Kyoto Food Guide: 12 Dishes, Drinks, and Sweets You Shouldn’t Miss

Kyoto’s food scene might be famous for matcha and mochi, but the city has way more delicious surprises up its sleeve.

Kyoto prides itself on kaiseki, the elegant multi-course feast; Kyoto-style ramen with its light, chickeny broth; and the smooth Kyoto sake rice wine. And then there’s warabi mochi (my personal favorite), soft, jiggly, and just sweet enough to make you do a happy dance on the first bite.

This Kyoto food guide covers the city’s must-eat dishes, complete with price ranges and Tabelog-recommended restaurants trusted by local diners.

One thing to know when checking reviews in Japan: Japanese reviewers don’t give out high scores easily. On Tabelog, 3.0–3.4 already means good, 3.5+ is excellent, and 4.0+ usually signals Michelin-level quality.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to eat, the best Kyoto restaurants to visit, and which Kyoto food souvenirs are worth bringing home.

Main Dishes

1. Kaiseki (Traditional Multi-Course Japanese Haute Cuisine)

Kaiseki (懐石料理) is Japan's most refined form of multi-course dining, showcasing seasonality, precise technique, and elegant presentation. It highlights the natural flavor of each ingredient rather than overwhelming it with heavy seasoning.

A typical kaiseki meal follows a set flow, starting with a small appetizer, followed by a seasonal platter, a clear soup, sashimi, grilled and simmered dishes, then finishing with rice, miso soup, pickles, and a light dessert.

In contrast, obanzai is Kyoto’s everyday home-style cooking built around simple local vegetables, while shojin ryori is a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine focused on plant-based, understated flavors.

An affordable kaiseki lunch can be found for as little as ¥5,000, while mid-range dinners typically cost between ¥10,000 and ¥20,000. High-end and Michelin-starred restaurants often charge upwards of ¥25,000 to over ¥60,000 per person for a premium, multi-hour dining experience. Lunch menus generally offer the best value for sampling this traditional cuisine.

Where to Eat Kaiseki in Kyoto

• Kikunoi Roan (Gion) or Gion Nishikawa – Top-tier, Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurants
• Gion Maruyama – Mid-range kaiseki
• Hyotei Bekkan (Okazaki) – A more accessible branch of the historic Hyotei, at a moderate price
• Guilo Guilo Hitoshina (Gion-Shijo) – Creative and affordable kaiseki-style dining
• Izusen (Arashiyama or Daitokuji) – Budget-friendly shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) served in a peaceful temple-side setting.

2. Tofu Dishes: Yudofu and Yuba

Kyoto is widely regarded as Japan’s tofu capital thanks to its exceptional water, centuries-old traditions, and deep connection to Buddhist cuisine. The city’s soft, mineral-light groundwater is ideal for making tofu.

Two of the most iconic Kyoto tofu dishes are yudofu (湯豆腐), tofu gently warmed in kombu broth, and yuba (湯葉), a soft, creamy skin that forms on heated soy milk.

Yudofu meals in Kyoto are typically affordable, with simple temple-style sets starting around ¥2,000–¥4,000, while more elaborate multi-course yudofu lunches and dinners range from ¥4,000 to ¥10,000.

Yuba dishes are similarly priced, with casual yuba bowls or small plates costing ¥1,500–¥3,000, and full yuba-focused set meals ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥6,000, with premium yuba kaiseki reaching ¥6,000–¥10,000 depending on the restaurant.

Best Kyoto Restaurants to Try Tofu Dishes

• Shorai An (Arashiyama) – Yudofu-focused kaiseki with beautiful riverside views
• Sabou Hanbee (Kiyomizu-Gojo) – Historic 320-year-old tofu house serving traditional yudofu in a refined, museum-like atmosphere.
• Nanzenji Junsei (Keage/Nanzenji) – One of Kyoto’s most famous yudofu restaurants, offering serene garden views and temple-style tofu meals.
• Okutan Shimizu (Higashiyama) – One of the oldest yudofu specialists in Kyoto, known for simple, traditional temple-style boiled tofu
• Kikkouya (Karasuma Oike) – Popular tofu and yuba dining with excellent value

3. Nishin Soba

Nishin soba (鰊そば) is a classic Kyoto noodle dish made with hot soba served in a light dashi broth and topped with a piece of sweet-and-savory simmered nishin/herring. The herring is first dried, then gently stewed in soy sauce, mirin, and ginger until tender. The combination of delicate soba noodles, clear broth, and richly seasoned fish creates a simple yet deeply comforting flavor.

Nishin soba is strongly associated with Kyoto, though it is also eaten in Hokkaido. In Kyoto, it is often enjoyed on New Year’s Eve as a dish symbolizing good fortune and long life.

At high-end traditional restaurants, nishin soba can be served as part of a refined soba or kaiseki-style meal, typically costing around ¥2,000-¥2,500 per person. Mid-range specialty shops generally offer nishin soba around ¥1,500-¥2,000, while simple bowls at casual soba eateries usually start at ¥1,000.

Where to Eat Nishin Soba in Kyoto

• Sohonke Nishin Soba Matsuba (Gion-Shijo) – Historic 150-year-old shop; considered the classic, most famous place for nishin soba in Kyoto
• Yagura (Gion-Shijo) – Long-established and more affordable than Matsuba

4. Sushi: Saba-Zushi and Temari Sushi

Kyoto is home to two visually striking and historically rich sushi styles: saba-zushi (鯖寿司), a pressed mackerel sushi unique to the region, and temari sushi (手毬寿司), small hand-shaped balls of sushi known for their colorful, elegant presentation.

Temari sushi, on the other hand, originated as a simple, elegant meal that people could make easily with their hands without formal training in sushi preparation. Both are deeply ingrained in Kyoto's culinary tradition.

Prices vary between the two types. A high-quality saba-zushi can be fairly pricey, usually sold as a whole roll for around ¥3,000–¥5,000, though some restaurants offer it by the piece. Temari sushi is typically served as a colorful set, ranging from about ¥2,000–¥3,000 for casual lunch options to higher prices for more elaborate dining experiences.

Where to Try Them

Saba-Zushi (Pressed Mackerel Sushi)

• Izu (Gion) – Kyoto’s most iconic saba-zushi shop
• Izutsu (Gion-Shijo) – Well-known for classic, old-style saba-zushi
• Suehiro (Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae) – A respected local maker; loved by Kyoto residents.

Temari Sushi (Ball-Shaped Sushi)

• Temari Sushi and Kyoto Tempura Kubota (Sanjo) – Offers colorful temari sushi, overlooking the Kamo River
• Souden (Karasuma Oike) – Stylish and highly rated temari-sushi restaurant offering beautifully crafted hand-ball sushi
• Kyoto Rice Restaurant Yatsudaime Gibei (Kyoto Station Area) – Serves elegant temari sushi made with premium Kyoto rice and seasonal toppings

5. Noodle Soup: Kyoto Ramen and Kyoto Udon

Try Kyoto-style noodle dishes because they highlight the city’s unique balance of bold and delicate flavors.

Kyoto ramen is known for its bold, savory flavors, usually built on rich chicken or pork-based broths like kotteri (thick and creamy) or shoyu (light and soy-forward), paired with slightly firm noodles and hearty toppings such as chashu, bamboo shoots, and fragrant green onions.

Kyoto udon leans toward a gentler, more delicate profile, featuring a clear dashi broth made from kombu and katsuobushi that highlights clean umami rather than heaviness. The noodles are thick, soft, and comforting, often served in simple styles like kitsune udon or paired with Kyoto specialties such as yuba.

Expect to spend only ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person at these Kyoto ramen and udon shops.

Top 3 Ramen in Kyoto

• Menya Gokkei (Ichijōji) – Famous for ultra-rich kotteri chicken broth
• Ramen Touhi (Shugakuin) – Highest-rated ramen, known for its exceptional chicken white soup
• Honke Daiichi Asahi (Kyoto Station) – Iconic Kyoto-style shoyu ramen with generous toppings; loved by locals.

Top 3 Udon in Kyoto

• Honkaku Teuchi-Udon Taiga (Fujinomori) – One of Kyoto’s highest-rated udon shops
• Okakita (Higashiyama) – Classic Kyoto udon institution known for its clean, traditional broth
• Yamamoto Menzō (Heian Shrine) – Hugely popular for handmade udon and delicate Kyoto-style dashi; expect long lines!

Drinks

6. Kyoto Sake Rice Wine

Kyoto’s sake, especially from the Fushimi district, is known for its smooth, clean flavor thanks to the region’s famously soft groundwater. This creates sake that is elegant, easy to drink, and slightly sweeter than styles from northern Japan.

A sushi chef I visited in Amanohashidate, north of Kyoto, recommended Junmai rice wine for beginners because it’s naturally smooth, a little sweet, and pairs beautifully with sushi.

Which Sake to Try for Beginners

If you want a light, smooth, and slightly fruity taste, Junmai Ginjo is perfect for beginners. For something more refined, Junmai Daiginjo provides a premium experience with highly polished rice, a delicate aroma, and a silky finish. If you prefer something sweeter and richer, Nigori is an unfiltered, creamy sake with a gentle sweetness and cloudy appearance. For an easy-to-enjoy option, Umeshu has a sweet, fruity plum flavor that tastes refreshing when served chilled or over ice.

Kyoto sake is reasonably priced, with small bottles starting at ¥400–¥1,200, standard 720 ml bottles ranging from ¥1,200–¥3,500, and premium Junmai Daiginjo or gift sets often priced at ¥4,000–¥10,000+.

Where to Buy Kyoto Sake

• Isetan Liquor Floor (Kyoto Station) – Curated selection of Kyoto’s top sake brands and seasonal releases.
• Japanese Taste Kyoto (Kyoto Station) – They sell Tsuki no Katsura brand, a 14-generation Fushimi brewery renowned for preserving traditional Kyoto rice wine.

7. Tea: Uji Kyoto Matcha & Kyoto Hojicha

Uji, just south of Kyoto, is famous for producing some of Japan’s highest-grade matcha, celebrated for its deep, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color. It’s one of the must-try drinks in Kyoto, enjoyed in traditional tea ceremonies or modern cafés.

Another local favorite is hōjicha, a roasted green tea with a warm, smoky aroma and naturally low caffeine, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon break.

Trusted Tea Brands in Kyoto

Look for trusted Kyoto tea brands such as Marukyu Koyamaen, Nakamura Tokichi, Itoh Kyuemon, Fukujuen, and Ippodo Tea.

Kyoto matcha and hōjicha are also reasonably priced, with drinks ranging from ¥500–¥900, desserts like parfaits and tiramisu from ¥1,000–¥1,600, soft serve around ¥450–¥650, and tea leaves or matcha powder ranging from ¥800–¥3,000 for daily use and ¥3,000–¥6,000+ for ceremonial-grade options.

Cafes to Get Kyoto Matcha & Hōjicha

• Tsujiri Gion Main Store (Gion) – Famous for matcha soft serve, parfaits, and high-quality tea products
• Fukujuen Tea Shop (Kawaramachi) – One of Japan’s oldest tea merchants
• Japanese Taste Kyoto (Kyoto Station area) – One-stop shop for Japanese products, offering instant to ceremonial matcha and premium green tea souvenirs
• Ippodo Tea (Karasuma) – Historic tea shop offering premium Uji matcha and hōjicha with tastings and a tearoom
• Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station Store (Kyoto Station) – Convenient location for matcha parfaits and tea lattes

Desserts

8. Matcha Sweets from Uji Kyoto

As the birthplace of Japan’s highest-grade green tea, Uji produces sweets that are vibrant, earthy, and perfectly balanced. Matcha sweets here tend to be vibrant, earthy, and gently bitter in a way that balances perfectly with sweetness. You’ll find everything: matcha soft serve, matcha tiramisu, parfaits, kakigori, and pudding infused with premium Uji matcha.

Price ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 for most matcha sweet sets.

Where to Get Your Matcha Fix:

• Marukyu Koyamaen Nishinotoin Tea House (Nishijin) – Revered Uji tea producer offering premium matcha sweets, ceremonial-grade tea, and a tearoom experience
• MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto (Kawaramachi) – Popular café known for its Uji matcha tiramisu and rich, modern matcha lattes; great for trendy, Instagrammable desserts
• Ippodo Tea (Karasuma) – Historic Kyoto tea shop offering high-quality Uji matcha and tastings, along with a traditional tearoom for beginners and tea enthusiasts
• Tsujiri Gion Main Store (Gion) – One of the most famous matcha dessert shops in Kyoto, specializing in Uji matcha parfaits, soft serve, and classic tea sweets
• Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station Store (Kyoto Station) – Convenient location for matcha parfaits, tea lattes, and Uji matcha souvenirs without needing to travel to Uji

9. Warabi Mochi

Warabi mochi is a soft, jelly-like Japanese sweet traditionally made from bracken starch and dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour), often served with kuromitsu syrup. Unlike regular mochi, it has a silky, bouncy texture that melts in your mouth. In Kyoto, you’ll also often find a combination of matcha warabi mochi.

The price range for warabi mochi in Kyoto is typically ¥1,000-¥2,000.

Where to Eat Warabi Mochi in Kyoto:

• Gion Kinana – Known for handmade warabi mochi served with their signature ice cream
• Saryo Tsujiri (Gion) – Famous for matcha warabi mochi and classic Kyoto tea desserts in a prime central location
• Tsujiri Gion Main Store (Gion) — This shop offers matcha warabimochi made with plenty of Uji matcha dusted with kinako (soybean flour)
• MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto (Kawaramachi) — Mentioned above; also serves warabi mochi
• Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station Store (Kyoto Station) — Mentioned above; also serves warabi mochi

10. Yatsuhashi

Yatsuhashi is Kyoto’s most famous traditional sweet, made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon. It comes in two main types: baked yatsuhashi, which is crisp and cookie-like and nama yatsuhashi, a soft mochi-style version often filled with sweet red bean paste, matcha, chocolate, or seasonal flavors.

Not promoting, but Izutsu is a long-established Kyoto brand famous for its yatsuhashi sweets, and it remains one of the city’s most popular omiyage.

Kyoto yatsuhashi is very affordable, with most boxes ranging from ¥500–¥1,200 for standard sizes, premium or seasonal nama yatsuhashi sets around ¥1,000–¥1,800, and larger gift boxes typically ¥2,000–¥3,000+.

Where to Eat or Buy Yatsuhashi in Kyoto

• Izutsu Yatsuhashi (Gion) – A long-standing shop known for soft nama yatsuhashi
• Shogoin Yatsuhashi (multiple locations) – One of the oldest makers, offering both classic baked and soft varieties
• Yatsuhashi An (Kyoto Station area) – Good for last-minute souvenir shopping before departure
• Nishiki Market – Several vendors offer fresh nama yatsuhashi samples and limited-edition flavors.

Snacks

11. Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi dango is a classic Kyoto sweet made of chewy rice dumplings grilled over charcoal, then coated in a glossy sweet soy sauce glaze. The combination of smokiness and caramelized soy syrup makes it one of the most beloved traditional snacks in Kyoto. It is often enjoyed warm and is popular at teahouses, markets, and shrine-side stalls.

Mitarashi dango is affordable, typically costing ¥150–¥300 per skewer at street stalls, ¥300–¥600 for café-style plates, and ¥600–¥1,000 for dessert sets served with tea.

Where to Eat Mitarashi Dango in Kyoto

• Kotoimo Honpo (Arashiyama) – Famous for fresh, lightly charred dango near the Bamboo Forest
• Umezono (Gion) – A historic dessert shop serving classic mitarashi dango with tea or dessert sets
• Fujinami (Kiyomizu) – Popular spot offering dango alongside warabi mochi
• Nishiki Market – Multiple stalls sell fresh, hot dango ideal for snacking while exploring

12. Street Food at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a lively, five-block food street where you can sample a wide range of Kyoto snacks in one place. Popular street foods include tempura skewers, freshly made fish cakes, grilled scallops and seafood, sesame ice cream, tamago omelet sticks, yuba croquettes, and pickles from local shops.

It is one of the best spots in Kyoto to try casual, affordable bites while exploring. Most snacks cost ¥200 to ¥800, making it ideal for grazing through multiple stalls.

Best Japanese Souvenirs to Take Home

If you want to bring home something beyond food, Kyoto offers beautiful artisan-made souvenirs that reflect the city’s deep craftsmanship. These items are practical, travel-friendly, and meaningful reminders of your visit.

• Kiyomizu-yaki pottery: Handcrafted matcha bowls, plates, and mugs made by Kyoto ceramic artists.
• Kyoto incense: Refined, traditional fragrances crafted using centuries-old techniques.
• Furoshiki wrapping cloths: Lightweight cloths featuring seasonal Kyoto patterns.
• Lacquerware items: Beautiful artisan-made chopsticks, bowls, and small accessories.
• Hand-painted folding fans (sensu): Elegant, practical, and uniquely Kyoto-made.

To explore even more Kyoto must-buy items, check out our full Kyoto shopping guide here.

Kyoto Food Takeaway

If you have the budget, definitely try kaiseki, but for affordable dishes, nishin soba or Kyoto ramen, especially in winter, are always solid picks.

Whatever you do, don’t skip warabi mochi and Uji matcha, and if you haven’t tried it yet, Kyoto hōjicha tea or a hōjicha latte is one of my personal favorites.

Eat your way through Nishiki Market, and if you want a drink, Kyoto sake is something special; you really have to try it to understand the difference. I can’t stress this enough…pair Junmai sake with sushi for the best experience. Chef’s kiss!

Tip: If you’re short on time, Japanese Taste Kyoto within the JR Kyoto Station is the easiest one-stop shop for Japanese gifts and souvenirs.