Kyoto, which attracts many tourists regardless of the season, is popular among foreigners for its elegant atmosphere. Known as a city of fine cuisine, many people may have Kyoto gourmet as their travel objective.
Kyoto is one of Japan's representative cities, and it's also characterized by many restaurants where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine such as Ryoutei and Kappou. Ryoutei and Kappou often serve Kyoto cuisine, which is why there are many of these establishments in Kyoto.
This time, we'll introduce the recommended Ryoutei & Kappou in Kyoto! Before looking at the recommended restaurants, we'll explain the characteristics of Ryoutei and Kappou in the next topic.
If you are interested in Kyoto's Best Dinner Restaurants, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto's Best Dinner Restaurants as much as possible.
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Ryoutei and Kappou: Traditional Japanese Restaurants for Enjoying Japanese Cuisine
What are the differences between "Ryoutei" and "Kappou"? In fact, many Japanese people often can't explain these two. Both are traditional Japanese restaurants where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine, but there are several characteristics.
Here, we'll introduce the characteristics, charms, and some rules of each. Knowing these features can also serve as a guide for choosing a restaurant, so please try to remember them. If you can explain the differences between the two, you're a Japanese cuisine specialist from today!
Ryoutei: Primarily Reservation-Only, Private Room-Type Restaurants
Ryoutei are high-class restaurants that primarily serve kaiseki cuisine and generally require reservations. Kaiseki cuisine is Japanese cuisine with a basic style of rice, soup, side dishes, and Japanese pickles.
At Ryoutei, you can enjoy a relaxed meal in a private room while drinking alcohol and conversing. One of the attractions is the opportunity to experience performances by geiko (geisha) who showcase traditional Japanese songs and dances, and the hospitality of professional servers called "nakai". In recent years, there has been an increase in Japanese restaurants that call themselves "Ryoutei" but don't have the traditional characteristics of Ryoutei.
In the past, Ryoutei often used a method of paying for several meals at once afterwards, so there was a traditional system of "refusing first-time customers". Nowadays, many places are open to everyone, so don't worry.
The way to enjoy Ryoutei is not just to savor the cuisine, but to enjoy the entire space. Try to pay attention to the seasonal flowers and tableware on display.
Kappou: Counter-Type Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Traditional Japanese Cuisine Centered on Individual Dishes
Kappou originally referred to the cooking method of Japanese cuisine that involves cutting with a knife and simmering. From there, it came to be used to mean restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine.
The appeal of Kappou is that you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine centered on individual dishes. Most have counter seats or table seats, and they can cook on the spot according to customers' preferences. Therefore, many people visit with the purpose of "eating" rather than enjoying alcohol.
If you don't know what to order, it's also recommended to leave it to the chef. They may serve a well-balanced meal in a kaiseki style. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask the head chef!
While Kappou has an image of being high-end, the genre of "taishu-Kappou" (popular Kappou) is becoming widely popular in modern times. True to the word "taishu" which means "general" or "many", there's an increase in Kappou that anyone can casually use.
Recommended Ryoutei and Kappou You Must Visit When in Kyoto
Two Recommended Ryoutei
Gion Kawakami
source：Official website
Gion Kawakami is a long-established Ryoutei located in a quiet place just one street off the bustling main street of Gion. The shop, which is a renovated traditional wooden architecture called machiya, is over 100 years old. The private rooms, decorated with seasonal flower arrangements and hanging scrolls, have a warm, homely atmosphere.
Hamo (sea eel) is an indispensable part of summer Kyoto cuisine. Hamo, which is said to increase in umami when it drinks water during the rainy season, reaches its peak season in summer after the rainy season ends.
Another recommendation is the "Tomato Compote". It's a signature summer dessert at Gion Kawakami that has been loved for 30 years. Tomatoes are briefly dipped in hot water and then chilled, then soaked overnight in a syrup mixed with wine, liqueur, and sugar. The juicy texture and summery flavor beautifully round off the end of the meal.
For lunch, there are two types: bento box and kaiseki cuisine, while dinner offers only kaiseki cuisine. Please enjoy leisurely in a space where you can feel the good old Kyoto.
<Store Information>
Address: Gion-machi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-561-2420
Hours: Lunch 12:00-14:00 (L.O. 13:00) / 17:30-21:00 (Last entry)
Closed: Irregular
Official website
Gion Nishimura
source：Umai-mon.com
Gion Nishimura, located on a quiet street in Gion, is a place where you can taste kaiseki cuisine using seasonal Kyoto vegetables and fresh fish from the Seto Inland Sea. Courses are available from 12,000 yen and can be chosen according to your budget. There are 8 counter seats on the first floor and 3 tatami rooms on the second floor, and it's reservation-only.
The course meals, which include orthodox Japanese dishes such as sashimi and tempura, are recommended for those who want to enjoy a truly Japanese dining experience. The sesame tofu served at the beginning of the course is popular among foreigners for its gentle flavor of fragrant sesame.
The signature menu item, saba (mackerel) sushi, is made by salting selected mackerel for 1-2 hours and then marinating it in a refreshing sweet vinegar. In Kyoto, there's an old custom of eating saba sushi as a feast for celebratory occasions. It's said that chef Nishimura started offering this dish out of a desire to convey this food culture of Kyoto.
It's a famous Kyoto restaurant where you can enjoy warm hospitality and orthodox kaiseki cuisine.
<Store Information>
Address: 570-160 Gion-machi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-525-2727
Hours: 17:00-20:00 (Last entry)
Closed: Sundays
Official website
Three Recommended Kappou
Kentan Horibe
source：Tabelog
Kentan Horibe is a famous Kyoto cuisine restaurant that values the charm of Kyoto. The name "Kentan" contains owner Horibe's thoughts of "deeply pursuing and exploring". True to its name, attention to detail can be felt not only in the ingredients and taste but also in the presentation and tableware.
The menu, centered on seafood, features simple ingredients carefully prepared, showcasing the chef's skills in elegant flavors. Seasonal presentations, such as using ice in summer and yuzu in winter, are also attractive points. The interior, with warm-colored lighting and the warmth of wood, offers various types of seating including counters, tables, and private rooms. It's also appealing that it can be used according to the number of people and the situation.
Reservations can be made by phone or through the dedicated form on the official website. Please note that only cash payments are accepted during lunch hours.
<Store Information>
Address: 273 Tenjinyama-cho, Nishiiru Muromachi, Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-746-3111
Hours: 12:00-14:00 / 18:00-22:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Official website
Sushi Rakumi
source：Official website
Sushi Rakumi is a sushi Kappou produced by Gion Sasaki, known as "the most difficult restaurant to book in Kyoto". "Sushi Kappou" is a restaurant where you can enjoy not only sushi but also carefully prepared individual dishes.
The chef has trained at Gion Sasaki and the famous Tokyo restaurant "Sushi Yoshitake". The charm lies in the creative taste that harmonizes "Edomae sushi", the synonym for "Tokyo sushi", with Kyoto cuisine.
Inside, past the entrance that looks like a secret door, there's only a counter with 8 seats. The atmosphere is like a secret base surrounding the cooking counter, heightening the sense of excitement. The menu consists only of the "Omakase course", which changes daily.
The system starts the course simultaneously for all customers at the reserved time. As you taste the same things with customers you're meeting for the first time, you can enjoy sushi in an atmosphere of familiarity.
There's a stylish waiting room on the 2nd floor. Please arrive a little early and enjoy the atmosphere of the waiting room as well.
<Store Information>
Address: 332-6 Miyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 050-5597-8015
Hours: Lunch from 12:00 / Dinner 1st seating from 17:00, 2nd seating from 19:30
Closed: Sundays, 2nd & 4th Mondays
Official website
If you are interested in Kyoto's Best Sushi Restaurants, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto's Best Sushi Restaurants I recommend and how I felt each Kyoto's Best Sushi Restaurants.
Yasuhiro
Washoku Horai
source：Tabelog
Washoku Horai is a place where you can enjoy Japanese à la carte in a bright atmosphere. The daily changing menu, which carefully prepares seasonal ingredients, is loved by locals as a famous restaurant that never gets boring no matter how many times you visit. The array of dishes that have mastered the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, such as appetizers, sashimi, grilled dishes, and fried dishes, are all things I especially want foreigners to taste. It's fantastic to enjoy them with not only sake but also wine and champagne.
Fried dishes such as tempura and kakiage are popular among foreigners. In summer, hamo tempura and corn kakiage are exquisite. For dessert, you'll be fully satisfied with the daily changing Japanese sweets. For those who have trouble deciding what to order, the omakase course is recommended.
Reservations are accepted only by phone, and you can choose from early or late time slots. Please enjoy the array of elegant Kyoto cuisine where you can savor the taste of ingredients and the flavor of dashi!
<Store Information>
Address: 438 Rinshita-cho, Higashioji-dori Shinbashi Agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-561-2834
Hours: Early seating 16:30-19:20, Late seating 19:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
Closed: Sundays and twice a month irregularly
Official Instagram
Don't Worry Even If It's Your First Time! Kappou That Can Be Casually Used Even for Lunch
Shunkashuto Zacoya
source： Official website
Shunkashuto Zacoya, a 4-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the subway, is a Kappou where you can fully enjoy seasonal fish. At the spacious wooden counter seats, you can watch the refined handling of the chef right before your eyes.
The menu consists only of kaiseki-style courses served in order, with choices available from 5,500 yen and 8,000 yen. As there's no need to worry about ordering and you can leave it to the chef, it's reassuring even for first-time Kappou visitors or foreigners.
You can enjoy special dishes that can only be tasted here, such as Kyoto's unique "Japanese" ingredients combined with Western ingredients like blue cheese and escargot butter. The earthen pot rice mixed with different ingredients each season is also exquisite and one of my favorites.
Although it can be used from lunchtime, it's completely reservation-only for both lunch and dinner. Same-day reservations may be possible if there are vacancies, so please inquire if you're interested!
<Store Information>
Address: Mix Nakamura 2F, 200 Sanjimoji-cho, Higashinotoin Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 080-8547-0358
Hours: Lunch 11:00-14:00, Dinner 17:00-23:00 (Last entry 21:00)
Closed: Sundays
Official website
Koryouri Takaya
source： Official website
Koryouri Takaya, a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, is a restaurant where you can enjoy Kyoto's local sake and Japanese cuisine. About 10 carefully selected Japanese sakes are always available, and seasonal limited local sakes sometimes appear. You're sure to find your favorite bottle. The cozy interior with only 9 counter seats is a warm and relaxing space.
With the desire to provide seasonal items in their optimal state, the menu consists only of omakase courses. The "lunch meal" limited to 10 servings per day is popular among tourists as it allows you to eat carefully prepared Japanese cuisine at a reasonable price. The rice cooked in an earthen pot shows their dedication, blending rice brands in the optimal ratio according to the season.
During dinner time, you can slowly enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine bit by bit over time. In addition to Japanese sake, domestic wines are also in the lineup. Please enjoy pairing Japanese cuisine with alcohol!
<Store Information>
Address: GEM7 1F, 165 Nishisakai-cho, Shichijo-dori Karasuma Nishiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 050-5485-3337
Hours: Mon-Thu Lunch 12:00-14:00 (L.O. 13:00) / Mon-Sat Dinner 17:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:00) Fridays and Saturdays are in two sessions 17:00-19:30/20:00-22🕒Closed: Sundays
Official website
Kappou Nagi
source：Tabelog
Kappou Nagi, which can be used casually, is a popular restaurant where you can eat authentic Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. During lunchtime, it's bustling with local business people. The lunch menu, which you can choose from tempura, sashimi, eel rice bowl, etc., is a luxurious set that comes with several small dishes in addition to the main dish. My recommendation is to add green tea soba noodles kneaded with matcha to the set.
For dinner, it's nice that you can choose according to your mood, such as omakase courses or à la carte. The gentle seasoning unique to Kyoto brings out the flavor of the ingredients.
"Miso-dengaku", where ingredients such as Kyoto vegetables are skewered, grilled, and pasted with sweetish miso sauce, pairs excellently with dry Japanese sake. Take-out menus such as bento boxes and saba sushi are also popular as souvenirs.
It's recommended to make a reservation for weekends and dinner times. Please enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine that can be casually enjoyed!
<Store Information>
Address: 315-1 Uradeyama-cho, Nishiiru Karasuma, Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-213-0369
Hours: 11:30-14:00 / 17:00-22:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
How to Make Reservations for Ryoutei and Kappou
Finally, I'll explain how to make reservations for Ryoutei and Kappou. There are mainly three ways to make reservations:
1. Call the restaurant directly
2. Reserve from the dedicated reservation form on the official website
3. Reserve from gourmet information sites
For high-end restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, telephone reservations or reservations through the dedicated form on the official website are common. As some restaurants may have specific times when they can accept phone reservations, please check the official website first.
For casual restaurants like taishu-Kappou, it may be possible to make reservations from gourmet information sites such as "Tabelog" and "HOT PEPPER Gourmet". Some restaurants can be used without reservations.
Please note that the following 5 establishments introduced this time require reservations:
- Gion Kawakami
- Gion Nishimura
- Kentan Horibe
- Sushi Rakumi
- Washoku Horai