.png)
When you think of Kyoto, the first dishes that will come to mind are soba, obanzai, sushi, ramen, and the iconic green tea desserts. But, when you’re here in this beautiful and trendy city, there’s nothing wrong with taking your palate to a unique adventure. Have you ever tried yoshoku?
Yoshoku is actually a fusion dish with a twist. They are Japanese recipes that make use of Western ingredients. Originating from the illustrious Meiji era from 1868 to 1912, yoshoku doesn’t necessarily mean burgers, spaghetti, or fish and chips. Some of the most famous yoshoku dishes include kareraisu (curry rice) from India, napolitan (spaghetti dish) from Italy, and doria (gratin) from France.
Are you wondering where to eat the best yoshoku in Kyoto? Here are our top picks!
1. Ogata
Ask a Japan travel insider about the best yoshoku restaurant in Kyoto and they’ll recommend Ogata. Not only is it the best, but also the most popular. The chef who cooks here previously worked at a bistro so he has the experience. Enjoy yoshoku dishes like stew, cutlet with rare Ozaku beef, and more.
Price: From 10,000 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, 5:30-10 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +81 75-22-32230
Address: 32-1 Tojijicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0956, Japan
2. Issen Yoshoku
The name of this restaurant is also the name of the yoshoku dish they serve. Issen yoshoku will remind you of okonomiyaki but with a Western flair. The recipe uses wheat flour-based batter cooked like crepe on a griddle, with egg, chopped scallions, and thinly sliced pork. Garnishes include sauces and nori strips.
Price: From 680 yen
Hours: 10:30 AM-10 PM on Sundays, 11-1 AM from Monday to Friday, and 11-3 AM on Saturdays
Contact: +81 75-53-30001
Address: 238 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST SHABU-SHABU IN KYOTO
3. Planca Ken
Though marketing itself as a teppanyaki restaurant, Planca Ken also serves the most sumptuous yoshoku dishes. Most of their food is served as set meals or a course. Here, you can enjoy Kuroge Wagyu beef and live lobster imported from Canada. Vegetarian options are available.
Price: From 7,700 yen
Hours: 5-10:30 PM from Tuesday to Friday, 12-2:30 PM and 5-10:30 PM from Saturday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +81 75-74-65701
Address: 282-3 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073, Japan
4. Shinshindo - Sanjo Kawaramachi
Shinshindo - Sanjo Kawaramachi is probably the most Western of the bunch. It brands itself as a bakery, but there are breakfast and lunch dishes to try. Browsing their menu, you’ll be tempted to try their Western dishes cooked the Japanese way. They include clam chowder, ham and cheese toast sandwiches, and yogurt breakfast plates, among various others.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 7 AM-10 PM
Contact: +81 75-24-11179
Address: 74 Nakajimacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8004, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST UNAGI IN KYOTO
5. Restaurant Kaibotei
Restaurant Kaibotei is another yoshoku diner in Kyoto that serves a variety of dishes, such as seafood, maritime curry, and a variety of oyster recipes (bowls, fried oysters, and Maizuru oysters). Enjoy your meal while the ocean as your view. To skip the line, you can reserve online.
Price: From 1,000 yen
Hours: 11 AM-2 PM and 5-9 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +81 50-58-909658
Address: 34-3 Hama, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto 625-0036, Japan
6. Niku Bar Ginjiro, Kyoto Ekimae Nishi
This restaurant has both Japanese and Western-inspired dishes, such as Kuroge Wagyu beef, black cattle, steak, and tapa. There’s a private party banquet area for groups of 35 people, perfect for business meetings and family parties. It is designed for busy professionals working their nine-to-five jobs, as the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. until midnight.
Price: From 1,980 yen
Hours: 5 PM-12 AM
Contact: +81 75-35-40170
Address: 155 Nishisakaicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8218, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST CURRY RICE IN KYOTO
7. Aji No Mise Kyo Wa Sai
Conveniently located right next to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, a minute away, this restaurant is a must-visit for travelers after their sightseeing tours. However, dining here can be more expensive as the dinner menu is at least around 4,000 yen. To save and still enjoy their recipes, you can visit during their lunch hours.
Price: From 4,000 yen
Hours: 5:30 PM-12 AM from Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM-3 PM and 5:30 PM-12 AM Saturday and Sunday
Contact: +81 50-55-935314
Address: 8-423-2 Miyagawasugicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0811, Japan
8. Itadaki Kingaku-Ji
Likewise located nearby famous attractions, Itadaki Kingaku-Ji serves both Japanese and Western cuisine. Their menu has seafood, salmon, Wagyu beef, misoushiro (soy soup with fish stock), pork tonkatsu, burgers, and even vegetarian meals. A must-visit.
Price: From 1,200 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM-4 PM and 5:30-8 PM
Contact: +81 75-46-59102
Address: 30-5 Kinugasababa-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8362, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST YAKITORI IN KYOTO
Though Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world for about two centuries, it welcomed Western influences with open arms after the Second World War. Americans hugely influenced Japanese pop culture, and the country adopted several institutions from the West, such as fashion, film, art, and medicine. This is reflected in the way its people enjoy the local food known as yoshoku.
Looking for a fun food tour in Kyoto? Join us for our Nishiki Market Kyoto Food Tour where we will take you around the best food spots at Nishiki Market and feast on various delicious dishes.
Comments