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Famed for its ancient traditions and well-preserved heritage buildings, Kyoto is a wonderful destination for culture buffs. It's also one of Japan's top foodie hotspots, with Michelin-starred fare, intimate fresh sushi counters and understated eateries aplenty. The city's water is thought to be amongst the purest in Japan; the resulting soups and stocks come highly recommended. Multi-course kaiseki dinners, too, are superb, whether served at low, garden-facing tables in traditional ryokans, or in swish, sophisticated modern surroundings. Whatever you're craving, the best foodie hotels in Kyoto will most certainly not disappoint!
For an Intimate Ryokan
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- Yoshikawa has been open for over 70 years, and is something of a Kyoto institution. The ryokan’s acclaimed restaurant specialises in multi-course kaiseki dinners with a focus on tempura. There’s also a tempura counter bar for those looking to go straight to the source! For foodies eager to experience classic Japanese charm.
- Nanzenji Sando Kikusui channels traditional Japanese style with five heritage suites and delicious fusion dishes served in private rooms within the gardens. Chef Hideki Ofude blends French and Japanese culinary techniques to create colourful gourmet fare. Very romantic.
- Sowaka Hotel is home to La Bombance Gion, overseen by its Michelin-starred sister restaurant in Tokyo. Seasonal menus change monthly, and the set menu comes highly recommended. Book well in advance for one of 14 seats at the counter, where you can see traditional dishes being prepared. A luxurious ryokan.
For Contemporary Cool
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- Aman Kyoto lives up to the global hotel group's stellar reputation when it comes to cuisine. Sip cocktails and enjoy fresh dishes in The Living Pavilion or savour authentic Japanese fare with multi-course menus at Chef Shinichirō Takagi's Taka-An. The Kyoto Hirai beef, paired with carefully chosen wines, is not to be missed.
- Suiran Hotel’s two understated restaurants are housed in restored heritage buildings. Kyo Suiran offers washoku — classic Japanese cuisine — as well as French-inspired fare. Book a teppanyaki table for the full experience. Café Saryo Hassui promises sophisticated afternoon teas on the banks of the Katsura River. A swish, romantic and restful hotel.
- The Mitsui Kyoto offers contemporary Italian grill and pizzas at Forni, as well as cracking cocktails in The Garden Bar. The real draw for food-focused travellers, however, is Toki, where Chef Asano uses Kyoto’s famously excellent water to fuel mouth-watering stock in dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. A slick city hotel.
- The Shinmonzen is a design-led art hotel with nine minimalist suites. French Chef Jean-Georges Vongreichten is set to offer innovative dishes, using fresh regional produce with a playful European twist — including plenty of caviar. An intimate foodie choice.
For Michelin-Starred Dining
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- The Four Seasons Kyoto is home to Michelin-starred Sushi Wakon, an eight-seat restaurant offering a unique dining experience. Feast on the finest ingredients from Tokyo’s iconic Toyosu Fish Market, flown in daily. The omakase menu, paired with top sakes, is marvellous.
- The Ritz Carlton’s Tempura Mizuki is famed for its exceptional tiger prawns and for its egg yolk tempura topped with caviar. A Michelin-starred restaurant in a hugely luxurious hotel, this is a perfect choice for foodies, spa-goers and fans of absolute luxury.