Written by Jane Pipkin
Kyoto isn’t just full of stunning temples and Zen gardens — it’s also known for its incredible food and drink scene, where the choice can sometimes feel overwhelming. Let us help out.
Here are some of our personal recommendations for bars, cafés, and restaurants in Kyoto, based on our travels to this traditional city.
Pro tip: Want to explore more? Book a Kyoto Foodie Night Tour.
1. Aiyo! Sanjō Tominokoji — best kushikatsu in Kyoto
Nakagyō Ward¥1,000 to ¥3,000
Although kushikatsu (fried skewers) is a speciality of Osaka, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it in Kyoto.
This lively izakaya, with its nostalgic interior, offers a good selection of individual kushikatsu for as little as ¥99 a pop — leaving you more money to spend on drinks.
Personally, we recommend ordering one of the sets, like the one pictured above. Not only do you get to try a variety of skewers, but they’re also presented in a fun way that makes for a great picture.
You should also order one of the frozen fruit sours, as they’re just as cool (and of course, delicious).
2. Kasumi — outstanding obanzai
Nakagyō Ward¥1,000 to ¥2,000
Don’t let appearances fool you. Although this might just look like any other esthetic café, it is much more than that.
This — we’re going to use the word here — “hidden gem” offers obanzai, a type of cuisine using mostly local Kyoto ingredients, for as little as ¥1,350. It’s rare to find such a good price for food like this.
They also have classic café favorites like cakes, coffee, sodas, and acai bowls. On top of this, the esthetic is quirky and botanical — we enjoyed staring at all the different cat statues in this quiet, whimsical setting.
Do note that the decor changes from time to time.
3. Minoru Dining — tasty teishoku sets in Kyoto Station
Shimogyō Ward¥1,500 to ¥3,000
Kyoto Station is chaotic at the best of times. But what if I told you that you can enjoy Kyoto-style dining at an affordable price and escape the chaos for a while?
Situated within Kyoto Porta, Minoru Dining prides itself on using seasonal vegetables, as well as rice and meat, all sourced locally from the Kyoto area.
The menu is extensive, with many meat-based set meals to choose from. However, the best dish to order is one of the premium sets, served in an obanzai style.
At the time of our visit, it cost ¥1,980 and included a variety of traditional Japanese tastes and flavors. From crispy tempura to perfectly pickled vegetables, this platter lets you experience Kyoto dining without breaking the bank.
4. Bar Time to Drink — best cocktails in Kyoto
Nakagyō Ward¥1,000 to ¥3,000
Want to end the night with an exquisite cocktail? Visit Bar Time to Drink. This small bar, located behind an unassuming door, is run by a bartender with a passion for mixology. With its refined and peaceful ambiance, this is the place to try spirits that epitomize Japanese flavors.
Sample some Japanese whiskey or domestic craft gin. Alternatively, for something original, we suggest getting one of the cocktails. The one we tried was the matcha and yuzu, both visually stunning and perfectly balanced.
Even though we said to end the night here, this bar actually opens at 2 p.m., so you can pop in for an afternoon tipple. Despite drinks not being cheap (our cocktail was ¥2,500), it’s well worth it for the experience and elegant flavors.
5. Kyoto Arashiyama Brewery Sanjō — craft beer on tap
Nakagyō Ward¥1,000 to ¥3,000
Kyoto Arashiyama Brewery Sanjō is a taproom where you can sip on local beers and savor some bar-style food. Everything is freshly brewed — you can even watch it happening in the back.
With options ranging from pale ales to Kyoto-based IPAs, there’s plenty to try. If you get stuck on what to order, just go for the three-beer tasting set for ¥2,100.
As for food, the fried chicken was some of the juiciest and crispiest we’ve had in a long time. It pairs perfectly with the Kokan-Saga-Mai Saison (which is what we got).
Not a beer drinker? No worries — there’s also whiskey, wine, and some gin and tonics.
6. In the Moon — rooftop bar
Higashiyama Ward¥600 to ¥2,000
Just like the name implies, In the Moon will make you feel as though as you are drinking cocktails under the moon. Located on the top floor of the Kamogawa Building, this is the perfect spot to watch the day turn into night.
As the sky changes color, the famous Minamiza Theater opposite will start to light up, creating an incredible view. Sitting there gives you a real sense of being in Kyoto.
Drinks start from around ¥600, with notable options including wine cocktails and non-alcoholic fruit squashes. You can also order food from a small à la carte menu, with steak and hamburgers even available.
Note that this bar is walk-in only, and given its popularity, we recommend arriving early.
Pro tip: Here are more rooftop bars which you can visit in Kyoto.
7. Stand Umineko Koto — craft beer from across Japan
Nakagyō Ward¥980 to ¥2,000
Looking for somewhere to enjoy a pint and some good conversation? Stand Umineko Koto is our go-to choice.
With 20 different types of craft beer to choose from, all sourced from microbreweries across Japan, you can while away the night discovering different beers.
Across the wall, there are roughly 1,500 bottles of rare craft beer — all in uniquely designed bottles. These are some of the most artistic we have ever seen and would definitely make a great souvenir.
If you are feeling peckish, there is also some bar-style food available, which perfectly complements the rich taste of the beer.
Also notable is the friendly staff, who are keen to chat and tell you all about their amazing beers.
8. Unir — our favorite for breakfast
Shimogyō Ward¥600 to ¥2,000
This is honestly our favorite breakfast spot in Kyoto. We first discovered this place before heading out on a day trip to Lake Biwa, and the breakfast was so good — and so affordable — that we keep coming back.
For just ¥1,350, you get a satisfying and nutritious morning set. We always order the Melting Croque Madame Morning Set, which comes with a cheesy croque monsieur topped with a perfectly cooked egg, along with tofu, salad, yoghurt, orange juice, and coffee.
If you can’t make it for breakfast. the lunch menu looks just as tempting. Options include the Overflowing Macaroni and Cheese Burger Set and Japanese-style pork shabu curry.
Even if you only stop by for a coffee, it’s worth a visit. This café is a Kansai exclusive, making it a nice find while exploring Kyoto.
9. Matcha Stand 1 1/2 — green tea and antiques
Nakagyō Ward¥350 to ¥1,500
It’s no secret that Kyoto is full of matcha cafés, and there are so many notable ones. But one of the stand-outs for us is Matcha Stand 1 1/2.
Born from a desire to blend with Japanese antiques, the owner of this quaint space offers a range of both contemporary and traditional matchas. For example, there are fruit matcha lattes as well as the chance to participate in a low-key tea ceremony and drink matcha the traditional way.
Lovingly hand-whisked, with nice touches such as the opportunity to sample traditional sweets alongside your drinks, this café stands out for its authenticity and atmosphere.
With its prime location near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it’s a place where you can just sit, watch the world go by, and sip your matcha.
10. Gion Tokuya — dessert in a traditional house
Higashiyama Ward¥1,000 to ¥2,000
Located within a traditional house in Gion, this dessert restaurant is a known favorite among celebrities — and for good reason.
Not only does Gion Tokuya have a zen setting, which whisks you away to a quieter world, but the desserts are some of the most beautifully presented and memorable (in this writer’s mind, anyway).
They use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, prepared with skill and delicacy. On our visit, we sampled the Warabi Mochi Parfait, which was perfectly balanced — not too sweet, and you could really taste the matcha.
Other desserts on offer include kuzumochi, anmitsu, and kakigōri.
Given the status of this restaurant, expect to wait in line for a while. We promise its worth it.
11. Future Train Diner — pink kawaii café
Shimogyō Ward¥600 to ¥11,000 (If you are reserving a seat, there’s a ¥700 admission fee for adults and ¥300 for children)
The creative mind behind the iconic Harajuku Monster Café, now (Kawaii Monster Land in Tokyo), has another experience café in Kyoto.
Once an abandoned railway track, Sebastian Masuda transformed this — along with decommissioned Thunderbird Express train (681 series) — into a futuristic, very pink train-themed diner for people of all ages to enjoy.
It is the unique experience of this place that secures its spot on our list. While you won’t find stereotypical traditional Kyoto dining here, you will discover playful creations such as the Kawaii Five-Story Pagoda Parfait, melty souffle pancakes, and a pink burger that dramatically releases smoke when unveiled.
A personal note: the Kawaii Five-Story Pagoda Parfait is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a dream for anyone with a serious sweet tooth.
For the ultimate dining experience, we suggest reserving the Future Imagination Course. Not only are you served a seven-course meal that blends tradition with a hint of modernity, but you also get to enjoy a theatrical-style dining experience in the special FUTURE BIRD (Car No.1 and 2).
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
