Known to be the capital of ancient Japan, Kyoto was the center of religion, culture, and cuisine based on its rich history. Aside from the ancient buildings and the historical architectural style that the city has been preserving for hundreds of years, Kyoto is now gaining recognition for being home to many of the world’s award-winning restaurants. In fact, there are 100 restaurants in Kyoto that have Michelin stars and each of them offers a very unique kind of cuisine from all over the world. Get to know more about the best Michelin-star restaurants in Kyoto by reading more of this article and taking notes for the next time you find yourself in the city!
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1. Nakamura
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nakamura is one of the kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto that has been serving quality Japanese dishes way back from the Edo period (17th to 19th century). Today, Nakamura is being run by the 6th generation of the owners, who also happens to be its chefs.
In this three-Michelin Star restaurant, kaiseki dishes are being served traditionally at rooms that come with tatami mats. Guests get to sit on cushions on the floor and enjoy their meals at low tables, just like how the Japanese people eat their food traditionally.
Nakamura
Address: 136 Matsushitacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8093, Japan
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 7:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 466 USD
2. Hana Kitcho
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by HANA on Monday, February 28, 2022
Experience an authentic Japanese way of dining and have a taste of genuine Japanese dishes at Hana Kitcho, a one-Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto. They are known to be one of the most sophisticated restaurants in Kyoto’s Gion district. Their menu offers a very traditional array of dishes that are made with special techniques to ensure the freshness of every dish that they serve to their customers.
Hana Kitcho
Address: Japan, 〒605-0802 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Yamatocho, ３−2
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (closed on Wed)
Price: From 68 USD
3. Hyotei
Hyotei is a three-Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto that has been set right on the grounds of the Nanzenji Temple since it opened during the 17th century. The restaurant is still being run by the same family. In fact, today’s owner-chef is already from the 14th generation of the family. They are known to use local and freshest ingredients to their dishes. Seasonings are also not used in them as the restaurant wants to bring the most delicate flavors from these ingredients.
Hyotei
Address: 35 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8437, Japan
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
Price: From 68 USD
4. Miyoshi
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Famous for its ultimate Wagyu beef that melts in your mouth, Miyoshi is indeed one of the best restaurants in Kyoto that you need to visit. Miyoshi’s Chef Ito knows everything about the kaiseki cuisine and you will surely treasure every time you get a taste of his delectable dishes. Indulging in Chef Ito’s dishes is made even better with the restaurant’s ambiance that features modern Japanese lighting and calming Washi paper.
Miyoshi
Address: 570-15 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 66 USD
5. MOTOÏ
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are in the mood for something more Western while in Kyoto, then you should definitely try MOTOÏ. It is a one-Michelin star French restaurant situated on a former local home on a traditional Japanese building. You might underestimate it at the first look with its simple, traditional wooden walls and Japanese-inspired oriental roofing. But you will surely fall in love with its elegant and modern ambiance, together with their amazing French dishes made from local Japanese ingredients.
MOTOÏ
Address: Japan, 〒604-0952 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Tawarayacho, 186 富小路通二条, 下る
Website: MOTOÏ
Opening hours: Thu: 6pm - 8pm; Fri - Tue: 12pm – 1pm, 6pm – 8pm (closed on Wed)
6. Kichisen
Kichisen is one of the three-Michelin star restaurants in Tokyo that offers a very authentic yet sophisticated Japanese dining experience. For starters, the restaurant serves dishes the cha-kaiseki (tea ceremony) style, such as sashimi, sushi, and some other main dishes. Aside from its heavenly taste, the dishes are also made from the finest and the freshest local ingredients and is served in a very pleasing manner. Everyone who wants to try the experience at this restaurant should place a reservation beforehand.
Kichisen
Address: Japan, 〒606-0805 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, 下鴨糺ノ森(森本町)五
Opening hours: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm (daily)
Price: From 68 USD
7. Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama
Hailed as one of the world’s most expensive restaurants by The Telegraph, eating at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama is indeed an experience of a lifetime. From its humble beginnings as a small, family-run eatery, Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama is now a three-Michelin Star restaurant that might set you back at least USD 280 per person for a 10-course meal. Enjoy their bestsellers such as the barracuda sushi and boiled blue crab with vinegar jelly with a very laid-back Japanese dining atmosphere in one of the restaurant’s classic tatami rooms.
Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama
Address: ５８ Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm (closed on Wed)
Price: From 68 USD
8. Nishikawa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nishikawa is a two-Michelin star restaurant headed by its expert chef Masayoshi Nishikawa. The restaurant is known for getting its first Michelin star just after it opened in 2009. Their menu consists of seasonal kaiseki dishes that rely on the current availability of local ingredients. Some of their bestsellers include their mackerels, Tsushima tilefish, Nagasaki black abalone, and Boshu clams.
If you’d like to talk with the chef while enjoying your meal, then you might want to grab those amazing bar counter seats.
Nishikawa
Address: Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Shimokawaracho, 通八坂鳥居前下る
Opening hours: Mon: 6pm - 1pm; Tue - Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 68 USD
9. Matsudaya
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
# #sushigionmatsudaya #gionmatsudaya #
Posted by on Saturday, September 18, 2021
Tucked inside a quaint alley in Kyoto’s Gion district is Matsudaya, one of the best sushi restaurants in the city. This one-Michelin Star restaurant offers a very unique dining experience as diners get to see how the sushi is being made in front of them.
They also don’t have a fixed menu, as the restaurant only serves sushi based on the best and the freshest fish available that day. Enjoy their fluffy sushi rice that melts in your mouth and the best umami and seafood flavors that is even better when served with sake.
Matsudaya
Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Opening hours: 5pm - 9pm (daily)
Price: From 328 USD
10. Jiki Miyazawa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Get to have a taste of quality and the most popular kaiseki dishes in the city without spending too much in Jiki Miyazawa, which literally translates to “a very good restaurant.” Jiki Miyazawa is a one-Michelin Star restaurant in Kyoto that is known for its glistening white rice served with its delectable array of authentic Japanese dishes. However, be aware that the restaurant requires prior reservations before you get to try their amazing dishes.
Jiki Miyazawa
Address: 553-1 Yaoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8123, Japan
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 12pm – 1:45pm, 5:30pm – 8pm (closed on Thu)
Price: From 133 USD
Taste the best of Kyoto
Kyoto indeed is not only known for its very ancient ambiance and rich history, but also for its array of restaurants that are known all over the world for their unique dining experiences and exquisite dishes. Make sure to try dining at one of Kyoto’s best Michelin-star restaurants on your next visit to this Japanese city.
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