Brasserie Café ONZE

The French-style Brasserie offers authentic French cuisine in downtown Kyoto. They're known for their signature sausage but their offer goes much further than this: duck confit and steak frites, and a range of appetizers displayed on the counter to name but a few things that draw in flocks of people in search of a taste of the elegant French cuisine.

• Web:

  onze.blue

• Address:

  125 Saitocho Shijo-Sagaru Kiyacho-Dori Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 351 0733

• Opening hours:

  Daily 3pm–1am

Chihana

The busy Shijo Street in the district of Gion is home of the modest Chihana eatery, a three-Michelin-star restaurant specialised in kaiseki (the Japanese haute cuisine). The décor and interior are simple: an unfinished wooden counter for eight guests and two private rooms. But the food served in fine bowls and plates, including real antiques, is just an explosion of flavours in your mouth. Japanese behemoths like Yukio Mishima, Yasunari Kawabata and Shusaku Endo have been faithful patrons here. Note that the shop moved to its current location following a fire in 2018.

• Web:

  www.kyotochihana.com

• Address:

  227-3 Nishinomachi, Higashiyama, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 561 2741

• Opening hours:

  Saturday–Monday 12pm–2pm / 6pm–10pm, Wednesday–Friday 6pm–10pm

Hafuu

Set near Kyōto's Imperial Palace, Hafuu treats guests to top-notch beef in a modern atmosphere. Originally born as a butcher, the restaurant knows how to treat the succulent and tender Wagyū beef. The menu lists steaks, beef cutlet, or sandwiches, and – as with every proper Japanese meal – everything is accompanied by miso soup, salad, and steamed rice.

• Web:

  hafuu.com

• Address:

  471-1 Sasayacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 257 1581

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Tue 11:30am–1:30pm, 5:30pm–9:30pm

Okonomiyaki Katsu

In this hole-in-the-wall eatery with only two tables and 5 counter seats, you'll get the chance to experience the real okonomiyaki (a fried batter of eggs and cabbage stuffed with your pick favourite ingredient). The friendly chefs will cook this Japanese "pizza" fresh before your very eyes.

• Web:

  okonomiyakikatsu.wixsite.com/katsu

• Address:

  1-4 Ryoanji Saigucho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 464 8981

• Opening hours:

  Friday–Wednesday 11:30am–1:30pm / 5:30pm–9pm

Ramen Sen-no-Kaze Kyoto

The menu of Ramen Sen-no-Kaze Kyoto stands out for its simplicity and a clear focus on Japanese-style ramen (wheat-flour Japanese noodles in broth). Before stepping inside, you will need to get a ticket. Only after that will you be able to order your customised tonkotsu (pork-based stock) or chintan (seafood-based stock) ramen. Paired with savoury gyoza or plain rice, the eatery pulls off the winning formula. Note that the queue might seem endless, but tickets are limited. It's best to go early to not miss out.

• Web:

  ramensennokazekyoto.com

• Address:

  580 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 255 0181

• Opening hours:

  Tuesday–Saturday 12pm–10pm

Sugarhill Kyoto

Sugarhill Kyoto is always a hot-spot of Kyoto's trendy restaurant scene. The small eatery, just 8 minutes from Kyoto station, boasts healthy food full of flavour. The chef recommends chicken teriyaki and tofu and Kyoto vegetable salad. Gluten-free options are also available.

• Web:

  sugarhillkyoto.business.site

• Address:

  725 Uematsucho, Shimogyo-ku | Kataoka Bldg 1F, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 561 2741

• Opening hours:

  Monday–Saturday 5pm–10:30pm

Club Metro

In the undergrounds of the Marutamachi Station, Metro sparkles by night with bands playing live for the joy of music aficionados. Since 1990, the venue has hosted both local and international bands, contributing to their fame. The nightclub also hosts alternative events, like “Non-hetero at the Metro” and “Diamond Night Cabaret Night.”

• Web:

  www.metro.ne.jp

• E-mail:

  info@metro.ne.jp

• Address:

  82 Shimotsutsumicho, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi

• Phone:

  +81 75 752 4765

• More info:

  Located at Jingu-Marutamachi metro station.

Jazz Spot Yamatoya

The long-lasting establishment with its Victorian wallpaper, dark wooden furniture, and dim lighting has been home to locals for over two decades, having opened in 1970. Jazz records spinning on vintage turntables, mouth-coating whiskey, and a lovely old couple behind the bar make for a wonderful night in Kyoto.

• Web:

  www.jazz-yamatoya.com

• Address:

  25 Shogoin Sannocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 761 7685

• Opening hours:

  Thursday–Tuesday 12pm–12am

Kitsune

In the lively and vibrant district of Ponto Cho, Kitsune, spread across two levels, is the jewel in the crown of Kyōto's nightlife. The club boasts two large dance floors, a VIP lounge, best DJs in town, and what's said to be a top-notch sound system.

• Web:

  kitsune-kyoto.com

• Address:

  179 Zaimokucho Kiyamachidori Sanjosagaru, Nakagyo-ku | FS Kiyamachi Bldg. 3F & 4F, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 255 0421

• Opening hours:

  Tuesday–Thursday 10pm–4am, Friday–Monday 10pm–5am

• More info:

  Note that all visitors must be 20+ years old to enter the club.

L'Escamoteur

Established in 2015, L'Escamoteur is a warm cocktail bar in the heart of Kyōto, reminiscent of la belle époque. As a long-time magician, the bar's owner Marseillaise Christophe Rossi entertains guests with his mind-blowing magic tricks. Along with classic cocktails, it also serves clean-tasting liqueurs and fine wines.

• Address:

  138-9 Saitocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 708 8511

• Opening hours:

  Tuesday–Sunday 8pm–2am

The Common One Bar

Tucked away on the Shinbashi street close to Tatsumi Daimyojin shrine, The Common One Bar is a bijou bar that prides itself on offering a wide selection of cocktails and Japanese whiskies in a refined and elegant atmosphere.

• Address:

  46 Motoyoshicho, Higashiyama-ku, Nakagyo, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 561 5644

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5pm–2am

% Arabica

On the banks of Kamo River, the beloved % Arabica has earned a great reputation for its artisanal coffee, acclaimed as one of the best coffees in Kyōto. In addition to that, the combination of whitewashed walls with wooden elements is so visually appealing it attracts hoards or local and international customers every day. Today, to fulfil the needs of its daily-increasing clientele, the coffee shop has set up two more locations to be found at: - % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama - % ARABICA Kyoto Fujii Daimaru (Fujii Daimaru department store)

• Web:

  https://arabica.coffee/en/

• Address:

  87-5 Hoshinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 746 3669

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–5pm

Blue Bottle Coffee

Housed in a century-old building, Blue Bottle Coffee—headquartered in California—opened its doors to the Japanese clientele in 2018 and has already become a local institution. With its modern and minimalist style, the cafeteria harmoniously blends both Japanese and American cultural traditions. Just a few strides from the 13th century Nanzen-ji Temple, it's the perfect setting to treat yourself to a good cup of black coffee along with scrumptious cakes.

• Web:

  bluebottlecoffee.jp

• Address:

  64 Nanzenji Kusagawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–6pm

Kamogawa Cafe

Kamogawa Cafe is more than a simple coffeehouse to Kyōto's people—it has served as a true cultural hub. The cafeteria is acclaimed for its in-house roasted single-origin coffee beans. Aside from the quality brewed coffee, the menu features a selection of affordable desserts, lunch, and dinner meals. The warm wooden interior and stained-glass windows, together with jazz music playing in the background, add a romantic undertone to the environment.

• Web:

  cafekamogawa.com

• Address:

  Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto higashinotouin-doori shithijosagaru 676-13, Higashishiokoujicho

• Phone:

  +81 75 211 4757

• Opening hours:

  Friday–Wednesday 12pm–11pm

• Subway:

  JR Kyoto Station 1-minute walk, Subway Karasuma Line Kyoto Station 1-minute walk

Saryō Tsujiri Kyōto Isetan

Matcha lovers will find their seventh heaven at Tsujiri Kyōto Isetan. Inside Kyōto Station, the long-standing store—hailing from Uji—serves parfaits, ice-creams, sweets and drinks, all rigorously prepared using the finest Uji matcha green tea. Try the exquisite combination of matcha milk (¥630) with the 'dango to warabimochi' (¥401). The shop is also a great spot for omiyage (souvenirs).

• Web:

  www.giontsujiri.co.jp

• Address:

  901 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo, Kyoto

• Phone:

  +81 75 352 6622

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–7:30pm