Kyoto should be on everyone’s to do list, it was a real highlight of our first trip to Japan. It’s famously jam packed with history, culture, UNESCO world heritage sites and more temples than you can shake a stick at, but the food scene is also impressive, with 78 Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto alone.
Street food, cafes and famous restaurants, handed down generations, serve dishes that will surprise and excite you. Choosing where to eat in Kyoto can be overwhelming at first, here’s where I can help. I am going to focus on the best food in Kyoto, guiding you through which Michelin star restaurants you must try.
TOP TIP! Have you planned all your trip yet? Check out my full guide to two weeks in Japan and the best Kyoto hotels for all budgets.
I have also written more detailed guides to Japan.
Table of Contents
What to expect at a Michelin restaurant in Kyoto
Kyoto’s Michelin-starred restaurants are a reflection of the city’s culinary tradition, combining ancient techniques with modern innovation. The majority of Michelin star restaurants here focus on traditional Japanese cuisine and techniques, often with a more informal atmosphere, compared to some of the similar establishments in Tokyo.
At the heart of Kyoto’s cuisine is kaiseki, a multi-course dining experience that emphasises seasonality, balance, and precision. Originally developed as an accompaniment to the tea ceremony, kaiseki has evolved into a high art form, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients and delicate preparation methods.
Seasonality is a cornerstone of Kyoto’s dining scene. Chefs meticulously source ingredients based on what is fresh and available, often from local farms, rivers, and mountains. This close connection to the seasons ensures that every visit offers a unique menu, with dishes that reflect that time of year.
Beyond taste, Kyoto’s Michelin restaurants place great importance on the aesthetic and sensory aspects of dining. Every dish is presented as a work of art. The dining spaces themselves are often designed to complement the meal, whether it’s a traditional machiya townhouse or intimate counter seating where guests can watch the chefs at work.
What are the best Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto?
Kikunoi Honten
3 stars
Kikunoi Honten is a masterclass in traditional kaiseki dining, now run by third-generation chef Yoshihiro Murata. Rooted in Kyoto’s culinary history, this restaurant elevates the multi-course kaiseki meal to an art form. Signature dishes, like the delicate hamo shabu (conger eel hotpot), showcase the fresh, local ingredients of the season. Presentation is central to the experience, with intricate attention paid to tableware and floral arrangements. The relaxing atmosphere, reminiscent of a tea ceremony, immerses diners in a complete sensory experience.
Gion Sasaki
3 stars
At Gion Sasaki, Chef Hiroshi Sasaki blends tradition with innovation, creating a kaiseki experience that is both refined and playful. Known for its open kitchen, the restaurant lets diners witness the skill and precision that goes into each dish, such as sashimi, grilled fish, and rice cooked in a clay pot. Sasaki is particularly adept at introducing unexpected textures and flavours into his dishes while maintaining respect for seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is welcoming, but intimate, with only 19 seats, making the dining experience feel deeply sophisticated. It also means it’s notoriously hard to get a table, so get planning!
Hyotei
3 stars
With over 400 years of history, Hyotei is a cornerstone of Kyoto’s dining scene. The restaurant’s approach to kaiseki is rooted in simplicity and elegance. One of its signature dishes is the soft-boiled egg, not something you would normally see called out on a three-star synopsis, a perfect example of Hyotei’s philosophy of minimalism and precision. Set in a tranquil, temple-like environment, dining here feels like stepping back in time, offering an intimate experience. The changing seasonal menu ensures that every visit is unique.
Isshisoden Nakamura
3 stars
Isshisoden Nakamura is a historic Kyoto kaiseki restaurant, run by the Nakamura family for over 180 years. Known for its understated elegance, the restaurant focuses on classic kaiseki dishes like grilled fish and clear soups. The chef’s attention to subtle flavours and traditional techniques ensures that each dish is a pure expression of Kyoto cuisine. The atmosphere is intimate and formal, making Isshisoden Nakamura an ideal choice for those seeking a deeply traditional kaiseki experience.
Mizai
3 stars
Mizai offers a highly curated omakase-style kaiseki experience under Chef Hitoshi Ishihara’s guidance. With limited seating and a synchronised presentation of each course, Mizai provides an intimate yet theatrical dining experience. Dishes are prepared with impeccable precision, with all guests served at the same time, adding to the theatre. The attention to detail in both flavour and presentation makes Mizai one of Kyoto’s most sought-after dining destinations. Getting a table reflects this, so book well in advance and be flexible with your day and time.
Shimmonzen Yonemura
2 stars
Shimmonzen Yonemura stands out for its inventive fusion of Kyoto kaiseki and global influences, with Chef Masayasu Yonemura at the helm. The restaurant is known for playful combinations of French, Chinese, and Japanese techniques, offering dishes like foie gras and clam bourguignon. The fusion of styles never overshadows the essence of seasonal ingredients, and the result is a uniquely memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with meticulous attention to detail on all aspects, perfect for those who want to enjoy a creative twist on traditional Kyoto dining.
Velrosier
2 stars
Velrosier takes Chinese cuisine and reinterprets it through the lens of modern, fusion techniques. Chef Yuji Iwasaki creates unexpected but harmonious dishes like foie gras in monaka wafers or choux pastries with salmon and strawberry. The sleek, modern décor complements the creativity of the food, offering an immersive dining experience where diners can watch the meticulous preparation in the open kitchen. Located in the Good Nature Station, Velrosier is ideal for those seeking a bold and innovative take on Chinese fusion.
Kyokaiseki Kichisen
2 stars
Kyokaiseki Kichisen offers a traditional Kyoto kaiseki experience with a focus on the highest quality ingredients. Chef Yoshimi Tanigawa’s dishes are works of art, blending beauty with subtle flavours that enhance the natural taste of ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons to reflect the freshest produce. The restaurant has a quiet and intimate setting with beautiful flower arrangements and an artistic eye with Japanese aesthetic throughout.
Ryo-sho
2 stars
Ryo-sho is a hidden gem in Kyoto’s kaiseki scene, offering a calm, understated environment where simplicity reigns. The focus here is on letting the ingredients speak for themselves, with minimal seasoning that allows the natural flavours of the season’s bounty to shine. Distinctly Japanese with subtle nods to French cuisine, the dishes are prepared with an almost meditative attention to detail. Ryo-sho is an ideal choice for those who appreciate understated elegance in their dining experience.
Yusokuryori Mankamero
2 stars
Yusokuryori Mankamero specialises in yusoku cuisine, a style once reserved for the imperial court. The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of delicate, balanced flavours, with dishes presented with impeccable attention to detail. The historic setting and traditional décor add to the sense of refinement, making dining here feel like a royal experience.
Sumibi Kappo Ifuki
2 stars
Sumibi Kappo Ifuki is renowned for its mastery of charcoal grilling, with the kappo-style kitchen offering an interactive experience where diners can watch dishes being prepared. The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, carefully grilled over charcoal to extract deep, smoky flavours without overpowering the natural taste. The intimate atmosphere and skilled presentation of dishes make Ifuki a top choice for those who appreciate robust flavours with a touch of refinement.
Gion Nishikawa
2 stars
Gion Nishikawa offers a refined kaiseki dining experience. Chef Masayoshi Nishikawa presents beautifully plated dishes that highlight the essence of Kyoto cuisine, with courses including fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and delicately balanced soups. Nishikawa even draws the water for his soup stock from the Yasaka shrine. The minimalist interior adds to the tranquil dining experience, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the subtlety and beauty of traditional kaiseki.
Otagi
2 stars
Otagi features a changing menu that reflects the best of what each season has to offer, chef Kazuaki Baba especially showcases vegetables, all grown locally by friends. Each dish is meticulously crafted, with an emphasis on purity of flavour and elegant presentation. The understated décor and attentive service add to the overall experience, making Otagi a must-visit for lovers of refined Kyoto cuisine.
Miyamaso
2 stars
Miyamaso is located in a remote, picturesque area of Kyoto, offering a retreat-like dining experience that connects diners with nature. It’s not one to pop to, as the journey from Kyoto takes nearly two hours by train, but boy it’s worth it. If the restaurant appeals I would recommend considering an overnight stay at their ryokan. The restaurant specialises in mountain cuisine (sansai ryori), featuring wild herbs and vegetables foraged from the surrounding hills. Each dish reflects the changing seasons. The setting, surrounded by lush greenery, enhances the experience, making it feel like a real escape from the city.
Kenninji Gion Maruyama
2 stars
Kenninji Gion Maruyama blends tradition and innovation in its approach to kaiseki dining. Set in a historical district near Kenninji Temple, the restaurant combines seasonal ingredients with artistic presentation. The traditional architecture and peaceful setting enhance the dining experience, offering a serene escape in the heart of Kyoto. Chef Yoshio Maruyama’s approach respects the classical techniques and process of a tea ceremony and kaiseki while adding his own creative touch.
Kodaiji Wakuden
2 stars
Kodaiji Wakuden is known for its refined kaiseki cuisine and its views of Kyoto’s historic Kodaiji Temple. The restaurant is renowned for bringing through young and talented chefs. Expect elegantly plated dishes of seasonal produce like Taiza crab, all prepared with a meticulous attention to detail. The site itself is inspired by tea-ceremony arbours, expect to be wonderfully looked after from start to finish.
Gion Maruyama
2 stars
Gion Maruyama offers a classic kaiseki experience in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district. Chef Maruyama focuses on seasonal ingredients, crafting delicate dishes that highlight the purity of flavours, in line with the motto of flavour over seasoning. The menu is ever-changing, but often reflects traditional events like the Gion festival. The restaurant itself is beautifully appointed, with views of a traditional Japanese garden, adding to the sense of calm and refinement. This restaurant is ideal for those seeking a true taste of old world Kyoto dining.
Sojiki Nakahigashi
2 stars
Sojiki Nakahigashi takes a deeply personal approach to kaiseki, with Chef Hisao Nakahigashi focusing on sojiki—a philosophy of eating local, seasonal produce. The menu is shaped by what Chef Nakahigashi forages himself, resulting in dishes that highlight wild herbs, vegetables, and fish. Each course tells a story of the season and the land, making the dining experience a real journey. The restaurant’s intimate setting and the chef’s passion for sustainability make it a standout choice for eco-conscious diners.
Wagokoro Izumi
2 stars
Wagokoro Izumi specialises in kaiseki cuisine with a focus on precision and seasonality. Chef Izumi crafts each dish to highlight the natural flavours of the freshest ingredients, his goal is for you to experience the four seasons of Kyoto in one meal. Expect to see an artful balance of textures and tastes. The staff all wear traditional Kimonos adding to atmosphere. The venue is a great choice for those seeking a really classic Kyoto dining experience.
Gion Matayoshi
2 stars
Gion Matayoshi is a small, elegant restaurant tucked away in Kyoto’s Gion district, offering a focused and seasonal kaiseki experience. Chef Matayoshi brings an expert hand to every course, balancing delicate flavours with beautifully presented plates. Innovative palate cleansers and a true respect for traditional cooking methods mean this a standout for those who appreciate understated elegance in their dining.
Kikunoi Roan
2 stars
Kikunoi Roan, a more casual counterpart to Kikunoi Honten, offers the same attention to detail and seasonal ingredients in a slightly more relaxed setting. Chef Yoshihiro Murata’s dedication to kaiseki is evident in every dish, with a menu that highlights the changing seasons with dashes of western ingredients, such as olive oil and truffle. The setting is ideal for those looking for a top-tier kaiseki experience in a more approachable atmosphere.
Ogata
2 stars
Ogata takes a minimalist approach to kaiseki dining, with Chef Toshiro Ogata focusing on simplicity and purity of flavour. Each dish is carefully crafted to let the seasonal ingredients shine. The restaurant’s décor mirrors the food—understated and elegant—creating a beautiful dining experience that puts the focus squarely on the food. Ogata is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the depth of flavour that comes from high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Non Japanese Michelin starred restaurants in Kyoto Japan
Cenci
1 star
With one michelin star Cenci offers a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine, making it one of Kyoto’s most exciting dining destinations. Chef Ken Sakamoto uses local ingredients to create Italian-inspired dishes with a distinct Japanese twist. The menu changes regularly to reflect the best of each season, and diners can expect beautifully presented courses such as clam chowder, char grilled duck and oyster risotto, all paired with an impressive selection of wines. The intimate setting and innovative dishes make Cenci a tasty option, Italian with an undeniable Japanese twist.
Lurra
1 star
Lurra stands out for its bold fusion of firewood-focused cooking and local Japanese ingredients. The restaurant’s name, meaning “earth” in Basque, reflects Chef Inaki Aizpitarte’s commitment to using natural, elemental cooking methods. Expect dishes with a distinct smoky flavour that enhances the natural taste of the ingredients. The rustic yet refined setting, combined with the chef’s creative use of fire, makes Lurra a standout choice for those looking for something a little different in Kyoto’s dining scene.
La Biographie
1 star
La Biographie brings French elegance to Kyoto’s dining scene, with Chef Shinya Otsuchihashi creating dishes that blend classic French techniques with Japanese ingredients. The menu is seasonal, featuring dishes like foie gras, roasted duck, and fresh seafood, all presented with meticulous attention to detail. The restaurant’s minimalist décor allows the food to take centre stage, and the wine pairing options are carefully curated to complement each course.
Takayama
1 star
Takayama is another hidden gem for Italian cuisine lovers in Kyoto. Chef Takayama takes a modern approach to Italian cooking, using local Japanese ingredients to produce creative dishes. The menu puts a modern twist on known and loved Italian classics, all prepared with a deep respect for both Italian and Japanese culinary traditions. The intimate setting, with only a few tables, makes for a personalised dining experience, perfect for those looking for a quiet, refined meal.
Map of the best Michelin Restaurants in Kyoto
FAQs about the best restaurants in Kyoto
Does Kyoto have Michelin star restaurants?
Yes. Kyoto has a total of 78 Michelin-starred restaurants as of the 2024 Michelin Guide. The city remains a top destination for Michelin-recognised fine dining, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences, from traditional kaiseki to innovative fusion dishes
What city in Japan has the most Michelin stars?
Tokyo holds the title for the most Michelin stars of any city in the world. It has over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, including multiple 3-star establishments, covering a wide range of cuisines.
Why does Japan have so many 3 Michelin star restaurants?
Japan’s deep-rooted food culture, emphasis on quality ingredients, and precision in culinary techniques contribute to its high number of 3-star Michelin restaurants. Japanese chefs have a long tradition of perfecting their craft over decades, and there is an unparalleled attention to seasonality, presentation, and hospitality, which aligns well with Michelin’s criteria.
How many Michelin star restaurants are in Japan?
As of the latest guide, Japan boasts over 400 Michelin-starred restaurants.
What is a Michelin Green Star?
The Michelin Green Star is a relatively new award, starting in 2021. It is awarded to restaurants that are leading in sustainable gastronomy. It recognises chefs and restaurants that are committed to sourcing local ingredients responsibly, reducing waste, and engaging in environmentally friendly practices while maintaining a high standard of cuisine.
How can I reserve Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto?
Many Michelin-starred restaurants in Kyoto require reservations, often well in advance. You can reserve through the restaurant’s official website or via platforms like the Michelin Guide website and app. These often link you to third parties who work with the restaurants.
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TOP TIP! Have you planned all your trip yet? Check out my full guide to two weeks in Japan and the best Kyoto hotels for all budgets.
I have also written more detailed guides to Japan.
Explore the best food tours in Kyoto
As i mentioned, the best Kyoto food can be found in many guises, it isn’t just at Michelin starred establishments. Because of this strong food scene this is a great city to try a food tour, with a local expert Kyoto food guide, showing you some hidden gems and the best the city has to offer. My one tip, be adventurous. Here are three of the best options!
Try your hand at Kyoto’s ultimate cooking classes
Of course, where there are great restaurants there are also great chefs. If you prefer to get more involved in the making AND the eating, try your hand at a cookery class in Kyoto, here are three of the best Kyoto has to offer
The ultimate guide to Michelin Star dining in Kyoto
There you have it, a guide to some of the best Michelin starred food options Kyoto has to offer.
Remember, to avoid disappointment book well in advance, have an adventurous spirit and go ready to be truly wowed. If you are struggling to find availability, consider a lunch time sitting and be flexible with your dining times.
If all else fails, I cannot recommend the Michelin guide app enough, we used it throughout Japan and didn’t have one bad meal. We tried restaurants with stars, bib gourmand and just recommendations, all were great and spanned a wide range of budgets and cuisines.
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