Historic Townhouses Turned Restaurants Nestled in the Center of a Historical Cityscape... Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 20 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Kyoto

Historic Townhouses Turned Restaurants Nestled in the Center of a Historical Cityscape...

Kyoto's cityscape is quite a sight - you can almost feel the history in the air around you! After having your fill of Kyoto's historical areas, why not relax and spend some time with loved ones in one of these quaint townhouse-turned-restaurants? Here are some that are nuzzled in the center of Kyoto! These restaurants aren't limited to only traditional Japanese cuisine. If you are visiting for sightseeing, a date, or whatever else, you'll definitely want to check these out!

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Tofu and Obanzai Cooking Kyoto Mamehachi

At this restaurant, you can taste present-day Kyoto-style tofu dishes, as well as light Kyoto-style marinated foods known as "obanzai". The traditional townhouse atmosphere lingers inside the restaurant, which has counter seats that are ideal for dates. The 2nd floor has a completely separate room with horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu tables). This reservable room can accommodate 14 - 20 people, making it perfect for various banquets and parties.

The [Tofu Gochin Mori] platter allows you to taste different tofu variations. It's perfect paired with alcohol.

Adults can feel at home in the cool atmosphere of the tatami room.

Tofu and Obanzai Cooking Kyoto Mamehachi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station and Kawaramachi Station
Address: Shijo-dori, Ponto-cho-agaru Nishi-gawa, 210-4, Naebya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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2. Kuragari Masa

At this restaurant, you can enjoy dishes that use local A5-ranked Kuroge Wagyu beef. The building is a 90-year-old refurbished teahouse in Kyoto's Gion district that still has a touch of the adventurous spirit from the Taisho era (1912 - 1926), otherwise known as "Taisho Romance". Traditional kimonos and kimono fabric are displayed all over the restaurant, decorating the walls and ceilings. The contrast of the table to the chandelier is a superb sight.

Teppanyaki made from carefully selected Kuroge Wagyu beef. Anything from fillets to sirloin steaks are offered.

Gion, Kyoto. The sweet smell of Taisho Romance in this 90-year-old Kyoto townhouse is present.

Kuragari Masa

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station and Kawaramachi Station
Address: Hitosujime-noboru Higashi-gawa, Tominaga-cho Higashi-iru, Nawate-dori Shijo-noboru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

3. Cucina Italiana Todo

Enjoy Italian cuisine at this restaurant that refuses to compromise on quality ingredients. It uses the original townhouse’s construction to the fullest, with its high ceilings and magnificent thick beams. Eat tasty Italian cuisine while surrounded by a traditional Japan atmosphere, afforded by the exquisite plaster-coated walls.

[Marinated Mackerel and Winter Melon Compote with Red Manganji Sauce Sourced from Nagasaki Prefecture]

This 100-year-old townhouse is standing quietly in the middle of a residential area.

Cucina Italiana Todo

Open: [Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,100 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Marutamachi Station, 7-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station
Address: 496-3 Sanbongi 5chome , Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
More Details Reservation

4. Vineria t. v. B.

Enjoy eating Italian food while taking in the beautiful shores of Kyoto's Kamo River (Kamo-gawa). Standing side by side with traditional first-class Japanese restaurants along the spacious shoreline, this restaurant has a great location. This Kyoto townhouse turned Italian restaurant makes use of its long and narrow layout, traditionally likened to an eel, that leads to the Kamo River flowing behind it.

The [Charcoal-grilled Beautiful Pork Skin] is a popular choice among women.

This is a space where you can relax in a wooden space.

Vineria t. v. B.

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: Sunday

3rd and 4th Monday of the month

Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 3 minutes by foot upon alighting at Kawaramachi station on the Hankyu railway
Address: 140-25 Saito-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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5. Uru

This is an Italian restaurant where you can enjoy handmade pasta and pizza. The interior of the restaurant has a contemporary arrangement, but still has a sense of the good old days. It is decorated in a modern fashion, taking advantage of the stately architecture with thick beams and wooden floors and ceilings.

This is the [Tripper's Tomato Sauce Linguine], which has a vibrant appearance.

The building was built as a townhouse over 100 years ago.

Uru

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)

[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O.), Cafe 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm (2F Closed), Dinner 5:30 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)

Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,200 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, 4-minute walk from Nijo Station
Address: 610 Oshinishi no Toin-cho , Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
More Details Reservation

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.