Japanese cuisine’s world-class culinary classics were developed from centuries of political, economic, and social changes. Among which is the rich influence of Kyoto.
As the country’s former imperial capital and continuous strong ties to its regal history and preserved landlocked geography, Kyoto is home to sublime aristocratic kaiseki cuisine, sophisticated vegetarian shojin ryori of monks, and the simple obanzai home-style cooking.
You can find these local charming elements in Kyoto’s quaint and budget restaurants generally located in street stalls in Nishiki Market and behind izakaya doors, such as the top three following picks here at NeedThat:
1. Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi
- District: Pontocho
- Price: $
- Best in: Gyoza
While nightlife options stream endlessly in the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto locals revel in the magical narrow alley of Pontocho. It’s one of the city’s most atmospheric dining areas that’s full of bars, restaurants, and tea houses offering a wide range of budget selections.
Whether you’re looking for appetizers to fuel your Pontocho excursion or ending the night with the best drunchies (drunk + munchies), the simple yet tasty offerings of Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi’s gyozas never cease to impress. It features a variety of gyoza flavors that are fried to perfection (crispy thin pastry with juicy filling), fresh vegetarian options, and refreshing nama beers that are all reasonably priced. You’ll enjoy these even more if you get there a little earlier because it’s a small restaurant and the queue often stacks up, especially during peak tourist season.
2. Katsukura Sanjo Honten
- District: Kyoto
- Price: $$
- Best in: Tonkatsu
The best tonkatsu restaurants are those with a strict commitment to the finest quality ingredients and intricate technical skills, and Katsukura Sanjo Honten is certainly our top recommendation for Kyoto. It offers excellent pork options that are carefully selected across the country, a seasonal menu ranging from vegetables, beef, and seafood, and homemade sweets created in both Japanese and Western styles.
However, what really stuck to us (and hopefully to you too) is its fried chicken. We highly recommend this because, like all other deep-fried cutlets, it’s super juicy and tender that doesn’t entirely taste and feel greasy. No wonder this Kyoto restaurant continuously gets high ratings and positive reviews online that make it a must-visit dining option regardless of where you are in Japan. But don’t worry about its frequent long lines because the restaurant is pretty spacious, so the queue moves quickly.
3. Bar Shushu
- District: Pontocho
- Price: $
- Best in: ¥600 stand-only bar
Pontocho’s wide range of budget options is truly promising – thanks to the likes of Bar Shushu whose brand tagline is “everything ¥600.” It’s a standing bar with great drinks selection and an intimate yet engaging atmosphere with space for about 12 people. Nevertheless, it seemed like a popular spot among tourists, especially since the local visitors and employees were super friendly like the bartender who spoke a little bit of the English language and was quite knowledgeable about the area.
Ask a few of his favorites and he’ll definitely give you additional information about where to go and what to do in Kyoto. And in case you like light drinks, we recommend that you try his kyoho cocktail. It’s made with kyoho liquor, which is a premium grape drink in Japan, syrup soda, and lemon juice.
