Kyoto Food Guide: My Top 8 Restaurants in Kyoto for First Timers (2026)

I’ll be honest with you, my entire Japan trip pretty much evolved around one thing: where to eat. Whether I was in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Osaka, or right here in Kyoto, my days were literally scheduled around my next meal! Every single day, I made it my personal mission to track down the best food experiences possible.

And just to be clear, “best” doesn’t always mean the fanciest or most expensive Michelin-star spot. For me, it’s all about finding the tastiest, most unique, or most special dish, even if it’s tucked away in a tiny alleyway.

Today, I want to share my favorites for the best food in Kyoto. We’re covering everything from the legendary Nishiki Market street food to the most melt-in-your-mouth wagyu and Kobe I’ve ever had.

I know from experience that Kyoto’s food scene can feel a little overwhelming when you first arrive, so I wanted to make things easy for you. Consider this your go-to Kyoto food guide, filled with the restaurants and local spots that I think are absolutely worth every yen.

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Kyoto Food Guide: My Top 8 Restaurants in Kyoto for First Timers (2026)

The Best Kyoto Food – My Experience

I spent about four full days in Kyoto, and to be honest, I definitely could’ve stayed way longer just for the food alone.

One of my absolute favorite experiences was a total fluke at Gyoza Taizou. I actually only ended up there because the place I originally wanted to go had a massive line! Gyoza Taizou also had a queue, but they do seatings for about 10 people at a time. We managed to get a spot in the very last seating of the day, and it turned out to be one of the funnest dinners I’ve ever had. We met so many amazing people and just had the best time enjoying amazing food and sake.

Another highlight for me was definitely Nishiki Market. I’ve included it in this list because it’s easily my favorite market in all of Japan. I had the best time just “market hopping” from stall to stall with a cold beer in hand, trying everything from fresh oysters and sashimi to steaming hot dumplings.

Overall, I found it super easy to find good food in Kyoto, mostly because the downtown area is so walkable, with loads and loads of amazing restaurants all around.

And yes, Needles to say it also happened here in Kyoto that some places had two-hour waitlines, but I would just pivot and find somewhere else. I’m not someone who cares about eating at “viral” restaurants just for the sake of it; I just want good, authentic food!

The Best Food in Kyoto – My Top 8 Restaurants

1. Gyoza Taizou // My Favorite Restaurant in Kyoto

Opening Hours: 5pm-9pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

As I mentioned, Gyoza Taizou is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Kyoto. To be honest, I only found it because the wait for Chao Chao Gyoza (the “famous” gyoza spot around the corner) was literally three hours long, which was a hard “no” from me.

But I’m so glad I pivoted, because Gyoza Taizou was such a vibe. It’s located upstairs in this totally random building, and the whole restaurant in itself is just so quirky. We ended up waiting in this tiny hallway with 10 other strangers because the restaurant itself is just one single bar with 10 seats. That’s it! They only serve gyoza, and the whole experience felt very much like a typical Japan experience.

I will say, the social aspect really made the night for me. Since you’re all squeezed together, we ended up chatting with everyone in our seating. It was so much fun, though I guess if you get stuck with a quiet group, it might be a bit of a different experience. But for the food and the quirkiness alone, it’s a must.

2. Tai Sushi // The Best Sushi in Kyoto

Opening Hours: 5pm-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

I feel like Tai Sushi is the sushi version of Taizou. It’s another one of those super tiny, local spots that really only fits about 10 people, so the atmosphere is as intimate and authentic as you can get in Kyoto.

Just a heads up: the line here is no joke. We showed up 30 minutes before the doors even opened, and there was already a queue down the street. I usually hate waiting in line for food, but it’s basically a rite of passage in Japan, and for this sushi? It was 100% worth the wait.

It was easily some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. If you’re a sushi lover, you have to put this on your list, just make sure you get there early!

3. Men-Ya Inoichi Hanare // Best Ramen in Kyoto

Opening Hours: 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Some of the best ramen I had in Kyoto was definitely at Men-Ya Inoichi Hanare. The restaurant is actually Michelin-recommended, which pretty much explains the long wait. When I got there, we had to wait in line for about an hour, but at this stage of the trip, I feel like I was just getting used to the queueing culture in Japan!

The restaurant is fairly small, just like most of the local spots, but the ramen was incredible. They have a really delicious, clear broth and handmade noodles that are just on another level. I ordered the wagyu ramen and it was honestly delicious.

If you are looking for a great ramen spot in Kyoto that feels a bit more refined but still authentic, I highly recommend this one.

4. Kaneko // Best Wagyu in Kyoto

Opening Hours: 3pm-11:30pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Okay, if there is one place on this list I absolutely need you to go to, it’s Kaneko. This was some of the best meat I’ve ever had in my life, full stop. Kaneko is a Yakiniku restaurant, which is basically the Japanese equivalent of a Korean BBQ (I didn’t even know that was a thing before I came here!).

We actually tried to walk in one day and couldn’t get a seat, but we decided to make a reservation right then and there for later in the week. Definitely make a reservation if you can!

The restaurant is super tiny and local; it literally looks like the backroom of someone’s house. We were seated at a tiny table with a little charcoal grill, and we ordered different cuts of meat, including wagyu.

The staff actually helped us grill everything so we wouldn’t mess up the meat or overcook it, which was so helpful. Pair that with some cold beer and sake, and wow, it was one of the most delicious dinners of the whole trip. If you’re looking for the best wagyu in Kyoto, you need to come here.

5. Sushi Motoju Kyoto

Opening Hours: 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Sushi Motoju Kyoto was actually the very first Omakase experience I’ve ever had in Japan. If you aren’t familiar with what an Omakase is, it’s basically a set-course sushi meal, usually between 10 and 20 courses, where the Sushi chef makes each piece right in front of you.

I absolutely loved the experience here. The sushi itself was so fresh and delicious, and watching the chef work is like a performance.

I actually went for the lunch Omakase since it was a bit cheaper than the dinner service, but the quality was still top-tier. If you want a fancy, intimate sushi experience without it being too intimidating, this is a great spot.

6. Nishiki Market // Best Kyoto Food Market

My absolute favorite food market in the whole of Japan is definitely Nishiki Market in Kyoto. The market is basically one really long, narrow alleyway packed with street-food-style stalls and tiny restaurants with seating on both sides.

I had such a fun night here! I started at one end and basically ate my way through to the other. I literally tried everything I could get my hands on, from eel (unagi) to the biggest oysters I’ve ever seen in my life. I also had dumplings, shrimp tempura, and some amazing sashimi, all washed down with a few cold beers.

It’s definitely a “fun night out” kind of destination. It was pretty busy when I was there, which just added to the outgoing, lively atmosphere. If you’re looking for the best street food in Kyoto, this is the place.

7. Sugari Kyoto

Opening Hours: 11:30m-3pm, 5pm-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Sugari Kyoto is another amazing ramen spot and honestly one of the best noodle houses I’ve visited in the city. You’ve probably noticed by now that I’m a total sucker for a hidden gem, and Sugari fits that description perfectly. It’s tucked away in a random alleyway and doesn’t even look like a restaurant from the outside. I probably would have walked right past it!

One of my friends who had been to Kyoto before recommended this place as the best ramen in Kyoto, and wow, it really lived up to the hype. The atmosphere inside is super cozy, which was perfect since it was a rainy night when I visited. The ramen was delicious and the whole experience felt very local and “in the know.”

8. Sushi Kaiseki Kozuki

Opening Hours: 11:30am-10pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Okay, so I’ve already told you that Tai Sushi was my personal favorite, but I have to be honest, that’s probably only because I didn’t make it to Sushi Kaiseki Kozuki. This is another one of those restaurants located in a quiet, random neighborhood that is just peak authentic, local sushi.

I am actually absolutely devastated that I didn’t get to eat here. The sushi looks incredible in photos, and the whole place has such an authentic, intimate vibe that I usually obsess over.

Since I missed out this time, I’m putting it on the list for you guys. Please, if you’re in Kyoto and you get the chance to go here, let me know how it was so I can live vicariously through you!

FAQs About Where to Eat in Kyoto

Where has the best ramen in Kyoto?

The best ramen in Kyoto has to be at Sugari Kyoto. It has a thick, delicious broth and the whole place is just super cozy and hidden away in an alleyway, which is exactly the vibe I love for all my Japanese restaurants!

What is the best food in Kyoto?

From my own experience, the best food in Kyoto is at Tai Sushi. It was honestly some of the best sushi I’ve ever had in my life! The tuna especially was just so buttery and fresh; I’m still thinking about it.

What are some unique restaurants in Kyoto?

The most unique restaurant in Kyoto is definitely Gyoza Taizou. It is the smallest restaurant I’ve ever been to! They do seatings in batches of 10 people at a time, and the whole setting is just so quirky and fun, plus the food is incredible.

Where should I eat in Kyoto?

If you want a bit of everything, you definitely should go to Nishiki Market in Kyoto. I had an amazing time and a super fun night there with loads of drinks and small bites. I think it’s the best place if you want to try a variety of high-quality Kyoto street food.

What is the best Kyoto restaurant?

Out of all the places I’ve visited, the best Kyoto restaurant has to be Kaneko. Their wagyu is the best I’ve ever had, it’s juicy, high-quality, and the atmosphere in that tiny “backroom” setting is super unique.

Final Thoughts on The Best Food in Kyoto

All in all, Kyoto has so many amazing restaurants and food spots that this list is really just the tip of the iceberg! It’s based 100% on my own personal experience rather than a Michelin guide, but since I’ve spent so much time eating my way through Japan, I’d like to think I have a pretty good idea of what’s worth the hype as a self-declared foodie.

I am more than happy to recommend every single one of these Kyoto restaurants to you, and I’m sure you’ll have a great experience at them yourself. I hope this Kyoto food guide gives you a solid starting point for where to eat during your first visit!