Best Michelin restaurants Kyoto. 16+ best Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto

Want to fully enjoy the culinary sophistication of the ancient capital of Kyoto? Check out these best Michelin restaurants Kyoto with the list of 16+ best Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto for true foodies!

Having served as the capital of Japan for centuries, Kyoto is a center of culture and tradition with a proud history. This city not only preserves but also develops culinary quintessence, expressing the harmony between nature and people through each meticulously prepared dish.

A culinary journey in Kyoto cannot be without famous Michelin-starred restaurants. Talented chefs use fresh local ingredients to create many delicious and artistic dishes. If you are preparing for a trip to Kyoto, then save these Michelin-starred restaurants in Kyoto below to fully experience the culinary culture here!

Shuhaku Restaurant in Kyoto (#Best Michelin restaurants Kyoto)

• Address: 392 Kinencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 – 13:00 and 18:00 – 19:30
• Reference price: From 5,000 – 15,000 JPY

Shuhaku is a Michelin restaurant located in Kinkozan-cho, attracting diners with its cozy space and creative cuisine. Only about 12 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station, this is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy the quintessence of Kyoto cuisine after visiting Yasaka Temple or the old town.

Shuhaku’s special feature is the set menu with a reasonable price of 5,000 yen, including a dessert buffet that is loved by many customers. Dishes such as “Soup with bamboo shoots from Goma and red snow crab from Kaizuka” or “Mixed vegetable tempura” are meticulously prepared from high-quality ingredients, imbued with Kyoto style combined with creativity from French cuisine.

Not only does Shuhaku have attractive dishes, it also scores points for its attentive service and friendly atmosphere. The dishes are beautifully presented, using sophisticated plates and bowls, making each meal an unforgettable experience.

Gion Maruyama Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: Gion Maruyama: Address: Gionmachi Minamigawa 570-171, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto | Kenninji Gion Maruyama: Address: Komatsucho 566-16, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday (Closed Tuesday), 11:00 – 13:00 and 17:00 – 19:00
• Reference price: 10,000 – 40,000 JPY

Located in the bustling Gion district, Gion Maruyama is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a classy dining experience in the heart of Kyoto. Just a few minutes’ walk from Gion-Shijo Station, diners will step into a Sukiya-style space where warmth and elegance blend into every traditional architectural line.

The menu here is a symphony of Kaiseki art, with carefully selected seasonal ingredients. In autumn, the aroma of Matsutake mushrooms and the delicate taste of Ayu fish permeate every dish, while in winter, it is time to enjoy the rich snow crab and delicate puffer fish. The restaurant space is imbued with the spirit of wabi-sabi, gentle yet charming. Whether you choose to sit in the Tatami room or by the tranquil garden, diners can still fully feel the delicate beauty of Kyoto.

Oryori Mashita Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 246 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 – 15:00 and 17:30 – 22:00
• Reference price: 5,000 – 30,000 JPY

If you are looking for a memorable culinary experience in the heart of Kyoto, Oryori Mashita is the destination not to be missed. With elegant tables and chairs and beautiful porcelain, the space here creates a harmony between the cozy space and the flavor of the dishes. The peaceful atmosphere helps you enjoy the elaborate, unique dishes of Japanese cuisine.

Every dish at Oryori Mashita is made from fresh seasonal ingredients, from special sashimi to traditional dishes such as hamo (eel) cooked with shiitake mushrooms or fresh soba from the chef’s family restaurant. In particular, the ochazuke dish – rice with tea and eel is one of the attractive final dishes, helping to end a perfect Kaiseki meal.

Ten You Tempura Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 299 Shimohakusan-cho, Fuyacho-dori-Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 11:30 – 13:30 and 17:30 – 21:00
• Reference price: 3,000 – 20,000 JPY

Kyoto’s excellent tempura is the reason you cannot miss Michelin Tenyu restaurant, just 6 minutes walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station. Located on the quiet Fuyacho street, Tenyu owns a luxurious space, concrete walls and a lovely Japanese garden, allowing you to enjoy food and experience culture at the same time.

Here, you will enjoy tempura from fresh ingredients such as shrimp, Shishito peppers and eel wrapped in perilla leaves. The tempura is fried in high-quality sesame oil, preserving the natural flavor. Tenyu also offers Kaiseki sets with tempura, providing a full and rich Japanese culinary experience. Don’t forget to buy the “Tempura Rolls” served in a lovely bamboo basket, perfect as a gift or to enjoy during a picnic under the cherry blossoms.

Shimogamo Restaurant in Kyoto (#best Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto)

• Address: 62 Shimogamo Miyakawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 11:30 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 21:00
• Reference price: 10,000 – 30,000 JPY

Just 20 minutes drive from Kyoto Station, Shimogamo restaurant offers a quiet space, completely separate from the noise of the city. Established in 1939, this place is proud to preserve and promote the value of Kyoto cuisine through many generations. With high experience and expertise, especially in preparing sushi and puffer fish, Mr. Annen brings dishes with fresh ingredients, mainly seasonal seafood. Each dish is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, a harmony between tradition and modernity.

In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant also has private rooms, suitable for groups of 2 to 80 people. Spaces such as the cozy Kotatsu room or the traditional tatami room with modern table and chair options bring a comfortable and relaxing feeling for every occasion, from important meetings to intimate gatherings.

Kaji Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 112-19, Yokokaji-cho, Marutamachi-dori-Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 12:00 – 15:30 and 17:30 – 22:30
• Reference price: 5,000 – 10,000 JPY

Located just 5 minutes walk from Sakuranomiya Station, Kyoryori Kaji is a high-class Japanese restaurant, ideal for important parties, memorable memories or luxurious meals. The restaurant’s experienced chef has created wonderful Japanese dishes, harmoniously combining skillful preparation techniques and fresh seasonal ingredients.

If you are visiting the restaurant for the first time, you should try the three outstanding sets: “Yuki”, “Tsuki”, and “Hana”. From the choice of ingredients to the presentation, each dish is meticulously cared for, demonstrating the chef’s dedication and perfectionism.

Jikishinbou Saiki Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 443-1 Kamibentencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Thursday – Tuesday (Closed Wednesday), 11:30 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 22:30
• Reference price: 10,000 – 25,000 JPY

Jikishinbou Saiki is a classy Japanese culinary destination in Kyoto located in the Higashiyama area. With a cozy space of only 25 seats, the restaurant creates a sense of intimacy, suitable for relaxing meals with friends or family.

The menu here changes seasonally, bringing a new culinary experience every time you visit. The highlight is the delicious grilled salted ayu fish, which is considered to have an “unforgettable taste”. If you love seafood, the fatty orange sashimi with its natural sweetness will surely satisfy you. In addition, the special 15,000 yen menu with rich matsutake pine mushrooms is an ideal choice for diners who love traditional flavors.

3-Star Michelin Chihana Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 279-8 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: 12:00 – 13:00 and 18:00 – 20:00
• Reference price: 11,000 – 42,500 JPY

With the traditional Kappo style, the 3-star Michelin Chihana restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Here, you will enjoy the Omakase menu with ingredients prepared by the chef Katsuyoshi Nagata himself. Each dish is meticulously prepared, from the appetizer combining fruit and seafood, to the fresh Yuba soup, and white fish, carefully selected from famous markets such as Setouchi and Nishiki.

The restaurant space is modern and quiet, with 8 bar seats and 4 dining tables. At the bar, diners will watch the chefs skillfully prepare the dishes. Reservations are also available (up to 12 people) and you are allowed to bring your own wine if you notify the restaurant in advance. And don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful view of Higashiyama Mountain and Kamo River while stopping for a meal!

Shigetsu Vegetarian Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: 11:00 – 14:00
• Reference price: 4,000 – 9,000 JPY

Traditional Shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, representing the philosophy of respecting life, is fully expressed at Shigetsu restaurant located in the grounds of Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto. The quiet space with a view of Tenryuji Garden creates an unforgettable culinary experience.

The restaurant offers three set menus priced at 3,000, 5,000, and 7,000 yen, each meal consisting of 11 to 12 dishes with a rich combination of salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami flavors. Special dishes such as gomadofu (cold sesame tofu), miso eggplant, and yuba (tofu skin) in clear broth offer a variety of textures and temperatures.

Not only stopping at cuisine, the journey to Shigetsu also opens up the opportunity to explore the Tenryuji Temple Garden and the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest. This is an ideal stop to enjoy both the natural beauty and the culinary quintessence of Kyoto.

Washoku Toku Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 45-1 Murasakino Kamimonzencho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 18:00 – 22:00
• Reference price: From 5,000 JPY

Washoku Toku Restaurant is the ideal destination to experience the quintessence of Japanese cuisine. With the perfect combination of Kaiseki and Washoku, Toku conquers diners with artistic dishes. Only 5 minutes walk from Daitoku-ji Temple, suitable for you to combine sightseeing and culinary enjoyment.

Toku always uses fresh ingredients, carefully selected every morning. The Omakase menu changes seasonally, bringing new flavors. Diners will enjoy dishes from premium sushi to traditional Kaiseki dishes, made from fresh seafood and vegetables. In addition, the restaurant also serves sake and wine, carefully selected from regions of Japan, perfect when combined with dishes. The team of chefs is always ready to advise you to choose the most suitable wine.

3-Star Michelin Restaurant Kichisen in Kyoto

• Address: 5 Shimogamo Morimotocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: 12:00 – 13:00 and 18:00 – 19:00
• Reference price: 15,000 – 50,000 JPY

Just a 10-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station, Kichisen is a Kyoto culinary legend, receiving Michelin stars continuously from 2010 to 2023. With the talent of chef Yoshimi Tanigawa, this restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary journey.

The Kaiseki menu at Kichisen combines the essence of tea ceremony with the creativity of chef Tanigawa. Ingredients are carefully selected from wholesale markets, ensuring freshness. Dishes such as “Shu Ikken” (sake offering to the gods), “Mukozuke” (traditional medicine sashimi), “Chu-sara” (sushi and steamed dishes), and main dishes such as “Nimono” and “Yakimono” are all meticulously prepared, bringing a wonderful blend of flavors and seasons.

The elegant restaurant space, with 5 counter seats and 3 private rooms, provides a cozy atmosphere for intimate meals or receptions. Fine sake and champagne produced by the chef himself from his own vineyard in France further enrich the culinary experience here.

Wagokoro Izumi Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 634-3 Nioitenjincho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 21:30
• Reference price: 14,000 – 21,000 JPY

With two Michelin stars in 2023, Wagokoro IZUMI is an ideal destination for visitors who love the combination of cuisine and art. The cuisine at Wagokoro IZUMI focuses on the harmony of ingredients, bringing dishes imbued with the spirit of “Wagokoro” (the soul of Japan).

Each dish has a rich umami flavor made from special ingredients such as Rishiri seaweed from Kabuka and Makurazaki dried bonito. One of the signature dishes here is Egg Castilla – ground eggs and fish, slow-cooked over low heat. In particular, the dishes are combined with high-quality sake, bringing a perfect experience.

Kinobu Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 416 Iwatoyamacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 12:00 – 24:00
• Reference price: 7,000 – 34,000 JPY

With a history dating back to 1935, Kinobu is a branch of the ryokan “Kifuji,” which was loved by the Japanese Royal Family. This restaurant is not only a prestigious culinary address but also offers a peaceful, serene space, helping diners enjoy great dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Each meal here is a harmonious combination of fresh ingredients and the creativity of chef Takuji Takahashi. One of the signature dishes at Kinobu is the Fukahire Hot Pot and Sesame Tofu, which features homemade tofu paired with sea abalone and a special dashi soup. Kinobu also boasts a collection of over 40 wines and 20 types of Japanese sake, adding depth to the meal.

Mokubei Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: Gionmachiminamigawa 570-120, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: 12:00 – 13:00 and 18:00 – 19:30
• Reference price: Around 25,000 JPY

Run by chef Shintaro Terada, Mokubei offers a culinary experience that is authentically Japanese from the food to the space. Mokubei celebrates the spirit of “Miyabi” (elegance), “Furyu” (elegant beauty), “Wabi-Sabi” (Japanese aesthetics) and “Iki” (style). The Kaiseki menu uses seasonal ingredients, carefully selected from around the world, with a special emphasis on local products.

The restaurant space uses high-quality wood and natural stone, combined with green to create a feeling of closeness to nature. Wall paintings imbued with the spirit of Wabi-Sabi, enhance the elegant beauty of the space. The restaurant has private rooms for groups of 4-6 or 6-8 people, providing privacy and quiet.

Nijojo Furuta Restaurant in Kyoto

• Address: 371 Furushirocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: 12:00 – 14:30 and 17:00 – 23:00
• Reference price: 30,000 – 40,000 JPY

The Kaiseki experience at Nijojo Furuta is not just a meal but also a journey to enjoy the quintessence of Kyoto cuisine. Under the talented hands of chef Kohei Furuta, each dish becomes a work of art, where modern techniques blend with a deep understanding of seasonal ingredients. The restaurant space is compact but sophisticated, imbued with the spirit of modern Wabi-Sabi, creating a feeling of both elegance and coziness.

The Omakase menu here fully honors the natural flavors of the ingredients. The “Otsukuri” Sashimi impresses with soft fresh tuna, Karatsu seaweed and a touch of Hanaho purple shiso, creating a perfect balance between color and taste. At the end of the meal, a bowl of hot Takikomi Gohan mixed rice not only warms the heart but also leaves a full, unforgettable aftertaste.

Mizuki Restaurant at Ritz Carlton – Kyoto

• Address: 543 Hokodencho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening hours: Thursday to Monday, 11:30 – 14:00 and 17:30 – 20:00
• Reference price: 6,000 – 15,000 JPY

Mizuki is not only a restaurant, but also a place where the essence of four unique culinary styles converge. The space here leads diners on a journey to discover the art of Kaiseki, where five flavors, five colors and five processing techniques are exquisitely combined. The Edo-style Sushi bar has only 10 seats, offering a unique experience when witnessing each slice of fresh fish being skillfully crafted. The separate Tempura area with 8 seats opens up the world of crispy, Michelin-standard fried dough layers. For those who love grilled dishes, Teppan offers premium beef slices and many high-class ingredients on a hot iron grill.

Breakfast at Mizuki is a delicate balance in each elegant bento box, from fragrant grilled salmon to a bowl of mild miso soup. The Tempura lunch conquers diners with a crispy but not greasy crust, while the Omakase Sushi dinner is a perfect mark with premium sushi pieces, hand-picked and processed by the chef right in front of diners.

Exploring the Michelin restaurants in Kyoto is an indispensable experience for food lovers. Each restaurant is not only a place to enjoy food, but also a work of art, where the quintessence of Japanese cuisine is expressed through the skillful hands of talented chefs. Coming to Kyoto, you should take the opportunity to enjoy the attractive dishes to feel the harmony between tradition and modernity.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to

• Private Kansai International Airport Transfers (KIX) for Kyoto
• Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
• Shared Night Bus Transfers from Kyoto to Tokyo
• Private Kansai Airport (KIX) Transfers to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, or Arima
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 Day/2 Days (Pick up at Osaka)
• Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Kyoto Perfect Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama & More
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto Afternoon Tour from Osaka
• Hankyu Tourist Pass
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Sagano Romantic Train One-Way Ticket (Saga or Kameoka Departure)
• Kimono Rental and Photoshoot in Kyoto by Ouka Kimono
• Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Amanohashidate & Miyama One Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
• Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
• One Day Kimono Rental
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
• Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here. And read more: Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers. And Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?