well with the meal.

Japan, 〒604-8005 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Ebisucho, 440

4. NEW Taihou

Ramen, Rice Bowls

NEW Taihou is a tiny local spot that’s pretty popular because it serves great ramen. This small restaurant only has 11 seats, which gives it that cozy, hole-in-the-wall feel.

The menu includes ramen, aburasoba, dumplings, chicken karaage, onigiri, and donburi, so there’s a nice variety if not everyone in your group wants the same thing. We ordered the suji-don (a beef rice bowl), onigiri, and chicken nanban.

Definitely expect a wait to get seated here. But this is one of those spots where the locals eat quick and dash out, so you hopefully won’t have to wait long.

Japan, 〒600-8177 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Osakacho, 400

5. Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen” since it’s where you can find so many famous Kyoto foods and specialties. It’s the foodie place to go in Kyoto.

Stop by the food stalls for free or cheap samples, pop into the small restaurants, or grab ready-made dishes from the food stands. This is the best way to have a truly local lunch in Kyoto.

Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan

Quick Options

Not every memorable meal has to be a big splurge (or even an actual restaurant). A convenience store meal and classic fast food can absolutely hit the spot after a long day of sightseeing in Kyoto.

FamilyMart

FamilyMart is an easy, surprisingly satisfying stop for when you’re tired, not super hungry, or want something quick and cheap. We had a FamilyMart dinner one day after a heavy ramen lunch, and we did plenty of FamilyMart breakfasts and snacks.

Their iconic Fami-Chiki is one of the most famous items for a reason, and I was also a big fan of the egg sandwich. We also tried a pork onigiri and the famous melon bread.

You absolutely have to experience the convenience stores in Japan, and FamilyMart is a great place to try a few different snacks and drinks without spending much.

Zetteria

Zetteria is a fun fast food stop in Kyoto if you want something quick but still a little different from what you’d find back home. It’s an easy casual meal when you want something familiar, but with flavors and menu items that feel more specific to Japan.

The chain’s signature item is the Zeppin Burger, and the menu includes several burgers with distinctly Japanese twists, including options like beef rib, teriyaki beef, and chicken with hyuga natsu tartar sauce, plus seasonal specials. If you like trying fast food in other countries, this is definitely one to add to your trip.

We tried the classic Zeppin Cheeseburger, a seasonal Zeppin Cheeseburger with avocado, and the seasonal Wafu Gyu Karubi Burger, which came with Japanese-style beef rib and an okonomiyaki savory pancake used as the bun.

McDonald’s Japan

I know McDonald’s may not be the most obvious addition to a Kyoto restaurant list, but honestly, trying familiar fast food in another country can be fun!

It’s a surprising way to get a little peek at local flavors, and it’s easy on the wallet. Japanese McDonald’s often has menu items you won’t find in the US, including burgers like the Samurai Mac, Teriyaki McBurger, and Egg Cheese Burger, along with sides like edamame corn.

We ordered the Chicken Fillet-O and a Cheese Cheese Double Cheeseburger. It’s obviously not a must-do Kyoto meal, but if you enjoy comparing international fast food menus, this can be a fun and affordable stop.

Kyoto Restaurants Map

Ready to eat your way around Kyoto? Use the map below to find all these delicious places to eat in Kyoto.

I hope you have an amazing Kyoto trip!

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Cheers!

Paige

What are your favorite restaurants in Kyoto? Let me know in the comments below!