Kuroge Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) and all the other types of wagyu beef in Japan are renowned for their particularly fine and tender texture. The most popular is the marbled meat, characterized by a rich sweet flavor due to the high fat content. This article introduces 10 restaurants in the Kyoto area where you can try wagyu. Check them out!
1. Pontocho Kyoshikian
Kyoshikian, in Kyoto’s historic Pontocho, offers premium Japanese Black wagyu teppanyaki at reasonable prices in an elegant, relaxing setting. Expertly grilled steaks highlight the finest ingredients, served in a warm, wood-accented atmosphere perfect for special occasions. English menus and staff ensure a comfortable experience for international guests. Ideal for both travelers and business dining, this hidden gem lets adults savor Japan’s unique teppanyaki culture in an intimate and refined space.
Pontocho Kyoshikian
Open:
[Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPYAccess:
3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, 3-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main LineAddress:
B1F, Shiko Kaikan, 227, Nabeya-cho, Shijo Agaru, Ponto-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation 2. Pontocho HOUSHOAN
At Houshoan, enjoy exquisite cuisine with views of Pontocho’s charming streetscape. The menu features teppanyaki with premium Japanese Black beef and other dishes showcasing Japanese food culture. To assist international guests, English menus and staff are available. From May to September, dine on the Noryo-yuka terrace overlooking the Kamo River, while winter offers a special sukiyaki menu. Experience Kyoto’s seasonal beauty and refined flavors in an elegant setting.
HOUSHOAN
Open:
[Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)Closed:
MondayAverage price:
[Dinner] 7,000 JPYAccess:
3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, 3-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main LineAddress:
1F, Shiko-kaikan, 227, Nabeya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation 3. Sumibi Yakiniku Tsunku
Sumibi Yakiniku Tsunku offers a relaxed dining experience in semi-private rooms or couples' counter seats. It specializes in Japanese Black Wagyu beef, offering rare cuts like aitchbone, tri-tip, flank steak, and rump. Their soft, domestically-made tongue is a must-try. Seasonal offerings include raw oysters and turban shells. The restaurant boasts a varied sake menu and a wide array of cocktails, thanks to their affiliated bars. All-you-can-drink plans and set meals are available, making it suitable for dates, friendly gatherings, or family get-togethers.
Sumibi Yakiniku Tsunku
Open:
[Monday-Friday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) / [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)Closed:
IrregularAverage price:
[Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPYAccess:
About 6-minute walk from the Nishinotoin Exit of JR Kyoto Station / About 10-minute walk from the Central Exit of Kyoto Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto LineAddress:
1F, Ebisu Square Bldg., 714, Ebisunocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
4. Wagyu Restaurant Bungo Gion
Opened in 2023, Bungo Gion in Kyoto's Hanamachi district attracts guests with its locally sourced Kyoto Vegetables and premium "Oita Wagyu." The staff grills meat in front of guests, allowing them to savor the meat's true essence. Six full courses, including three Wagyu Courses and three Yaki-Wagyu Courses for those preferring cooked meat, are available by reservation. Natural wines complement the dishes. The traditional townhouse setting offers a relaxing atmosphere, with a tatami room experience available for an additional fee.
Wagyu Restaurant Bungo Gion
Open:
Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm / Reservations only. Reservations are available at 17:00, 18:00, and 19:00. Each one is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Some days may have reservations available for 20:00 (please ask the restaurant for details).Closed:
IrregularAverage price:
[Dinner] 16,000 JPYAccess:
7-minute walk from Exit 8 of Gion-shijo Station on Keihan Railway. It is located along Shimbashi-dori Street.Address:
56, Motoyoshi-cho, Yamatooji Higashi-iru, Shimbashi-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
5. Yakiniku Horumon On The Rice
Yakiniku Horumon On The Rice offers a unique dining experience combining rice and yakiniku. The stylish, spacious interior and terrace dining area make for a comfortable setting. Enjoy a variety of meats, including Hokkaido's "Saloma Beef" and various offal cuts. Rare cuts like Jotan and Harami from Saloma Beef may also be available. The flavors are enhanced with three sauces: yakiniku sauce, miso sauce, and homemade ponzu. Rice, cooked in a hagama for 30 minutes, can be prepared in advance with a reservation, perfectly complementing your chosen sauce and meat.
Yakiniku Horumon On The Rice
Open:
[Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
Monday, 2nd and 4th Tuesday (Summer holidays and January holidays)Average price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPYAccess:
6-minute walk from the West Exit of Ryukokudai-mae-Fukakusa Station on the Keihan Main LineAddress:
4-33-2, Fukakusa Nishiura-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
6. Matsusakagyu WHAT'S Kyoto Muromachi Branch
A 4-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, Matsusakagyu WHAT'S is situated in a traditional Kyoto townhouse. Their concept is to serve the full flavor of Matsusakagyu beef, sourced from their contract farm and butchered at their own shop, allowing customers to enjoy rare beef parts. The restaurant is housed in a renovated 80-year-old townhouse, offering a historical ambiance. Various private rooms, including purely Japanese-style rooms, are available. Here, you can escape daily life and savor the finest Matsusakagyu in an exquisite Kyoto setting.
Matsusakagyu WHAT'S Kyoto Muromachi Branch
Open:
[Monday, Wednesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)Closed:
TuesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 10,000 JPYAccess:
4-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma LineAddress:
477, Eboshiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
7. Niku Kappo Futago THE JUNEI HOTEL KYOTO
Niku Kappo Futago delivers the essence of Japanese cuisine through courses featuring rare Kyoto beef. By combining this beef with top ingredients and traditional culinary techniques, it delivers luxury and happiness to its customers. It offers a sophisticated dining experience, maximizing the original flavors of Wagyu beef and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant provides customized menus for special dinners and wedding receptions, ensuring a memorable and wonderful celebration.
Niku Kappo Futago THE JUNEI HOTEL KYOTO
Open:
[Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Last Entry 8:00 pm, Drink L.O. 9:30 pm) *Please note that business hours and service content (alcoholic beverages, etc.) may be temporarily changed or suspended under Kyoto Prefecture's request for shorter work hours.Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 16,000 JPYAccess:
3-minute walk from Shichijo StationAddress:
1F, THE JUNEI HOTEL KYOTO, 4-139, Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation 8. Yakiniku/Maki-ryori Karasuma Rock
Karasuma Rock is a luxurious yakiniku restaurant in Kyoto, offering exquisite dishes prepared with carefully selected Japanese black beef and Kyoto Miyama chicken. Cooked over a firewood fire, the food is complemented by a wide range of drinks, including Japanese sake and rare domestic whiskey. The restaurant, located in a retro building along Karasuma Dori, offers a cozy atmosphere with fire-view seating, perfect for small dinner parties, while the spacious second floor can accommodate larger groups. Just a two-minute walk from Gojo Station, Karasuma Rock offers various courses tailored to your needs.
Yakiniku/Maki-ryori Karasuma Rock
Open:
[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)Closed:
WednesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 5,000 JPYAccess:
2-minute walk from Exit 5 of Gojo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway. 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of JR Kyoto Station. Facing Karasuma-dori Street.Address:
191, Kitamachi, Rokujo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
9. Kobe Beef Teppan Steak Sayaka
In a relaxed Kyoto ambiance, Kobe beef is served at its finest, with the chef’s masterful techniques on display. The sweet, savory aroma of the high-quality fat and melt-in-your-mouth texture offer a delightful experience. The sake selection, ranging from dry to easy-drinking, pairs perfectly with the meat, along with Kyoto craft beers. Kyoto vegetables from the local market elevate the beef’s flavor, and the grilled Shogoin turnip with miso, prepared with hydrogenated water, is a standout dish. Enjoy Kyoto’s unique culinary culture in a space featuring counter, semi-private, and private rooms with teppan griddles.
Kobe Beef Teppan Steak Sayaka
Open:
11:00 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)Closed:
None / Open on National holidays and year-end and New Year holidaysAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPYAccess:
2-minute walk from Exit 16 of Karasuma Station on Hankyu Kyoto Line *In front of Nishiki Exit of Daimaru Kyoto StoreAddress:
102, ST Bldg., 605, Nishi-uoya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
10. Yakiniku no Meimon Tendan Gion Main Branch
Located on Kawabata-dori Street in Kyoto, Tendan Gion Main Branch is a renowned Yakiniku restaurant established in 1965. It pioneered Kyoto’s unique tradition of “Yakiniku served with dashi broth.” The golden, clear broth, made from beef bones, offers a refreshing aftertaste. The spacious dining area features tables, counters, and five private rooms. A kid’s room makes it ideal for families and celebrations. With seasonal menus and sommelier-selected wines, guests can enjoy an exceptional dining experience.
Yakiniku no Meimon Tendan Gion Main Branch
Open:
[Monday - Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm)Closed:
NoneAverage price:
[Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPYAccess:
2-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line. 4-minute walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.Address:
2F, 1-225, Miyagawa-suji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.