Fine Dining, Upscale, and Gourmet Restaurants in Kyoto

Known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, Kyoto offers a variety of upscale restaurants that serve everything from traditional Kaiseki meals to innovative, modern dishes. Below are some must-try spots for the discerning food lover on your visit to Kyoto.

Kikunoi

Awarded 3 Michelin Stars, Kikunoi is one of Kyoto's most prestigious restaurants. Specializing in traditional Kaiseki-style meals, enjoy multi-course dining experiences that feature delicacies like sashimi, grilled fish or meat, a seasonal hot pot, and more.

Hyotei

Flaunting over three centuries of immaculate reputation and a 3-Star Michelin rating, Hyotei offers an authentic Kaiseki dining experience. Savor dishes made with seasonal ingredients that not only satisfy your taste buds, but is also a treat to your eyes.

Gion Sasaki

Gion Sasaki is the epitome of gastronomic excellence. A blend of Japanese and French culinary traditions, this 1-Star Michelin restaurant delivers courses that are as unique as they are flavorful. The chef's choice menu changes based on the season, making each dining experience a unique one.

Mizai

Tucked away in the scenic Maruyama Park, Mizai offers a 2 Michelin Star Kaiseki dining experience. Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes, elegantly presented, and paired with seasonal sake.

Nakamura Ro

This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated Kyoto-style Kaiseki experience. Nakamura Ro's unique delicacies include turtle soup and grilled Kyoto beef, which are a must-try for any gourmet food enthusiast.

Tempura Endo Yasaka

Unlike the Kaiseki-centric Kyoto, Tempura Endo Yasaka elevates tempura into an upscale dining experience, earning it a single Michelin star. The traditional Kyoto bungalow environment supplements the gourmet delicacies.

Wakuden

Known for its dedication to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, Wakuden is a 1-Star Michelin restaurant that delivers a Kaiseki experience emblematic of Kyoto.

Whether you're seeking to try the ornate Kaiseki meals or innovative dishes incorporating traditional elements, Kyoto's upscale culinary scene offers an unforgettable dining experience.