Japan's cultural capital is not one without great food. Kyoto's thriving culinary scene includes internationally renowned roasteries and centuries-old wagashi stores. Unsurprisingly, the city is also home to a few Michelin-starred restaurants. How many Michelin-star restaurants are in Kyoto, you ask? At the time of writing, Kyoto's Michelin-star restaurants tabulate to just over 95 establishments, with 100-plus more Bib Gourmand recommendations. These restaurants offer a range of cuisines, from traditional Japanese kaiseki to French.
That Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants all come with a hefty price tag is a common misconception. Yes, you'll find plenty of fine-dining establishments, but a fair share of affordable spots, too. The guide has recognized exceptional value-for-money restaurants through its Bib Gourmand Award, given to establishments offering a high-quality meal at a reasonable price point.
Many Michelin-starred restaurants in Kyoto are affordable, allowing visitors to taste the city's high-quality cuisine without breaking the bank. Remember that affordability is relative, and what one person may consider a reasonable price may not be the same for another. For good measure, our list of recommendations below also includes some budget Bib Gourmand picks.
Hitting the capital first? Check out our list of affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo.
1. Torisaki
Located in Takoyacho, Torisaki is famous for its yakitori. Made with chicken from Fukushima Prefecture and Kishu-binchotan charcoal, Torisaki's grilled chicken skewers are smokey and flavorful. The restaurant also serves rice bowls, kimchi and pork belly. Sit at the counter for an up-close look at the kitchen, or reserve a private room for a more intimate setting. Each skewer comes with a generous amount of meat, and the omakase course starts at ¥13,000, so go hungry.
2. Funaokayama Shimizu
This unassuming restaurant has one Michelin star and serves traditional Japanese cuisine featuring fresh seafood. Funaokayama Shimizu is known for its sashimi platters and grilled fish dishes. Sit back, relax, and awe at skilled chefs preparing every dish before your eyes. Expect to spend between ¥5,000 and ¥15,000 for a meal here, but the experience? It's priceless.
Reserve a table at Funaokayama Shimizu.
3. Menya Inoichi
Yes, there's Michelin-worthy ramen in Kyoto, too. Menya Inoichi is a cozy eatery with a range of ramen dishes. But it's the tsukemen, or dipping ramen, that we recommend ordering. The signature dashi soba comes in two varieties: the lightly seasoned "white" and the full-bodied "black." Both are topped with freshly shaved katsuobushi (dried and fermented bonito flakes) to bring out every ounce of umami. Every fan of noodles needs to eat at Menya Inoichi Hanare. The lunch sets start at around ¥1,000, while the dinner courses are about ¥3,500. Not too shabby for a one-starred restaurant!
4. Juu-go
Juu-go has been awarded a Bib Gourmand and a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Owner and chef Akiya Ishibashi sources his buckwheat from select Japanese prefectures, but he also grows his own. His dream is to work out a zero-waste production process to make delicious soba. At his restaurant Juu-go in Higashiyama, we recommend trying either the juwari soba (100% buckwheat flour) or the sobagaki, both reasonably priced at ¥1,500.
5. MOTOÏ
MOTOÏ is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in fusion cuisine. The establishment earned a Michelin star in its first year of business — an impressive feat — and has maintained it since. Treat yourself to a course of dishes with inspirations from Japan, France and China in an unmistakably Kyoto atmosphere. And it's relatively affordable, priced at only ¥11,000.
After making time in your Kyoto schedule, reserve a table at MOTOÏ.
6. Izuu
Izuu is a one-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in the heart of Kyoto, best known for its delicious sushi and sashimi. Inside, Izuu is traditional and elegant, with wooden furniture, tatami mats, and Japanese art adorning the walls. The restaurant's saba sugatazushi, or whole mackerel sushi, is a nod to a Kyoto tradition that dates back over 200 years.
Head to Izuu for lunch or dinner. Their sushi sets range from ¥2,500 to ¥5,000. It's no wonder why this restaurant is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
7. Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu
Shojin ryori is a traditional and sophisticated Buddhist cuisine centered around soybean based products and vegetables. Subtle yet luxurious, each ethical, plant-based dish harmonizes with the Buddhism philosophy, offering a great balance in both presentation and flavor.
At the Michelin Bib Gourmand holder Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu, guests are ensconced into a peaceful but exquisite atmosphere, with picturesque views of a Japanese garden.
A variety of set meals are available, all presented elegantly with symbolic names that emphasize the beauty of nature: snow, moon, and flower. The ingredients change seasonally, but usually include a bowl of rice, soup, and a type of Kyoto tofu dish along with assorted vegetables and fruits. You might imagine a light and simple meal, but shojin ryori here is very voluminous and rich-flavored.
Reserve a table at Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu on byFood.
What To Expect at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Kyoto
There are many Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto, but you can expect slightly different experiences. Tokyo establishments sometimes focus on international cuisines, whereas Michelin-starred restaurants in Kyoto tend to serve traditional Japanese cuisine. In Kyoto, you can expect a more casual atmosphere that will tingle all of your senses; in Tokyo, restaurants are more formal, perhaps better suited for special occasions and anniversaries. For modern and innovative menus, Tokyo is the place to go. For traditional techniques and strictly Japanese ingredients, head to Kyoto.
New Bib Gourmand Kyoto restaurants added to the Michelin Guide in 2024:
- Saketosakana DNA
- Muromachi Kaji
- NOODLE SHOP RENNOSUKE
- sonoba
Check out our handy guide highlighting what to eat in Kyoto to make sure you don't miss out on local delicacies and regional specialties. Alternatively, book a food tour led by local experts on all things Kyoto.
