[Kyoto] Top 5 Popular Restaurants! Featuring Editor's Recommended Restaurant Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Apr 20, 2026

Author: SAVOR JAPAN Editorial Team

[Kyoto] Top 5 Popular Restaurants! Featuring Editor's Recommended Restaurant

Even if the restaurant you're aiming for is fully booked, Kyoto, where tradition is alive, still harbors numerous undiscovered culinary delights. This time, the editorial team has lined up a selection of popular restaurants with overwhelming support, including those with undeniable skill. Especially, restaurants that offer "instant reservation" complete the booking process on the spot, making them convenient for sudden changes in plans.

SAVOR JAPAN Editorial Team

A team of writers dedicated to sharing the best of Japan’s food and travel with the world. From must-visit spots to beloved local gems and seasonal highlights, we bring you authentic insights into Japan’s diverse regions.

Top 5 Popular Restaurants in Kyoto

This is a popular restaurant frequented by many gourmets, known for its reliable taste and service, enhancing moments with loved ones.

1. Matsusakagyu WHAT'S Kyoto Muromachi Branch | Instant Reservation

Matsusaka Beef WHAT'S Kyoto Muromachi Restaurant | Instant Reservation

[Kyoto] Top 5 Popular Restaurants! Featuring Editor's Recommended Restaurants

Located in a traditional Kyoto townhouse that is 80 years old, this restaurant offers the finest Matsusaka beef for a truly indulgent yakiniku experience. They purchase whole cows, allowing guests to enjoy rare cuts of meat that are usually not available. Recommended dishes include the "Matsusaka Beef 5 Kinds Assortment" and the famous "Matsusaka Beef Meat Sushi". Please enjoy a unique Kyoto experience in a private room setting.

Matsusakagyu WHAT'S Kyoto Muromachi Branch

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
Address: 477, Eboshiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

2. Wagyu Restaurant Bungo Gion

Located in a traditional townhouse in Kyoto's Gion district, this restaurant offers the finest "Oita Wagyu" beef. An exclusive staff member carefully cooks the meat right in front of the guests, ensuring that the Wagyu is always served in its best condition. The restaurant's reservation-only special full course is also popular. Enjoy a graceful dining experience with sukiyaki and steak served with a special sauce.

Wagyu Restaurant Bungo Gion

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm / Reservations only. Reservations are available at 17:00, 18:00, and 19:00. Each one is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Some days may have reservations available for 20:00 (please ask the restaurant for details).
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 16,000 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from Exit 8 of Gion-shijo Station on Keihan Railway. It is located along Shimbashi-dori Street.
Address: 56, Motoyoshi-cho, Yamatooji Higashi-iru, Shimbashi-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

3. Sumiyaki Unafuji Daimaru Kyoto Bettei | Instant Reservation

Sumiyaki Unagi Fuji Daimaru Kyoto Bettei | Instant Reservation

This is a Michelin-starred eel specialty restaurant originating from Nagoya. Located just a minute's walk from Karasuma Station and directly connected to the underground passage, the restaurant boasts excellent accessibility. They serve the highest quality jumbo eels, grilled over charcoal to achieve a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, offering a sublime texture. Highly recommended are the limited quantity "Liver-Topped Premium Eel Bowl" and "Hitsumabushi", where guests can enjoy variations in flavor with different spices and broth.

Sumiyaki Unafuji Daimaru Kyoto Bettei

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. It's on the Store 8th floor of the Daimaru Kyoto Store, directly connected to the underground passage.
Address: 79, Tachiuri nishi-machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

4. Gion Katana

This restaurant offers a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese and modern ambiance, where guests can enjoy charcoal-grilled delicacies made from carefully selected ingredients. They serve exquisitely grilled premium Wagyu beef, fresh Ise lobster, and specialty yakitori. A wide selection of wines and Japanese sake, chosen by a sommelier, is also available, making it an ideal choice for a tourist's evening out or a special dinner with a loved one.

Gion Katana

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Keihan Main Line Gion-shijo Station / 298m from Gion-shijo Station
Address: 69-2, Motoyoshi-cho, Higashi-iru, Yamato-oji, Shimbashi-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

5. Gionshinbashi Nakatani | Instant Reservation

Located in a secluded alley near the famous tourist spot "Tatsumi Bridge" in Kyoto's Gion district, this hidden restaurant is run by a chef with over 20 years of experience. They offer authentic Japanese cuisine using fresh seafood and local vegetables. Particularly recommended are the elegant "Seasonal Bowl" which reflects the changing seasons in each dish, and the "Seasonal Rice" cooked fluffy in a clay pot. Enjoy a special time in a serene atmosphere.

Gionshinbashi Nakatani

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Last entry at 1:30 pm / Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 11,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPY
Access: Located near the Giontatsumi Bridge. It's down a narrow alley north of the Tatsumi Daimyojin shrine, just off Shinbashi Street.
Address: 59-1, Motoyoshi-cho, Shinbashiagaru, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

Editor's Recommended Top 4 Restaurants

From the many options available, four restaurants have been meticulously selected for their taste, ambiance, and reputation. These establishments promise a high-quality experience that allow guests to fully enjoy Kyoto's rich culinary culture.

6. Seiwaso | Instant Booking

[Kyoto] Top 5 Popular Restaurants! Featuring Editor's Recommended Picks

This historic restaurant allows guests to enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine while overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden. The dishes, made with Fushimi's well-known underground water and seasonal ingredients from Kyoto, are exquisite. Particularly recommended are the selected Wagyu charcoal grill course and the "Seasonal Ingredients Course", which offers a rich flavor. Surrounded by Japan's traditional beauty, guests can enjoy a peaceful moment.

Seiwasou

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:15 pm) Last entry 1:30 pm / Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) Last entry 7:00 pm
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
Access: 15-minute drive from JR Kyoto Station/ 5-minute walk from the city bus stop, Nishi-Sumizomedori
Address: 8, Fukakusa-Echigoyashiki-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

7. Kyoto Unawa Main Branch Jingumichi | Request Reservation

Kyoto Unawa Heian Shrine Restaurant | Request Reservation

Located near Kyoto's Heian Shrine, this is a serene and high-quality eel specialty restaurant. They use rare, domestically sourced female eels weighing over 300 grams, allowing guests to savor the plump flesh and smooth richness of the fat. The "Awase-Ju", which lets guests enjoy both Unadon and Hitsumabushi at the same time, is highly recommended. They promise a blissful dining experience that will satisfy guest's soul.

Kyoto Unawa Main Branch Jingumichi

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidayse] 10:30 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm) *Please note that sales may end early depending on the availability of eel
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line. It is 300 meters from Higashiyama Station
Address: 1F, Jingumichi Store, 374-5 Horiikecho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

8. Yakitori to Sousakusumibiyaki Kokoko | Instant Reservation

Yakitori and Creative Charcoal Grilling Kokoko | Instant Reservation

Located in the bustling Kawaramachi area, this modern restaurant unfolds a unique, cave-like space underground. They pride themselves on their charcoal-grilled dishes, featuring fresh chicken and fish delivered directly from the market. Their signature dish, a succulent chicken generously topped with cheese, and customizable skewers of yakitori are highly recommended. Enjoy a satisfying dinner accompanied by beautiful dishes.

Yakitori to Sousakusumibiyaki Kokoko

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station on Hankyu Kyoto Line
Address: B1F/1F, Yanagawa Bldg., Higashi-iru, Sansujime, Sagaru, Shijokawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

9. Pontocho HOUSHOAN | Instant Reservation

[Kyoto] Top 5 Popular Restaurants! Featuring Editor's Choice Restaurants

Located in Pontocho, Kyoto, this restaurant offers a special experience of Japanese culinary culture. They provide extensive services for international guests, including English support, ensuring a comfortable visit even during travel. Enjoy unique seasonal courses such as black Wagyu beef grilled on Mount Fuji lava rocks, terrace seating overlooking the Kamo River in summer, and exclusive sukiyaki in winter. Create wonderful memories amidst the scenic streets.

Pontocho HOUSHOAN

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, 3-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
Address: 1F, Shiko-kaikan, 227, Nabeya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

More Details Reservation

Confused about choosing a restaurant?

Many of the restaurants introduced this time support convenient instant reservations. For those in Kyoto who want to "secure a place right away" or "ensure a reservation at a restaurant", please check from the restaurants that offer instant booking options. May it be a wonderful dining experience for you.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

Thank you for reading our article.

Our goal is to take your culinary journey to the next level by helping you find the best restaurant. With SAVOR JAPAN, you can search and make reservations for

the restaurants found in and around Kyoto that fill your needs.