Kyoto Food Guide: Five Must-Visit Popular Restaurants for Foodies

1. GION GOZU — A Pudding Paradise

Just around the corner from Yasaka Shrine, tucked beside a Starbucks, you'll discover Gion Gozu. This spot is heaven for pudding lovers, offering silky-smooth creations that melt in your mouth with a burst of rich, creamy flavor. The Nama Chocolate Pudding is a standout, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and a subtle bitterness, creating a complex, unforgettable taste. During summer, don't miss their seasonal specialties: the Starry Night Pudding and Peach Tea Pudding. Whether you eat in or take away, these treats are pure bliss.

📍 Japan, 〒605-0074 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Minamigawa, 555 アパホテル京都祇園excellent 1F

2. Onimaru Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi — Rice Ball Artistry

Step into Onimaru Kyoto and you'll immediately sense the dedication to freshness and craftsmanship in every rice ball. Made to order, these onigiri showcase ingredients at their peak. The star of the show is the Yuzu-Sansho flavor, featuring Japanese pepper and young sardines — a refreshing taste that's quintessentially Kyoto. Don't overlook the classic Spam, unagi (eel), and thick tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) varieties. Pair your rice ball with a steaming bowl of soup, snag a window seat upstairs, and soak in the view while you savor every bite — it's the epitome of contentment.

📍 7 Otabimiyamotocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8003, Japan

3. Higashiyama Garden — Where Japanese Tradition Meets French Flair

A stone's throw from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, near Sannenzaka, lies Higashiyama Garden — a hidden French restaurant nestled in a traditional Japanese garden. Book through Tabelog for an unforgettable dining experience. The warm, elegant atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening. Start with the Temari Sushi, a visually stunning appetizer featuring Kobe beef, salmon roe, and tuna. For the main course, the A5 Wagyu Sirloin with seasonal vegetables is nothing short of spectacular. Round off your meal with their exquisite dessert — a harmonious blend of ice cream and cookies that provides a sweet finale to a remarkable culinary journey.

📍 4 Chome-166番 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan

4. Kyoto Tonkatsu Katsuta (とんかつ かつ田) — A Feast of Wagyu and Pork Cutlets

Since its late July opening, this newcomer has been creating quite a buzz. I sampled the Wagyu Set Meal, which, while pricier than your average set, is worth every yen. The spread is impressive: pork cutlets, Wagyu beef, seafood, veggies, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. The Wagyu, crispy outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside, is cooked to medium-rare perfection. Paired with their house-made sesame sauce, it's pure indulgence. Fair warning: the portions are so generous, you might find yourself asking for extra rice!

📍 Japan, 〒604-8005 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Ebisucho, 435-4 和牛館三条 1F

5. Spice Up Edama Meee — Edamame Reimagined

In a city known for traditional fare, Spice Up Edama Meee stands out with its laser focus on edamame (Japanese green soybeans snack). This tiny shop packs a punch with its innovative approach to this humble bean. Choose from eight unique flavors, each serving priced at a wallet-friendly 700 yen. The owner's pride and joy is the Black Pepper Cheese flavor, which balances heat and creaminess while enhancing the edamame's natural crispness. For purists, the classic Salted Edamame lets the true flavor shine. Every order is prepared fresh, making it the ideal pit stop during your Kyoto adventures.

📍 21-2 Ishibashicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8036, Japan