When researching Kyoto I got the sense that this was traditional Japan less busy more rustic and amazing food that had been there for centuries! Knowing that I began looking for the most authentic food you could get in Kyoto and boy did I find a lot! In the end, we did not make it to all the places I had researched but the places we did go to were some of the best foods I have ever had! While there we had Udon, a traditional lunch, and many trips to the Nishiki Market.
I am going to list out all the places we went to and also what restaurants I found that we didn’t get to but came highly recommended!
Coffee/Tea:
%Arabica Arashiyama Spot
This coffee spot has to be in one of the prettiest places on earth! The view of the river and the bamboo forest is unmatched, and the coffee was delicious! I recommend going earlier in the day to avoid the long line that tends to form in the afternoon. If you’re going to Arashiyama I highly recommend stopping and getting coffee here!
CHAVATY Kyoto Arashiyama
This stop is at the base of the Arashiyama Mountain, and we happened upon this place after walking to the top of the mountain and were parched! This shop has so many tea options and lemonades. They also have varying types of tea-flavored ice cream which was so refreshing.
Weekenders Coffee
This coffee shop is a bit hidden at the back of a parking lot down a side alley, but the hunt was worth it. The shop is so cute and is located in a townhouse that has been pasted down through generations. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed and there is no seating except for two small benches. The coffee is just the bare bones so if you’re looking for a sweet drink this is not the place, but the coffee is truly amazing and worth a stop on your trip.
Noodles:
Omen Ginkaku-ji
This shop is on the far side of the river but the walk there is very picturesque and dreamy, as you walk along a small stream past classic Japanese houses. Once there you are seated either on the floor or the lifted platform. If on the platform you must remove your shoes. The menu here is small but the food they do offer is some of the best food I have ever had. The udon noodles were perfection and the broth it comes with was so flavorful. We also ordered some Kyoto beer which is made from there natural spring water that flows from the mountains. And we ordered an assortment of tempura items that were coasted and fried to perfection my mom a lover of tempura ordered two orders it was so good, and I ordered an extra bowl of noodles! I could not recommend this place more!
Honke Owariya
This is one place we did not get to but is one of the oldest Soba noodle shops in Kyoto. It was founded in 1465 and is still very popular!
Pizza:
Pizzeria Maria
Do you know that part of your trip where you want a very specific food that is not the normal cuisine in the city or country you are visiting? Well, I had that in Kyoto I was craving some pizza and this was a highly recommended place I stumbled upon. The pizza was amazing a bit pricey but so good and the line was out the door so you know it's good!
Traditional Kieski
Kinmata
When going to Japan it is essential to go to at least one traditional Kieski. A Kieski is a multi-course Japanese dinner. The term also refers to the collection of skills and techniques that allow the preparation of such meals and is analogous to Western haute cuisine. When researching Kyoto it became apparent that the best Kieskis were found in Kyoto so then I began my search for the best one for us! Kieskis can be very pricey depending on the one you go to and the time of day. We ended up going for lunch and went to a 5-course offering. When choosing there was the option to sit at what we would consider the cheaper bar but this was something we wanted to experience so we booked a private room.
It’s also important to note the food menus for different seasons so they are offering things that are the freshest and pair the best at that time of year.
If you want more information on Kieskis check out my blog post that explains more about them and breaks down more options in different price ranges!
Eggplant,squash and Broccolini in a seasonal sauce
Tempura fern and sardines
Raw sushi, and tofu with dipping sauce
Local Raw Fish
Seared Salmon, Shrimp Rice, and Miso Soup
Dessert and Matcha
Nishiki Market
At the Nishiki market, you will find so many different vendors with so many different foods! I am going to showcase a couple of our favorites, but I highly recommend just walking the market and stopping to grab items that look good to you! Also while walking through markets note that they do not allow you to walk with your food you will have to stand to the side and eat before walking again. This is to show respect to the other people walking and also to the food. By stopping you are truly enjoying the food and not trying to navigate between all the people!
Dessert:
Cremia Ice cream
This Ice cream can be found all over Japan. It is very creamy and light and is not as sweet as a normal soft serve and it is so good! It is served in a homemade cone that is more cookie-like and just makes the dessert even better! We found multiple spots that served this in the Nishiki market but also at little shops throughout the city! We actively sought this out throughout the trip and I would highly recommend trying it!
Chocolate Covered Banana
This is a very obscure find that I happened upon in one of the parks outside a temple. I love chocolate-covered bananas so when I saw this little food cart I had to get one! It was so good and if you happen upon it I highly recommend grabbing one!
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