Holicay's Recommendations: 13 Must-Eats For First-Timers In Kyoto, Japan

Crafting the perfect Japan itinerary often involves balancing cultural experiences with culinary delights. For tourists looking to explore the rich flavors of Osaka, this article highlights six must-visit restaurants that offer a taste of the city's vibrant food scene. From traditional Japanese dishes to modern twists, these hidden gems are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Craft your perfect trip with 200+ free customizable itinerary templates from Holicay!

Gyoza ChaoChao (Shijo-Kawaramachi Branch)

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Gyoza ChaoChao is a popular spot for those seeking a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. This cozy restaurant is known for its mouthwatering gyoza, which are pan-fried to perfection and served with a side of savory dipping sauce. The Shijo-Kawaramachi branch offers a unique dining experience, with a modern interior and a lively atmosphere that is perfect for families and friends. For a truly unforgettable meal, be sure to try their signature "Gyoza ChaoChao" dish, which features a variety of fillings, including pork, chicken, and vegetables. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese comfort food.

Ramen Sen-No-Kaze Kyoto

For a taste of traditional Japanese ramen, look no further than Ramen Sen-No-Kaze Kyoto. This beloved restaurant has been serving up steaming bowls of noodles for over 30 years, and its dedication to quality and consistency has earned it a loyal following. The restaurant's interior is simple yet elegant, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of ramen options, including classic tonkotsu and shoyu styles, as well as more unique flavors like miso and shio. For a truly memorable meal, try their signature "Kyoto-style" ramen, which features a rich, savory broth and a generous serving of springy noodles.

Men-Ya Inoichi Hanare

Men-Ya Inoichi Hanare is a hidden gem in the heart of Osaka, offering a unique dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with modern twists. The restaurant's interior is sleek and modern, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and hot pot options. For a truly unforgettable meal, be sure to try their signature "Inoichi Hanare" dish, which features a variety of small plates, including grilled octopus, seared tuna, and steamed edamame. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese cuisine.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a must-visit destination for any food lover traveling to Osaka. This bustling marketplace is home to over 100 shops and stalls, offering a wide range of traditional Japanese ingredients and dishes. From fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses, the market is a treasure trove of culinary delights. For a truly unforgettable experience, be sure to try some of the market's famous street food, including grilled corn on the cob and steamed buns filled with pork and vegetables. This market is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Osaka's food scene.

Sushitetsu

For a taste of high-end sushi, look no further than Sushitetsu. This renowned restaurant is known for its exquisite dishes, which feature the freshest ingredients and most innovative techniques. The restaurant's interior is sleek and modern, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of sushi options, including classic maki rolls and more unique dishes like foie gras and truffle. For a truly unforgettable meal, try their signature "Omakase" dish, which features a selection of the chef's finest creations. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese sushi.

Arashiyama Yoshimura

Arashiyama Yoshimura is a hidden gem in the heart of Kyoto, offering a unique dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with modern twists. The restaurant's interior is cozy and intimate, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and hot pot options. For a truly unforgettable meal, be sure to try their signature "Yoshimura" dish, which features a variety of small plates, including grilled octopus, seared tuna, and steamed edamame. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese cuisine.

Nakamura Tokichi Honten

Nakamura Tokichi Honten is a renowned restaurant in the heart of Osaka, offering a unique dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with modern twists. The restaurant's interior is sleek and modern, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and hot pot options. For a truly unforgettable meal, try their signature "Tokichi" dish, which features a variety of small plates, including grilled octopus, seared tuna, and steamed edamame. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese cuisine.

STEAK OTSUKA ステーキおおつか

For a taste of high-end steak, look no further than STEAK OTSUKA. This renowned restaurant is known for its exquisite dishes, which feature the freshest ingredients and most innovative techniques. The restaurant's interior is sleek and modern, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of steak options, including wagyu and ribeye. For a truly unforgettable meal, try their signature "STEAK OTSUKA" dish, which features a selection of the chef's finest creations. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese steak.

Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi

Tendon Makino Kyoto Teramachi is a hidden gem in the heart of Kyoto, offering a unique dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with modern twists. The restaurant's interior is cozy and intimate, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of dishes, including tendon and tempura options. For a truly unforgettable meal, be sure to try their signature "Tendon Makino" dish, which features a variety of small plates, including grilled octopus, seared tuna, and steamed edamame. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese cuisine.

Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo 

Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store is a popular spot for those seeking a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. This cozy restaurant is known for its mouthwatering tonkatsu, which is breaded and fried to perfection and served with a side of savory dipping sauce. The restaurant's interior is simple yet elegant, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. For a truly unforgettable meal, be sure to try their signature "Tonkatsu" dish, which features a generous serving of breaded and fried pork cutlet. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese comfort food.

Hafuu

Hafuu is a hidden gem in the heart of Osaka, offering a unique dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with modern twists. The restaurant's interior is sleek and modern, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and hot pot options. For a truly unforgettable meal, try their signature "Hafuu" dish, which features a variety of small plates, including grilled octopus, seared tuna, and steamed edamame. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese cuisine.

Sushi Naritaya

For a taste of high-end sushi, look no further than Sushi Naritaya. This renowned restaurant is known for its exquisite dishes, which feature the freshest ingredients and most innovative techniques. The restaurant's interior is sleek and modern, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of sushi options, including classic maki rolls and more unique dishes like foie gras and truffle. For a truly unforgettable meal, try their signature "Omakase" dish, which features a selection of the chef's finest creations. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese sushi.

Gion Tanto

Gion Tanto is a hidden gem in the heart of Kyoto, offering a unique dining experience that combines traditional Japanese cuisine with modern twists. The restaurant's interior is cozy and intimate, with a focus on natural materials and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a range of dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and hot pot options. For a truly unforgettable meal, be sure to try their signature "Tanto" dish, which features a variety of small plates, including grilled octopus, seared tuna, and steamed edamame. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese cuisine.

These 13 restaurants offer a taste of the best that Osaka has to offer. From traditional Japanese dishes to modern twists, there is something for every palate and preference. Whether you are a foodie or just looking for a unique dining experience, these hidden gems are sure to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. To start planning your dream Japan itinerary today, be sure to visit Holicay.

Check out these blog articles for more food recommendations in Kyoto:

Kyoto Food Guide: Best local food to eat in Kyoto

What To Eat In Kyoto

Discover the Best Places to Eat in Kyoto