Kyoto Restaurants Guide: 5 Trending Spots Every Food Lover Should Book Now
From wagyu temples to cult ramen counters, these Kyoto restaurants are heating up fast.
Kyoto might be famous for temples and tea, but its restaurant scene is having a serious glow-up. This guide spotlights 5 trending spots locals, visitors, and food-obsessed creators are buzzing about right now, from halal A5 wagyu sukiyaki to late-night ramen that still draws lines.
Kyoto Restaurants Guide: 5 Trending Spots Every Food Lover Should Book Now
From wagyu temples to cult ramen counters, these Kyoto restaurants are heating up fast.
Kyoto has quietly shifted from classic kaiseki-only reputation to one of Japan's most exciting casual dining cities. Around Kawaramachi and Gion, wagyu specialists, halal-friendly hotpot, and ramen chains with cult status are pulling huge crowds and strong review momentum. Use this guide to hit the places that are trending now, not next year.
KAWARAMACHI BEEF-TEI - Hidden wagyu favorite near the river
KAWARAMACHI BEEF-TEI has a devoted local following, and its growth in reviews shows it is breaking out beyond the neighborhood. With a 4.7 rating and a steady stream of new reviews, it is trending as a go-to for travelers who want serious beef without a stiff, formal setting.
Inside, it feels like a cozy downtown steak bar rather than a stuffy steakhouse. Counter seats let you watch the action on the grill, while small tables suit couples and small groups. The vibe is relaxed but focused on the meat.
What to order
- Premium wagyu steak cuts grilled to order
- Beef teppan plates with vegetables and rice
- Simple sides like salad and miso soup to keep the focus on the beef
Why it is trending now
- Located near busy Kawaramachi shopping streets, it is easy to drop in after sightseeing.
- Strong word of mouth among repeat visitors who value quality wagyu at fair prices.
- Social posts highlight the generous portions and friendly staff, making it a solid first wagyu stop in Kyoto.
Good to know
- Reservations are wise for dinner, especially on weekends.
- Expect a casual dress code and a mix of locals and visitors.
RAMEN MURAJI - Comfort ramen with late-night energy
RAMEN MURAJI is one of those places that keeps showing up in Kyoto food searches and social feeds. With a 4.5 rating and thousands of reviews, it is not new, but it is trending again as travelers seek reliable bowls in central Kyoto without waiting in the longest lines.
The interior is compact and lively, with quick turnover and staff used to guiding first-time ramen eaters. It works well for solo diners, thanks to counter seating, but small groups fit too.
What to order
- Signature tonkotsu or shoyu ramen, depending on your taste for rich versus lighter broth
- Extra chashu toppings and soft-boiled egg
- Gyoza and rice sets if you want a fuller meal
Why it is trending now
- Consistent quality and fast service in a city where some ramen shops have unpredictable queues.
- Popular with night owls looking for a late dinner after bar hopping or sightseeing.
- Travel vloggers keep featuring it as a dependable Kyoto ramen option, which keeps the review momentum up.
Good to know
- Expect a short wait at peak times, but lines move quickly.
- Order via ticket machine at the entrance, then hand the ticket to staff.
Wagyu to Worldwide Kyoto - Instagram-friendly wagyu experience
Wagyu to Worldwide Kyoto is a rising star with a 4.8 rating and strong growth, thanks to a concept built for the smartphone era. It combines high grade wagyu with a fun, approachable style that appeals to international visitors and younger Kyoto locals.
The space is modern and photogenic, with clean lines and carefully plated dishes that look great on camera. Staff are used to explaining cuts and cooking styles in simple English, which reduces the intimidation factor for first-time wagyu diners.
What to order
- Tasting sets that let you try several wagyu cuts in one sitting
- Wagyu-focused rice bowls for a more budget friendly entry point
- Seasonal sides and small plates that rotate through the year
Why it is trending now
- Strong social media buzz, with many guests sharing before-and-after grill shots.
- Positioned between casual and premium, it appeals to travelers who want a special meal without a full kaiseki commitment.
- Review growth shows repeat visits and recommendations, especially from food-focused travelers.
Good to know
- Reservations are recommended for evenings.
- Good choice if you want a more modern vibe than a traditional steakhouse.
A5 Wagyu Sukiyaki Kyoto Panga | Kyoto Halal restaurant - Halal wagyu hotspot
A5 Wagyu Sukiyaki Kyoto Panga | Kyoto Halal restaurant is one of Kyoto's most talked-about wagyu spots, especially among Muslim travelers. With a 4.9 rating and thousands of reviews, it has become a destination restaurant, not just a convenient halal option.
The focus is on A5 wagyu served in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu styles, with careful attention to halal standards. The dining room feels warm and welcoming, with staff ready to guide guests through how to cook and eat each course.
What to order
- A5 wagyu sukiyaki sets, cooked at your table with a rich, sweet-savory broth
- Shabu-shabu courses for a lighter, more delicate experience
- Halal-friendly sides and desserts to round out the meal
Why it is trending now
- One of the most visible halal wagyu options in Kyoto, frequently recommended in travel forums.
- High review volume and rating signal strong trust and satisfaction.
- Word of mouth among international visitors has turned it into a must-book spot for special occasions.
Good to know
- Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner.
- Ideal for families and groups who want to share a hotpot style meal.
Ichiran - Kyoto Kawaramachi - Solo ramen classic with a cult following
Ichiran - Kyoto Kawaramachi brings the famous Ichiran experience to Kyoto's busiest shopping district. With more than 5,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating, it is a long-time favorite that keeps trending thanks to its unique solo booth setup and fully customizable ramen.
The shop uses individual booths that let you focus on the bowl in front of you. You fill out a flavor sheet to choose broth richness, noodle firmness, spice level, and toppings. It is fast, efficient, and surprisingly fun.
What to order
- Classic tonkotsu ramen with your preferred richness and spice
- Extra noodles (kaedama) if you want to extend the meal
- Add-ons like green onion, garlic, and chashu to tailor the bowl
Why it is trending now
- Constant presence in Kyoto food searches, especially for solo travelers.
- Late hours and a central location make it a go-to after shopping or nightlife.
- The booth style and customization remain a novelty for many first-time visitors, fueling ongoing social media posts.
Good to know
- Expect lines during peak meal times, but they move steadily.
- Great option if you are nervous about language barriers, since ordering is highly visual and form-based.
How to use this list with MapsBuddy
Kyoto's restaurant scene shifts quickly, especially around Kawaramachi and central districts. Use MapsBuddy to:
- Track live review trends so you can spot rising places before they blow up.
- Save these spots to a custom Kyoto food list.
- Compare nearby alternatives if lines are long or reservations are full.
With MapsBuddy, you can find trending spots before they become mainstream and build a Kyoto food itinerary that feels ahead of the curve.
Places featured in this guide
1. KAWARAMACHI BEEF-TEI
Japan, 〒604-8034 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Matsugaecho, 456 ２F
2. RAMEN MURAJI
404 Izutsuyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8113, Japan
3. Wagyu to Worldwide Kyoto
178-3 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8017, Japan
4. A5 Wagyu Sukiyaki Kyoto Panga | Kyoto Halal restaurant
Japan, 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimomaruyacho, 410 ユニティー河原町ビル B1F
5. Ichiran - Kyoto Kawaramachi
Japan, 〒604-8041 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Uraderacho, 598