Food and Drink

Often dubbed “Japanese pizza” by English speakers, okonomiyaki is actually a completely different culinary beast! If you are craving this ultimate Japanese comfort food, here is our curated guide to the best okonomiyaki restaurants in Kyoto where you can experience this savory delight for yourself.

Izakaya and sake specialists are the lifeblood of Kyoto’s nightlife. Spending a lively evening in a traditional Japanese pub is arguably the best way to truly experience the city’s local culture.

Japanese cuisine offers a spectacular variety of noodles, but soba and udon remain the undisputed kings of the noodle world. While Kyoto is globally famous for its refined kaiseki and temple cuisine, its traditional noodle shops are equally phenomenal. Here is your ultimate guide to the best soba and udon restaurants in Kyoto.

The word shokudo literally translates to “canteen” or “dining hall,” but it is best understood as a traditional Japanese diner. A shokudo is an all-round restaurant that serves a wide, eclectic variety of food under one roof.

Long before the famous kaiseki haute cuisine existed, there was Shojin Ryori. This is the traditional 100% plant-based diet developed by Zen Buddhist monks.