Dinner, Drinks, and Homeware in Kyoto

My guide to places I loved and recommend in the city of ten thousand shrines.

Years ago, a friend told me about astrocartography and looked up my chart (think astrology, but about location). Among other placements, they told me my Venus line crossed Kyoto. This placement meant I would find beauty, harmony, and inspiration in Kyoto.

Kyoto is a peaceful city nestled between mountains on three sides. Kyoto is home to numerous shrines, temples, gardens, and palaces. While my favorite part of traveling in Kyoto was exploring the beautiful temples, the food was a close second. People warn of finding the city extremely touristy and crowded, and while that might be true of some places, I instead found it beautiful, harmonious, and inspiring.

Here is my guide to eating, drinking, and shopping in Kyoto. By no means is it comprehensive — just places I loved.

Farmoon

Farmoon is my top recommended restaurant in Kyoto. It feels far more like sharing an intimate meal at a friend’s home rather than a traditional restaurant. Housed in a machiya, food is prepped in front of you in the kitchen, over a large stovetop and fireplace overlooking the inner garden. Local ingredients are sourced to make vegan dishes, served on local dinnerware.

Kijurout

Outstanding restaurant specializing in wagyu rice bowls that overlooks a garden in Aarashiyama. Go for an amazing lunch set following a morning at Saihoji and the other nearby temples.

Higashiyama Yakiniku Hormone Ando

Small, intimate restaurant for Japanese BBQ with vegetable sides. Perfect for a late night meal. A feeling of Midnight Diner.

Kyomachiya Obanzi Kohaku

While in Kyoto, I wanted to try obanzai. Obanzi is Kyoto-style seasonal home cooking, focused on vegetables and simple preparations. For food to be considered obanzai, at least half of its ingredients must be produced or processed in Kyoto. Kohaku was a local’s recommendation and has an excellent sampler that is a taste of Kyoto.

Murin-An

I truly believe Murin-An might be on the list of best place on Earth to drink a cup of tea. The garden feels like a separate world hidden behind a wall in Kyoto. Sit in peace and drink a matcha in the teahouse while overlooking the historic garden.

Ginza Music Bar Kyoto

We visited several listening bars in Kyoto, and Ginza Music Bar was our favorite. Outstanding cocktails, great DJ’s. My favorite drink that I had several of over our time in Kyoto was a grape cocktail served in a tiny martini glass.

Ichikawaya Coffee

Coffee and cafe in a converted historic home. Perfect place to stop right after visiting Kawai Kanjiro's House (a highlight of the trip for me).

Ryuoen Tea Store

Outstanding historic tea store with a wide selection of teas. I purchased several and all are amazing.

Maana Atelier

Curated homeware featuring local artisans, situated in a traditional home. They also produce workshops and experiences with local craftspeople.

Yamahon

Gallery-style store of local ceramics and other table and homeware. The employee was knowledgable about each of the many artists and gave me a slip with information for each piece I purchased.

Sowgen Antiques

Recommended by a friend, this was a treasure trove of antiques. I purchased two antique wooden trays here, as well as a textile that is now hanging in my kitchen.

Yugen

Unfortunately they happened to be closed during my trip, but this tea shop and tableware store was high on my list to visit. Will definitely visit next trip.