We love food, and found five satisfying restaurants you should try for dinner that won’t break the budget.
Sushi: Musashi
Although there are countless sushi restaurants in Kyoto, Musashi is the one we end up at 99% of the time. (I recommend the Sanjo Main Store.) It’s a revolving sushi store that serves sushi hand-made right in front of you with a quality of fish that is worth much more than the price. Grab a plate off the conveyor belt or ask the staff for a specific sushi off the (English-available) menu and the chefs will immediately make it for you. Be careful, as different color plates mean different prices, so decide on your budget before you stack up too many plates. (It’s worth it, though.)
440 Ebisucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8005
Open everyday, 11am-9:45pm
Obanzai: Renkonya
This understated family-run restaurant is a hidden gem for obanzai lovers, offering the unique small dishes of obanzai at a price that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The dishes include many local and seasonal vegetables as well as sashimi and meat dishes. An English menu is available, but many of the staff speak English and can give recommendations if you aren’t sure where to start. They can also cater to vegans upon request. Obanzai is considered Kyoto’s home-cooking, so don’t miss out.
〒604-8032 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 三条下ル山崎町236
Closed Sunday, 5pm-10:30pm
Izakaya: Gion Yuki
Gion Yuki feels like quinessential Japan. Expect a short queue of mostly Japanese locals waiting for a delicious meal and a drink. There’s an English menu, but I recommend checking out the Japanese one (thanks, Google Translate) for the full experience or even try asking the staff for recommendations. This place is renowned for their seafood, and serve some of the best and most fresh sashimi around. Try a bunch of seasonal small plates (tapas are the izakaya experience) and make sure to get some sake to wash it down. Reservations not required but recommended if you can ask your hotel staff.
111-1 Tominagacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0078
Monday-Friday 4pm-9:30pm, Saturday 3:30pm-10pm, Closed Sunday
Tempura: Komefuku Shijo Karasuma
There’s quite a few expensive tempura restaurants in Kyoto, but for arguably similar quality and a much lower toll on your wallet, try Komefuku Shijo Karasuma. This comfortable izakaya offers a variety of tempura sets and the option to order each tempura a la carte. The tempura is crispy and not too oily, perfect to enjoy with sake or one of their delicious cocktails. There is an English menu available. (And be aware: there are some confused foreigners who have left bad reviews due to an alleged “foreigner tax.” In reality, the English menu prices include tax and the Japanese menu does not show tax. The prices are the same. Enjoy your tempura equally.)
657-5 Bantoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8143
Open everyday 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-11pm
Italian: enboca Kyoto
For a unique Japanese take on Italian food, check out enboca Kyoto. This stylish restaurant sits in a former dye shop and offers unique wood-fired pizzas such as a lotus-root or shiitake pizza. They have an English menu, and offer a set course that comes with pizza and a few tapas. Perhaps the best part is that you can order your pizza half-and-half, to enjoy trying two different pizzas.
〒604-8216 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Ikesucho, 406
Closed Tuesday/Wednesday, 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm