Kyoto Omakase Recommendations: 24 Best Omakase Spots

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most refined culinary destinations and omakase dining is where its culinary philosophy truly shines. While many visitors associate omakase with sushi, Kyoto offers a much broader spectrum of omakase, from kaiseki to tempura, yakitori and modern fusion menus.

This guide expands beyond sushi to give you a complete map of Kyoto’s best omakase experiences, categorized by price range so you can find the perfect meal for your budget.

Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you,” a dining style where guests entrust the chef to create a personalized tasting menu based on the freshest ingredients and their own expertise. What sets Kyoto apart is its emphasis on subtlety, balance and cultural depth. Influenced by tea culture and centuries of refined dining, omakase here often features lighter flavors, careful preparation and thoughtful presentation. Rather than focusing on a single style, Kyoto’s omakase reflects a broader culinary identity that values seasonality and artistry across different formats.

You will find several types of omakase in Kyoto, each offering a distinct experience:

• Sushi omakase (Edomae and Kyozushi): Higher-end sushi that highlights seasonal seafood, with Edomae focusing on technique and aging, and Kyozushi reflecting Kyoto’s preserved and delicate styles

• Kaiseki omakase: A multi-course meal rooted in Kyoto tradition that emphasizes balance and presentation

• Tempura omakase: Lightly battered ingredients served one piece at a time for optimal texture and flavor

• Yakitori omakase: A curated sequence of grilled chicken skewers showcasing different cuts and preparations

• Modern or fusion omakase: Creative tasting menus that blend Japanese techniques with global influences

Together, these styles show how omakase in Kyoto goes beyond a single cuisine, offering a more complete and immersive dining experience.

Check out our beginner-friendly video about omakase.

Luxury omakase in Kyoto offers some of the most exclusive dining experiences in Japan, where every detail is carefully considered from ingredients to presentation and pacing. At this level, meals are often held in intimate counter settings with limited seating, showcasing premium seafood and meats, precise techniques and a strong sense of seasonality. Expect a deeply immersive experience shaped by the chef’s skill and the quiet elegance that defines Kyoto dining.

• Google Rating: 4.7
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 332-6 Miyoshicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0081
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Required (very limited seats; book well in advance)
• Credit Card: Yes (Visa, JCB, Amex, Mastercard, Diners, UnionPay and others)
• Business Hours: Tue–Sat 5:00 PM–9:30 PM; closed Sun & Mon

Sushi Rakumi in Kyoto offers a refined Edomae sushi experience, earning its Michelin star with an impressive selection of appetizers and expertly prepared nigiri. Guests are treated to three cuts of premium tuna, each served on red vinegar rice.

The serene second-floor setting provides views of cherry blossom trees, enhancing the dining experience. With only two dinner services per day, reservations are essential to enjoy dishes like grilled saltwater eel and melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna.

Note: This restaurant is currently unavailable for reservation.

• Google Rating: 4.1
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
• Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
• English Menu: Not confirmed (limited English spoken by staff)
• Reservation: Required
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Dinner only; hours not publicly listed (call ahead)

Boasting a Michelin star and a sushi-only omakase set as well as full-course Japanese dining, Sushi Matsumoto has earned its rightful place in our list of Kyoto’s best omakase.

Like all omakase specialty restaurants, they specialize in providing traditional tastes that highlight the best of the season. Matsumoto’s Edomae-style sushi is light and easy to eat, the perfect gourmet option for seasoned sushi lovers looking to add a Michelin star to their belts.

Note: This restaurant is currently unavailable for reservation.

• Google Rating: 4.4
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 663 Izumicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0015
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Required (reservation-only; courses start at a set time)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed (reservation-based)

Kyoto Saeki, formerly Nanzenji Saeki, is perhaps the only sushi restaurant that can be called a literal temple of sushi. Previously located on the grounds of Kyoto’s Nanzenji Temple, it built a reputation as an exclusive dining spot after moving from Osaka’s Kitashinchi. It later relocated near Marutamachi Station and Nijo Castle.

Despite leaving the temple, it remains breathtaking, featuring a serene garden reflecting traditional aesthetics. The menu follows suit, emphasizing natural flavors with dishes like sea urchin over rice and anago eel with dashi sauce.

With spacious seating and elegant lacquerware, Kyoto Saeki offers a refined dining experience for omakase sushi in Kyoto.

• Google Rating: 4.6
• byFood Rating: ~5.0 (limited reviews)
• Address: 570 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
• English Menu: Yes (Chinese/Taiwan menu also available)
• Reservation: Required (via web form)
• Credit Card: Yes
• Business Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM–1:00 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM–8:00 PM; closed Sun & last Mon of month

Aji Fukushima offers a refined kaiseki omakase experience that highlights the depth and subtlety of Kyoto cuisine. Led by Chef Yoshikatsu Tsuji, the restaurant serves an ever-changing multi-course menu built around seasonal ingredients, with each dish carefully prepared to bring out natural flavors through precise technique.

The omakase course typically unfolds over several dishes, from delicate appetizers to expertly balanced soups and grilled items, reflecting the rhythm of the seasons. Set in an intimate and traditional space in Gion, the experience emphasizes quiet attention to detail, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore Kyoto-style dining beyond sushi.

• Google Rating: 4.6
• byFood Rating: ~5.0 (limited reviews)
• Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
• English Menu: Not confirmed (staff make strong efforts to communicate with foreign guests)
• Reservation: Required (minimum 2 guests)
• Credit Card: Yes (JCB, Amex, Diners, Visa, Mastercard)
• Business Hours: Lunch 12:00–3:00 PM (Sat, Sun & holidays); Dinner 5:30–11:00 PM (weekdays); closed irregularly

Gion Matayoshi offers a two-Michelin-star kaiseki omakase experience in Kyoto’s Gion district, where traditional techniques meet a refined and modern sensibility. Led by Chef Hiroyuki Matayoshi, the restaurant presents a meticulously structured multi-course menu that highlights seasonal ingredients through precise preparation and elegant presentation.

Each course is carefully paced, moving from delicate appetizers to sashimi, grilled dishes and beautifully composed mains, creating a cohesive dining progression that reflects Kyoto’s culinary philosophy. The intimate counter setting allows guests to observe the chef’s craftsmanship up close, adding a personal dimension to the experience.

For those looking to explore luxury omakase beyond sushi, Gion Matayoshi stands out as one of Kyoto’s most polished and immersive kaiseki destinations.

On a budget in Tokyo? Discover affordable omakase sushi spots that still deliver quality and craftsmanship.

Premium omakase in Kyoto offers a balance of refinement and accessibility, where skilled chefs showcase high-quality ingredients through thoughtful technique and seasonal menus. While less exclusive than luxury counters, these experiences still deliver depth, precision and a strong sense of place, making them ideal for those seeking a memorable and well-crafted omakase meal.

• Google Rating: 4.3
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Required (6 seats only; reservation-only)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Dinner only; hours not publicly listed

A Michelin-starred meal at Sushi Gion Matsudaya promises you'll get what you pay for and more. The six-seater restaurant offers an unforgettable evening of fresh nigiri sushi, formed by the hands of expert sushi chef Kazunori Matsuda.

The Edomae style of sushi served here features fish that has been aged, steamed, cured and seared to express the perfect taste and texture of every cut.

Chef Matsuda, who studied in New York and draws inspiration from across the globe, is eager to offer guests an intimate dining experience and international hospitality. Conventional ingredients combined with novel flavors and preparation techniques elevate dining at this classic Kyoto omakase venue.

• Google Rating: 4.4
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: Shirakawasuji 2F Motoyoshi-cho 67, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0087
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Recommended
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed 

2023 marked a significant year for the Benkei Company, known for its successful sushi restaurants in Tokyo and Niigata. Originating from Sado Island, famous for its gold mines and exceptional seafood, the company expanded to Kyoto’s Gion district with OBENKEI Kyoto Gion. 

The restaurant serves fresh Sado Island seafood, both on its own and atop Koshihikari sushi rice, all prepared with precision by expert chefs. OBENKEI offers both omakase and a la carte dining, with dishes like abalone and snow crab to start, followed by delicate nigiri sushi.

With a serene atmosphere and windows overlooking the Shirakawa River, this restaurant is perfect for celebrations and intimate meals. Enjoy expert omakase sushi and a curated selection of wines, best paired with good company.

• Google Rating: 4.4
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: 41 Mibuhigashitakadacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8845
• English Menu: Not confirmed (English-speaking chef/staff noted in reviews)
• Reservation: Recommended
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed 

Murata Tsutomo, founder of KYO SUSHI OOKINI, has been elevating sushi since 2000. Blending nutrition with flavor, his carefully crafted omakase sushi menus are designed to balance both health and taste.

The restaurant’s prime location near Kyoto’s Central Wholesale Market ensures access to the freshest seafood and organic vegetables. Murata is committed to sourcing only wild-caught seafood and pesticide-free, organic ingredients, using 100% seawater salt and miso from Gifu.

With over 45 years of experience in kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and nihon-ryori (Japanese cuisine), Murata’s seasonal menu is a testament to his culinary expertise. In addition to dishes like striped horse mackerel and conger eel, guests can request customized sushi, with vegetarian and plant-based options available.

Happy to try anything? Sit back and let the omakase sushi experience come to you.

• Google Rating: 4.6
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: Kyoto Station Building 11F, 901 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Recommended
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed 

Sushi Tamahime KYOTO embodies elegance and tradition as the latest branch of Kanazawa Maimon Sushi in Kyoto. Located on the 11th floor of Kyoto Station Building, its refreshed Japanese-inspired interior features natural woodwork in Kanazawa’s miyabi-iro hue. As if that weren't enough, a long wooden counter offers stunning city views.

Sushi Tamahime specializes in exquisite Edomae sushi. The menu highlights pristine seafood from the Hokuriku region, such as nodoguro (blackthroat sea perch), sea snails and sweet white shrimp. Master chefs honor Edomae techniques while adding subtle refinements — like layering seaweed in fatty tuna nigiri for deeper umami.

Signature dishes include simmered eel with sansho pepper and Akashi sea bream with dashi-infused soy sauce. A curated Ishikawa sake selection enhances the experience further.

• Google Rating: 4.0
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: 570-157 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
• English Menu: Not confirmed (good-level English noted by some reviewers)
• Reservation: Required (by the day before)
• Credit Card: Yes (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners, UnionPay)
• Business Hours: Lunch 12:00–1:30 PM; Dinner 5:00 PM–11:00 PM

Gion Kurashita offers a traditional kaiseki omakase experience in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Gion district, where meals are built around seasonal ingredients and classic Japanese techniques. Led by Chef Satoru Kurashita, the restaurant presents multi-course menus that highlight everything from Wagyu beef to tofu sourced from renowned local producers.

Courses unfold in a structured progression, often beginning with a hassun platter before moving into sashimi, tempura and carefully prepared main dishes such as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. The restaurant’s tofu-focused kaiseki is a standout, emphasizing subtle flavors and texture in line with Kyoto’s culinary traditions.

Set along Hanamikoji in Gion, the space reflects the elegance of Kyoto dining, making it a strong option for those looking to experience non-sushi omakase in a classic setting.

For a nationwide perspective, explore the best omakase sushi in Japan across top dining destinations.

• Google Rating: 4.7
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 580-1 Matsumotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0982
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Required (reservation-only; no regular walk-in hours)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Reservation-based; lunch and dinner courses available

Sokkon Fujimoto offers a Michelin-starred kaiseki omakase experience that highlights the depth of Kyoto’s seasonal cuisine through a refined and ever-changing menu. Each course is carefully composed to reflect the time of year, with ingredients prepared using traditional techniques that emphasize balance and clarity of flavor.

The meal unfolds in a quiet, intimate setting, where dishes move from delicate starters to grilled and simmered courses, often paired with a curated selection of sake. With its focus on precision and seasonality, Sokkon Fujimoto is a premium omakase restaurant rooted in Kyoto tradition.

• Google Rating: 4.9
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 133-1 Emerald Kaikan 5F, Hashishitacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8003
• English Menu: Yes
• Reservation: Recommended (available via TableCheck or Google)
• Credit Card: Yes
• Business Hours: Lunch 12:00–2:00 PM (parties of 4+); Dinner 6:00–10:00 PM (L.O. 8:00 PM); irregular holidays

Located along Kyoto’s atmospheric Pontocho alley, Moriaka presents a kaiseki-style omakase that blends traditional structure with a slightly more relaxed dining experience. The multi-course menu typically progresses through appetizers, sashimi, tempura and seasonal mains, offering a well-rounded introduction to Kyoto cuisine.

Set in a classic machiya-style space, the restaurant balances elegance with approachability, making it ideal for diners who want a premium omakase experience without the formality of higher-end counters. With its focus on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful pacing, Moriaka adds depth to Kyoto’s omakase scene.

Mid-range omakase in Kyoto offers a strong balance of quality and value, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience chef-driven dining in the city. At this level, you can expect carefully prepared courses, seasonal ingredients and a mix of sushi, kaiseki and hybrid styles without the formality or price of higher-end counters. It is an ideal entry point for those who want a complete omakase experience at a more approachable price.

• Google Rating: 4.7
• byFood Rating: 5.0
• Address: 72-8 Shimogamo Higashihangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0824
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Required
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed (check byFood listing for current hours)

Sushi Kawano, located near the Kamo River in Kyoto, offers an intimate Edomae sushi experience with just nine counter seats. Known for its exquisite umami flavors achieved through careful aging, the restaurant also serves various simmered and grilled Japanese dishes. 

The chic, serene atmosphere is enhanced by the owner’s exquisite tableware selection. Guests can enjoy high-end sushi at affordable prices during lunch, complemented by a curated selection of sake.

Sushi Kawano's omakase course is currently priced at ¥22,000, making it a mid-range option for a special outing.

• Google Rating: 4.3
• byFood Rating: 5.0
• Address: 282 Nishitamamizucho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8155
• English Menu: Yes (English-speaking staff/owner)
• Reservation: Required (confirm via email or phone)
• Credit Card: Yes (Visa, Amex)
• Business Hours: Lunch 12:00–2:00 PM; Dinner 5:00–10:00 PM

Want to eat at the restaurant Steve Jobs hailed as serving up the best sushi he's ever eaten? Sushi Iwa's omakase service ranges from ¥8,000 to ¥30,000, but it is worth every yen. The restaurant is focused on omakase sushi, but you can order individual items too if you have something in mind you want to try (like Kyoto's famous saba sushi).

Leave it up to the experts for a dining story you won't soon forget.

• Google Rating: 4.7
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 391 Takeyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8093
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Not required (walk-ins accepted)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed

Hidden near Nishiki Market, Izugen has quietly occupied a traditional Japanese townhouse for over a century. Third-generation owner Yasuyuki Ishida stays behind the scenes, crafting Kyo-sushi, the predecessor of modern nigiri.

He expertly cooks rice with kelp and bonito stock, showcasing deep respect for dashi, while his specialty — mackerel sushi — balances rich fish with delicate vinegar.

Seasonal specialties include fukumaki in spring, hamo sugatazushi in summer, and warm chirashi in winter. The rustic space hums with longtime patrons enjoying sushi without soy sauce or wasabi.

A Michelin Bib Gourmand sushi restaurant since 2024, you might be surprised to hear that Ishida still personally delivers sushi by bike to loyal customers. If that's not a promise of warm hospitality and service, nothing is.

Find out more: Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Kyoto

• Google Rating: 4.2
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 367 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0084
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Not required (takeout also available)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed

Founded in 1781, Izuu rose to fame during Kyoto’s saba (blue mackerel) sushi craze. With limited access to fresh fish, Kyoto relied on mackerel from Wakasa, preserved with vinegar and lightly fermented. Combined with rice and kombu, saba sushi was born.

Originally catering to geisha gatherings, founder Uhe Izumiya designed the business around gift-giving, adding in-store dining for guests to enjoy while awaiting their takeout.

Now led by its eighth-generation owner, Izuu’s signature saba sugata sushi features a whole fillet shaped like a crouching rabbit. Aged to enhance flavor, it embodies Kyoto’s tradition of fermentation and time-honored craftsmanship.

When it comes to the best omakase sushi in Kyoto, you know you're in for a treat at Izuu, with Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition in 2019 and 2024.

• Google Rating: 3.5
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: 266 Izawa Building 3F, Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Recommended
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed (check byFood listing for current hours)

As the second branch of Hyogo’s famed Tempura & Wine Ashiya Iwai, Sushi Tempura Gion Iwai brings a unique dining experience to Kyoto, combining the restaurant’s signature tempura and wine with expertly crafted Edomae sushi.

Under the skilled guidance of its head chef, Iwai’s course menus surprise guests with a harmonious blend of crisp tempura, delicate omakase sushi and carefully paired wine or sake.

Every detail is meticulously refined, from three types of salt for tempura to sushi rice seasoned with red or white vinegar. Locally sourced Kyoto vegetables further enhance the flavors, ensuring a truly memorable meal.

• Google Rating: 4.0
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 572-9 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Recommended
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed

At the elegant Gion Sushi Tadayasu in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district, you can enjoy omakase sushi that changes with the seasons.

Refined menus in the ¥15,000 range are inspired by light, blooming sakura in spring and rich, warming ingredients in winter. Thanks to its reasonable pricing and sense of seasonality, Tadayasu is a delight for repeat visitors year-round.

An interior inspired by the natural changes of Kyoto’s historical district reflects everything that brings millions of tourists to the city annually: fragrant wood, refreshing bamboo, and traditional designs.

Chef Tadayasu Morita, who has been working on mastering his art since childhood, has a taste for nihonshu, too — one he is eager to share. In addition to a rotating sushi menu, sake pairings change according to the time of year and food service.

This is the best omakase Kyoto sushi spot for Japanese sake fans, so sit back and enjoy fantastic Edomae sushi with perfectly paired Japanese sake!

Find out more: Japanese Winter Foods & Fruits

19. Sakuragawa

• Google Rating: 4.6
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: 491 Kamikorikicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0923
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Required (no children admitted)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM–2:00 PM; Dinner 5:00–9:00 PM; closed Wednesday

Sakuragawa offers a refined kaiseki and kappo-style omakase experience in central Kyoto, blending formal multi-course dining with a more intimate, chef-led approach. Known for its Michelin star, the restaurant presents seasonal menus that highlight carefully selected ingredients prepared with traditional techniques unique to Kyoto cuisine.

The omakase unfolds through a progression of artfully composed dishes, from delicate appetizers to grilled and simmered courses, each designed to reflect the changing seasons. The kappo (“cut and cook”) element adds a more interactive dimension, allowing guests to observe the chef’s technique and engage more closely with the dining process.

Located just a short walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Sakuragawa offers omakase in a setting that balances tradition, precision and accessibility within the city’s dining scene.

Budget omakase in Kyoto proves that a memorable dining experience does not have to come with a high price tag. These spots offer simple, well-prepared courses that highlight fresh ingredients and local flavors in a more relaxed setting. Ideal for first-time diners or casual meals, this range makes it easy to enjoy omakase without the formality or commitment of higher-end experiences.

• Google Rating: 3.8
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: Maison D’or Shijo Omiya, 130 Nishikiomiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8365
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Available (via byFood)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed

Thirteen quiet counter seats, where the focus is clearly on the food, make up Hiyoko's intimate interior. A favorite hidden gem, lunch at Hiyoko Sushi is in the region of just ¥2,000.

Their 10-piece omakase set is the perfect way to enjoy some of Kyoto's best, classic sushi the way locals do. Prices are on par with national chains but feature far fresher, more impressive local ingredients. This intimate spot is definitely one of the best bang-for-your-buck omakase sushi lunches in Kyoto.

• Google Rating: 4.3
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 454-4 Kannondocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8222
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Not required (walk-ins welcome when seats are available)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed

Sushi Miki is special among Kyoto omakase restaurants for several reasons — starting with the price point. A 10-piece omakase nigiri set comes at just over ¥2,000. Masterful, hand-prepared sushi for under $20 easily makes this menu one of the best in Kyoto.

The second drawcard of Miki is its walk-in availability. While some omakase restaurants expect a telephone-only reservation or require members-only style introductions, the chefs at Miki are happy to serve you as long as tables are available.

Take a counter seat if there's space, so you can watch the chefs prepare your course by hand and enjoy some language exchange!

Need to practice your Japanese? Must-Know Japanese Restaurant Phrases

• Google Rating: 4.5
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 101-8 Hakatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0805
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Not currently available
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed

Another great place to try mamezushi or temarizushi is Gion Ichiho. This shop's omakase course runs around ¥3,000 yen and includes an array of Kyoto specialties, not just sushi.

Their Instagrammable, budget-friendly menu makes this place one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the Gion district.

Sightseers flock to Gion to glimpse geiko and maiko (more often known as geisha outside of Kyoto), so what better neighborhood to try the sushi specially made for them?

Note: This restaurant is currently unavailable for reservation.

• Google Rating: 5.0
• byFood Rating: ~5.0
• Address: 189 Ubayanagicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8213
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Recommended
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed (check byFood listing for current hours)

Neta is the word used to talk about "toppings" on sushi, donburi and the like. AWOMB's "neta" omakase ingredients and fun experience make its ¥3,000-range menu well worth a taste. Plus, it’s the best sushi around the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Traditional sushi toppings that showcase the season and Kyoto flavor are chosen by AWOMB's chefs and laid out for you to enjoy by making your own temarisushi. The flavors are left up to the venue, but you'll get to decide how to mix and match them on your own.

For guests who are wary that an omakase meal might mean swallowing a mystery bite at the mercy of your chef, this provides a solution. It’s the best of both worlds: Your serving of toppings, seasonings and pickles comes with rice to roll into your own sushi, plus a side of miso soup.

• Google Rating: 4.0
• byFood Rating: Not available
• Address: 110-1 Machigashiracho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8206
• English Menu: Not confirmed
• Reservation: Recommended (especially on weekends)
• Credit Card: Not confirmed
• Business Hours: Not publicly listed

Located near Nijo Castle in Nakagyo Ward, Temarizushi to Nihoncha Souden offers a tranquil, upscale dining experience filled with the soothing aroma of brewing tea. On weekends, lines form as guests seek the refined beauty of chakaiseki, with washi paper-framed light fixtures casting a warm, inviting glow.

The restaurant blends traditional Kyoto elegance with modern flavors, highlighted by its signature temarizushi. These delicate, spherical sushi creations are made with health-conscious ingredients like fiber-rich vegetables and low-salt seasonal fish.

Adorned with salmon, roe, white fish, tuna and uni (sea urchin), they resemble edible works of art. Souden is also dedicated to exceptional tea, offering premium blends like Karincha, Sencha and Gyokuro from Rishouen in Uji.

Brewed with care in an iron kettle, the teas offer a rich range of flavors and guests can explore creative tea cocktails and alcoholic blends like sencha gin and roasted green tea bourbon.

Craving more time in Kyoto? Discover what to eat and explore our full list of Kyoto restaurants.

Looking for more options in Kyoto? Browse our recommendations for the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto.