Kyoto had long been on my radar for its renowned food scene, and it did not disappoint. What truly captivated me was not only the quality and variety of gourmet offerings—from casual tachinomi to Michelin-starred establishments—but also the sheer beauty of the city itself. While the five-star hotels presented some impressive dining concepts, I took great pleasure in curating our culinary itinerary based on personal recommendations from friends and chefs. Chiara’s local get about and mapping skills were invaluable, keeping us on track and making the experience even more special. We can’t wait to return to Kyoto.

Taka Kyoto – A Culinary Gem 

We were fortunate to receive some great introductions before our trip, including one to Chef Taka. Naomi, a Japanese cousin of our friend Sabine, introduced us to him. Taka was born in Uji, Kyoto, and after being trained in the art of Kyoto-style kaiseki, he ventured to Milan. There, he spent over 15 years at NOBU/Armani, where he met Naomi. Taka has also worked in Australia and Denmark, where he had a stint with René Redzepi. In 2016, he returned to Kyoto and opened his own gastro pub—a true hidden gem where we spent a memorable afternoon. His fusion of Italian and Japanese dishes, paired with an excellent selection of drinks, was a delight. He also operates another small restaurant nearby. Make sure to arrive early, put your name on the list, and be patient—it’s busy for a reason. Guests, much like us, are reluctant to leave! I hope to bring Taka to Punta Mita soon—he’s an avid traveler who loves food, sake, and life. A visit to Taka is an absolute must.

Tatsumi – Local Flavor with a Twist

Just around the corner from Taka, we found another recommendation: Tatsumi, a stand-up izakaya where many local chefs go after work. This unassuming, rustic spot serves some of the best food we had in Kyoto. The mushroom tempura, chicken and pork yakitori, squid tempura, and tuna sashimi were all exceptional. The atmosphere was warm and lively, with mostly locals filling the small space. I returned the next day for a cold draft and more yakitori—it was that good! The place is charmingly ramshackle, with a rickety bar, an open kitchen, and walls covered in strips of paper with Japanese characters. Despite the lack of English, the friendly staff and fantastic food make this a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Kyoto.

Yoshikawa Inn – Tempura Tradition 

At Yoshikawa Inn, we sat around a small 12-seater open kitchen and indulged in exquisite tempura while enjoying the traditional ambiance of the inn’s beautiful Japanese garden. Yoshikawa serves as both a bed and breakfast and a restaurant open to the public, but reservations are essential. The setting, with its intimate charm, adds to the appeal, making the slightly higher price tag feel justified. For a true kaiseki experience with expertly prepared tempura, Yoshikawa is hard to beat.

Shabu Shabu at Pontocho Kiraku

We stumbled upon Pontocho Kiraku by chance, one of the few times we walked in without a reservation during our trip. Chiara selected this place, and it turned out to be a wonderful evening. Though little English was spoken, the staff’s friendly demeanor made everything easy. We opted for the shabu shabu set menu, which, paired with cold draft beer, was the perfect end to another great day. While it’s not a place known in reviews for consistency, we definitely had a hit! Take a chance

Kibunesou – Dining Above a Stream

Kibunesou offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in Kyoto, with tables perched above a rolling stream under the cool shade—a dining style known as kawadoko. This spot is a must for anyone visiting Kyoto, though reservations are essential, and you’ll need to select your menu ahead of time. The setting reminded me of some of my all-time favorite places, like Sufito in Punta Mita, Doyles in Watsons Bay, and La Huella in Jose Ignacio, where the atmosphere is as memorable as the meal itself. We enjoyed a delicious shabu shabu, with exceptional service and perfectly chilled draft beer. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby shrines and shops after your meal—Kibunesou is truly a special place where the food and the surroundings harmonize perfectly.