If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious lunch in Kyoto, you’ve found the right list. Kyoto is host to hundreds (or thousands) of amazing restaurants, including new trendy spots and old shops that date back centuries.
Let’s jump into PiQtour’s tried-and-true lunch list!
Obanzai: Miyakoyasai Kamo
This earthy and chic restaurant is known for their affordable (950 yen, or $7) all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. The delicious farm-to-table food features a regularly changing selection of side dishes, accompanied by rice, udon, soup, and usually some kind of curry or other dish. It also has a salad bar, chicken and french fries for any picky eaters, and the option to add on a bowl of meat (sukiyaki, shabu shabu, and even a vegan sukiyaki) for another $5-7. Veggies and meat-eaters alike will enjoy this place. Easily pay for your meal before going inside at the ticket machine outside. English info is available and all foods are labelled for common allergens!
Tofu: Mamemachi Honten
Tousuiro has two locations, one on Kiyamachi street and one in Gion, and neither hesitate to show the versatility of tofu. Lunch is a great time to go for the lunch special (4500 yen, ~$33), which features an interesting assortment of tofu served sweet, savory, soft, crispy, grilled, and more. The Gion restaurant is a classic machiya style house, while the Kiyamachi location actually has a terrace with tatami mats you can dine on in warmer weather. (Reservations recommended if looking to sit outside.) The courses can also be made vegan upon request.
Udon: Hinode Udon
Hinode Udon has rave reviews on both Google Reviews and Tabelog, meaning that foreigners and Japanese alike think this place has some of the best udon around. They’re known for their curry udon, which you can have plain or with meat, tempura, tofu, or even seaweed. Expect a line even at lunch, but it’s worth the wait to sit inside the cozy, home-y restaurant with kind staff (and an English menu). As it’s located right near Philosopher’s Path, you can enjoy a nice walk once your stomach is full of delicious udon.
Tsukemono: Akoya-jaya
Another one of Kyoto’s specialties is tsukemono, or pickles. (But commonly referred to in Kyoto as bubuzuke!) These aren’t your typical sour cucumbers, but a variety of vegetables preserved in different ways and with different tastes. For a chance to try 20 different kinds, served with rice, soup, tea, and dessert, try Akoya-jaya. Their lunch buffet is 1700 yen ($12.65) and allows for free refills and has no time limit. Although you can buy many of the pickles here in Kyoto, it’s worth trying them first to know which ones you like and want to bring home! English info is available and the store does not take reservations, so it’s recommended to arrive around 11am when they open to get seated and eating quickly.
Ramen: Menya Inoichi
Looking for the best ramen in Kyoto is a challenge. There’s no shortage of great ramen, and there’s also a whole lot of pretty good ramen. But perhaps the go-to ramen spot everyone should try in Kyoto is Menya Inoichi. With three locations, Menya has continued to make a satisfying umami dashi broth that has even earned recognition from Michelin with a Bib Gourmand award. They offer a light and a dark broth, and each come at 1200 yen ($9). Expect a wait, and arriving a little before they open at 11am is recommended.
Soba: Honke Owariya
I’m wrapping up the list with Honke Owariya, a must-visit in Kyoto for soba. This warm and historic store, also known for their traditional desserts, has been around since the 15th century, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the world. They’re known for using fresh ingredients and the uniquely clear spring water of Kyoto. I’m a fan of the pictured Ten-seiro set ($15.50) which comes with cold soba and tempura, but there are quite a few other options ranging from about $10-$21. And a bonus to tell everyone back home–even the Japanese royal family loves to eat here when they visit Kyoto.