Best 8 Michelin Star rated Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Gion Nishikawa (祇園 にしかわ)

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

With full credit to the skillful chef Masayoshi Nishikawa, this Michelin two-star recognized establishment collected its first Michelin Star just after it opened in 2009! Named after its famous chef, this kaiseki restaurant serves heavily seasonal dishes that transform the palette like the city's foliage, which change with the passing seasons. Guests who book counter seats can admire chef Masayoshi Nishikawa at work and chat about his techniques, which is a very special experience indeed. Get a first-hand look at culinary magic in action.

 

2. Nakahigashi (なかひがし)

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

If you're looking for a dining experience that's a little different than what you're used to, then it's worth paying a visit to Nakahigashi. This Michelin two-star restaurant awarded establishment features a counter surrounding the kitchen where master chef Nakahigashi meticulously prepares exquisite dishes under your watchful eye. It's an illuminating experience to receive explanations of each dish as it's being prepared for and served to you.

The key focus of this restaurant is to use and showcase the very best local ingredients, and the chef visits the fields and forests where the produce comes from every day to collect the ingredients he'll use that evening. Given the standard of the meals and the work this master puts into his craft, the prices are surprisingly reasonable!

 

3. Ifuki (いふき) (祇園 にしかわ)

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

Run by husband and wife, Ifuki is Michelin two-star restaurant filled with unique charm and an intimate atmosphere. The antique style interior of the restaurant gives a calm, relaxing vibe, which makes you feel more like you're dining with friends.

The pair serves original seasonal cuisine, which showcases an undeniable sense of Japanese beauty. Highlights include the locally grown charcoal-grilled vegetables, which can be paired perfectly with a variety of wine and sake. Ask the master chef for recommendations.

 

4. Ajiro (精進料理 阿じろ)

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

Shojin ryori is a historical form of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that strictly uses no meat, according to the Buddhist decree of non-violence, so if you're traveling with vegetarians, keep an eye out for Shojin ryori establishments. One ideal example is this family-run restaurant, Ajiro, which has been awarded one Michelin-star for its authentic Shojin cuisine and its artfully simple and delicate flavors.

The food served is as authentic as it could be with Ajiro's founder studied in the kitchen of a Buddhist temple before establishing the restaurant. The restaurant's interior is charming and authentic too and comes decorated with traditional screens and low tables and cushions on the floors.

 

5. Shinmonzen Yonemura (よねむら)

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

For something a little different, try Yonemura, a much loved Japanese-French fusion restaurant headed by Masayasu Yonemura. Here Chef Yonemura serves cuisine that mixes local ingredients and Japanese cooking styles with western ones. Following 25 years as the Michelin 1 star “Restaurant Yonemura,” in 2019, Chef Yonemura reopened his establishment at Shinmonzen Yonemura, it wasn’t long after the restaurant’s reopening that Shinmonzen Yonemura was gifted 2 Michelin stars. The innovative and modern yet tranquil the interior of the restaurant features antique and minimalist Japanese-style design.

You'll find this restaurant is located in Gion, the district most famous for its elusive geishas and popular sightseeing opportunities for international tourists in Kyoto. Only omekase chef's selections) are available.

 

6. Kiyama (木山）

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

Located a five-minute walk from Marutamachi station, Kiyama is a Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki restaurant with plenty to offer. It's headed by Chef Yoshiro Kiyama, who was born in Gifu Prefecture. After gaining 15 years of experience at the prestigious restaurant 'Wakuden', he established this incredible place in 2017.

After its launch, it took only one year for him to acquire a prestigious Michelin star, and in the years since it opened, it's quickly gained attention and earned him rave reviews from epicureans both in Japan and overseas. His reputation for excellence probably has something to do with the fact that Kiyama is so passionate about the ingredients that he uses that even the water is drawn from his own well! No doubt, this place is only going to get more popular as the years go on.

 

7. Motoï (モトイ)

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

If you're looking for something more western to satisfy your cravings, then one-Michelin-star French restaurant located in a former private residence, Motoï, is a great choice. The design of this elegant, modern French restaurant is fascinating wooden-paneled walls and tiled roof that look more like something ripped from the pages of a Japanese history book.

While it is French, Motoï still pays tribute to the charms of Kyoto by using fresh seasonal Japanese ingredients to give a local twist to French cuisine.

 

8. Gion Sasaki (祇園 さゝ木)

 

Japanese, Asian, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Scenic view, Romantic, Business meetings

Gion Sasaki serves a crowd-pleasing variety of Japanese Cuisine, completely redefines the concept of traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine. Many of the dishes include seasonal seafood, and the menu is constantly renewed so that no matter how many times you visit and what time of year, you'll always experience something new and fresh. Do be warned, though; this place is so popular that reservations must be taken more than a month ahead of time, so plan accordingly.