15 Must-Dine Places When in Kyoto for Lunch Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Sep 12 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Kyoto

15 Must-Dine Places When in Kyoto for Lunch

This article is for those who want to make the most out of Kyoto by enjoying sumptuous food that's unique to the city. Read and find out the top 15 must-dine places for a great lunch in Kyoto.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Hot Sand Senmonten OHANABATAKE Gion Branch (Gion)

Starting as a kitchen car selling "beef sandwiches", OHANABATAKE has grown into a prominent fast-food chain in Japan due to popular demand. Noted for its hearty hot sandwiches, packed with flavorful beef and fresh, farm-grown hydroponic vegetables, toasted bread and a signature savory sauce make each bite unforgettable. Exclusive to the Gion branch are items like "Yakisoba Beef Sand". Also, try their layered drinks with fresh fruit, yogurt, and soda. OHANABATAKE offers flavors that keep you coming back for more.

Hot Sand Senmonten OHANABATAKE Gion Branch

Open: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine (Next to Yoshimoto Gion Kagetsu)
Address: 1F East, Gion Kaikan, 323, Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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2.Kikkoya (Sanjo, Shijo Karasuma, Shijo Kawaramachi)

Enjoy dishes made with Kyo-Yasai (a special variety of vegetables that's grown in Kyoto) and seasonal vegetables in the exotic Kikkoya. The restaurant is usually open only for dinner. However, they are open for lunch on Sunday. For their lunch menu, they have 2 kinds of set meals that are priced reasonably when compared to their dinner menu. The first one is [Gosho], a set meal composed of 8 items for 2,000 JPY (plus tax), and the other one is [Heian], which is made of 7 dishes for 1,500 JPY (plus tax). Both lunch sets have [Ebi Imo no Owan] (a bowl containing rice and some slices of shrimp-shaped yam in hot broth) and [Kokabu, Yaki-dofu, Kintoki Ninjin no Takiawase] (simmered small turnips, grilled tofu, and Japanese red carrots cooked separately before being mixed together). Aside from these dishes, they also serve [Kumiage Yuba] (tofu skin skimmed from hot soymilk) for 430 JPY (plus tax), which is also worth a try!

Kikkoya (Sanjo, Shijo Karasuma, Shijo Kawaramachi)

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:15 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 601, Kikkoya-cho, Takakura-dori Aneyakoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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3. Kyoshoku Fujiya (Nijo Castle/Imperial Palace)

2. Kyoshoku Fujiya (Nijo Castle/Imperial Palace)

Kyoshoku Fujiya takes pride in selecting the best ingredients for their dishes so that they can provide diners creative and delectable Japanese cuisine. For lunch, they offer a 12-dish [Fujiya no Ohiru Kaiseki] for 4,320 JPY. The set includes an exquisite dish made with fresh fish caught directly from Wakasa. The restaurant has counter seats and private rooms with a stylish and modern Japanese interior, so it is a perfect place for a romantic date with your loved one, or for lunch together with family or friends. However, note that their lunch meals have to be reserved at least a day before your scheduled visit, and that they're meant for 2 people or more.

Kyoshoku Fujiya (Nijo Castle/Imperial Palace)

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm *Please make a reservation by 6:00 pm of the previous day, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Address: 656-1, Seimei-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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4. Maizuru Vegetable Kitchen Sorriso (Maizuru/Fukuchiyama)

Enjoy healthy Italian dishes made with the freshest ingredients at Sorriso. They have a wide range of pasta, risotto, pizza, and other Italian dishes for lunch, including [Salsa Giapponese with Burdock Root, Minced Meat, and Ginger (880 JPY)]. It is one of the most sought-after dishes in the restaurant! In addition, diners can change their noodles to konjac pasta for a healthier twist to their dishes (konjac noodles have 0 calories). That makes them perfect for calorie and health-conscious diners, and even for those with wheat or gluten allergies!

Maizuru Vegetable Kitchen Sorriso (Maizuru/Fukuchiyama)

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,200 JPY
Address: 1F, Eco-Vita, 11-10, Mizoshiri-cho, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto

5. Odaidokoro Roji (Joyo/Kyotanabe)

Known as a place where you can enjoy dishes cooked with fish, beef, and rice raised in Tango (northern part of Kyoto), as well as Kyo-Yasai from Kamigamo, Odaidokoro Roji serves a variety of delectable dishes for lunch. It includes [Kyoto Kamigamo Yasai to Buta no Seiro Zen (2,000 JPY)], where you can fully enjoy the taste of fresh Kyoto vegetables, and [Roji Tokusei Steak Zen (2,500 JPY)] - a perfect dish for those who want to eat a lot of beef. These dishes are best enjoyed with their Japanese-style fond de veau sauce (grated daikon (Japanese white radish) base) and wine. Try it for yourself!

Odaidokoro Roji (Joyo/Kyotanabe)

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) *Reservation required during weekends and national holidays (at least 1 day before scheduled visit), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000JPY
Address: 171-14, Uji Myoraku, Uji-shi, Kyoto Map
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6. Premium Wagyu Steak Hanasato (Gion/Higashiyama)

Premium Wagyu Steak Hanasato is perfect for those who would like to enjoy the best selection of wagyu beef steak in a real Kyoto atmosphere. The best dish to try in this restaurant is their [Special Yonezawa Beef Sirloin Steak], which has a very fine texture. For lunch, diners can also enjoy this fine steak in their lunch course menu, which starts from 5,800 JPY (plus tax). Another must-try is their [Premium Hamburg Lunch (3,200 JPY)] made with 100% premium Yonezawa beef, but you have to hurry, as they only sell 10 servings per day!

Premium Wagyu Steak Hanasato (Gion/Higashiyama)

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular *Will be closed from January 10 - 12 in 2018
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Address: 404, Hashimoto-cho, Shinbashi-dori, Hanami-koji Higashi-iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

7. Obanzai to Tori Kyohana (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Kyohana is known for its [Obanzai] (Kyoto-style side dishes made from seasonal meat and vegetables) and umami-rich (Japanese savory taste) [Kyo Aka Jidori] (free-range chicken from Kyoto), which are its signature dishes. For lunch, first-time diners can try the [Terisuki-don (850 JPY)] - an exquisite rice bowl with Kyo Aka Jidori thigh meat soaked in collagen-rich soup, and then garnished with caramel and umami-rich chicken-flavored sauce. Another must-try is their [Obanzai Teishoku (2,000 JPY)] - a set where you can enjoy 7 kinds of carefully selected Obanzai dishes. You will surely leave the restaurant satisfied, as the set also includes a small serving of Terisuki-don!

Obanzai to Tori Kyohana (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 89, Kashira-cho, Aneyakoji-dori, Shin-machi Higashi-iru, Machigashira-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

8. Ichiba Koji Teramachi Branch (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Ichiba Koji is loved for its hot iron plate-grilled [Kuroge Wagyu Beef Steak] and stone oven-grilled [Yaki Obanzai] (Kyoto-style grilled meat and vegetables). One of the restaurant's must-try dishes is the [Healthy Lean Meat! Kuroge Wagyu Beef (Outer Thigh) Obanzai Plate (1,580 JPY)], where you can enjoy both [Kuroge Wagyu Beef Steak] and [Yaki Obanzai]. The set meal also comes with all-you-can-eat 5-grain rice and homemade tofu, so you can eat to your heart's content!

Ichiba Koji Teramachi Branch (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Open: Dinner 17:00 - 23:00 (last order 22:00) / Lunch 11:30 - 16:00 (last order 15:00)
Closed: I am off for only 1/1
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,150 JPY
Access:

8. Gion Karoku (Gion/Higashiyama)

Gion Karoku is known for its charcoal-grilled meats, including high-grade Kuroge wagyu beef (A4 grade or higher). One of their must-try lunch dishes is the [Karoku Course (7,500 JPY (plus tax))], where you can enjoy an exquisite serving of [Kalbi and Tan no Negi-shio] (grilled beef ribs and tongue with fresh leek and salt dressing), as well as [Geta Kalbi Tare] (grilled short ribs from the belly with sauce) that uses special Kuroge wagyu beef. Not only do they have exquisite beef dishes, but the restaurant is actually housed in a 1927 townhouse that's been renovated to possess a traditional yet modern interior.

Gion Karoku (Gion/Higashiyama)

Closed: Monday (if Monday falls on a national holiday, it will be closed the next day)
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Address: 566-25, Komatsu-cho, Yasaka-dori, Higashi-oji Nishi-iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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9. THE KITCHEN KANRA (Kyoto Station Area)

Located 12 minutes by foot from Kyoto Station, THE KITCHEN KANRA is a restaurant that's located in Hotel Kanra Kyoto. It is the place to visit if you want to enjoy authentic stone oven-baked pizza. If you want to choose your own pizza from their 4 available flavors while enjoying salad, an appetizer, and dessert, as well as a cup of coffee or tea, you must not miss their [Pizza Set (2,000 JPY)]. They also have 150 kinds of wine in their cellar, so why not enjoy a glass of good wine and a slice of their soft and chewy pizza?

THE KITCHEN KANRA (Kyoto Station Area)

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm), Breakfast 7:00 am - 10:30 am (L.O. 9:30 am)
Closed: None (follows the hotel's closing days)
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,300 JPY
Address: 190, Kita-machi, Karasuma-dori 6-jo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

10. Shizen Shusai Isshun Ohto Branch (Kyoto Station Area)

At night, Shizen Shusai Isshun is an izakaya (Japanese pub) that serves sushi assortments, along with sake and other dishes made with seasonal ingredients. However, they change their menu during lunch, mainly serving udon (thick noodles) and other common lunch dishes. Try their unique and delicious [Matcha Negi Udon (1,080 JPY (plus tax))] - a dish of matcha-infused udon soaked in Kyoto-style dashi (stock) with Kujo negi (welsh onions) on top. It has a light yet delicious taste that you cannot find anywhere else. One can say that this dish really reflects Kyoto!

Shizen Shusai Isshun Ohto Branch (Kyoto Station Area)

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)
[Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:45 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:30 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:45 pm) *Only for the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 228, Hiyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)

11. Orae Gion (Gion/Higashiyama)

Orae Gion serves Italian cuisine made with Kyo-Yasai and other local ingredients. The most sought-after dish in this restaurant is the [Gion Saien Hatake no Aji-ga-suru Lunch (1,800 JPY (plus tax))]. It is an affordable set meal that consists of salad made with seasonal vegetables and drizzled with homemade vinegar dressing or salt, pasta, a mini dessert, and a cup of coffee or tea. The restaurant has an elegant environment brought about by the refurbished interior of the traditional Kyoto-style townhouse that it's homed in, along with modern furniture. It is the perfect place to go to for dates, and even for business lunches or dinners.

Orae Gion (Gion/Higashiyama)

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 71-7, Motoyoshi-cho, Yamatooji-dori Shinbashi-agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

12. All Day Dining Kaza (Kyoto Station Area)

Located on the 1st floor of Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto, All Day Dining Kaza offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets filled with delicious dishes made by their team of chefs. For 90 minutes, you can have an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with dozens of their dishes for 3,000 JPY during weekdays (3,500 JPY on weekends and national holidays). You may get distracted by the variety of dishes available in their buffet, but you must not miss their grilled dishes! They only cook it when you request for it, so you can enjoy freshly grilled meats cooked right in front of you!

All Day Dining Kaza (Kyoto Station Area)

Open: [Lunch Round 1] 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
[Lunch Round 2] 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
[Weekdays] Dinner 5:30pm - 9:00 pm (90 minutes)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner Round 1 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner Round 2 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
[Morning Buffet] 6:30 am - 10:00 am (L.O. 9:30 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Address: 1, Taimatsu-cho, Higashi Horikawa-dori Shiokoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

13. Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Branch (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Founded around 300 years ago, Minokichi Shijo has been serving traditional Kyoto-style Kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese course cuisine) using seasonal ingredients. For lunch, diners can enjoy the [Kaiseki Bento (from 3,780 JPY)] (boxed lunch), whose contents change depending on the season. Through this bento set, you can discover how the people of Kyoto enjoy their Kaiseki cuisine season by season. Also, since the restaurant is located on the 8th floor of Sumitomo Fudosan Kyoto Building, you can dine while enjoying the view of Kamo River and Higashiyama.

Minokichi Shijo Kawaramachi Branch (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 8F, Food Hall, Sumitomo Fudosan Kyoto Bldg., 68, Higashi Ima-machi, Shijo-dori, Kawara-machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)

14. Morimori Sushi Shijo Kawaramachi Branch (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Located in Kawaramachi, this kaiten sushi (conveyor sushi) restaurant has a lot of sushi varieties to offer. Aside from the usual maguro (tuna) and salmon toppings, they also have [Shiro-ebi Sushi] (Japanese glass shrimp, also known as the jewel of Toyama Bay), [Nodoguro Sushi] (blackthroat seaperch - a high-grade fish with white flesh), as well as sushi made with other rare seafood found in the Hokuriku and Sea of Japan. One of their must-try dishes is the [Nodoguro Iri Kanazawa Gensen Sozai Lunch (1,480 JPY or 1,760 JPY)]. It comes with 6 - 7 pieces of sushi made with nodoguro, hosomaki (thin sushi rolls with various fillings), and a bowl of miso soup. However, note that this dish is only available on weekdays.

Morimori Sushi Shijo Kawaramachi Branch (Sanjo/Shijo Karasuma/Shijo Kawaramachi)

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm, Last Entry 9:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm, Last Entry 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 8F, Food Hall, Sumitomo Fudosan Kyoto Bldg., 68, Higashi Ima-machi, Shijo-dori, Kawara-machi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)

15. Anagoya Noresore Kyoto Main Branch (Nijo Castle/Imperial Palace Area)

At Anagoya Noresore Kyoto Main Branch, diners can enjoy anago (saltwater eels) that were freshly caught in the seas of Awaji Island. It can be grilled in charcoal with or without seasoning, or enjoyed as sashimi. Their flagship dish is the [NORESORE Gozen (2,800 JPY)], and it is a limited menu that's only available during lunchtime. In this set meal, you can enjoy anago cooked in various ways, such as [Anamaki] (anago rolled in omelette), [Anago no Shiroyaki] (anago grilled without seasoning), [Anago no Tempura], and [Anago Meshi] (anago with rice). This type of eel may resemble unagi (freshwater eel), but it has a lower calorie content, so even health-conscious diners can enjoy dishes made with this delicious eel.

Anagoya Noresore Kyoto Main Branch (Nijo Castle/Imperial Palace Area)

Closed: Monday (if Monday falls on a national holiday, the next day will be closed instead), Other irregular closing days
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Address: 276 or 278, 2-jo Aburanokoji-cho, Aburanokoji-dori 2-jo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Despite serving expensive dinners, a lot of famous restaurants in Kyoto also serve lunch at reasonable prices. Why not try them out for lunch? Whether it is a famous or traditional restaurant, Kyoto has a lot to offer when it comes to delectable yet affordable dishes.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.