What to Eat Near Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple: The Ultimate Food Guide

Shuberto is a Japanese restaurant located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, right next to the famous Yasaka Pagoda, about a 12-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This restaurant offers Japanese cuisine, renowned for its exquisite ingredients and traditional Japanese flavors.

The interior of the restaurant is simple and bright, with 12 seats including an open counter and table seating, creating a comfortable and pleasant dining environment.

Each dish is meticulously prepared. For example, the restaurant offers sashimi, including salmon, tuna, and flounder, each paired with different soy sauces to enhance the flavor. Additionally, there is a variety of desserts, ranging from traditional Japanese sweets like kusa mochi and strawberry daifuku to modern sweets like ice cream, all of which are irresistible.

Okutan Kiyomizu, located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in tofu and shojin cuisine. It's about a 12-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple to this charming little shop.

Okutan Kiyomizu is known for its carefully selected ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking methods. The restaurant has a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere, making time seem to slow down here. Their signature set meal, "Mukashi Dofu Hitomeguri," includes yudofu made from Mie Prefecture soybeans, fragrant sesame tofu, accompanied by rice and small dishes. Notably, their sesame tofu is unforgettable for its unique aroma and rich broth. The summer-exclusive "Hiyayakko" is served with ice cubes and fresh utensils, providing a refreshing taste and a cool visual appeal, making it a perfect choice for summer. The natural aroma of the tofu, combined with ginger and green onions, enhances the flavor.

Seisui Junsei Okabeya is a Japanese restaurant near the gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, blending local charm with traditional cuisine. This restaurant not only offers delicious food but also has a shop selling various Kyoto specialty souvenirs. Customers can buy some exquisite gifts after enjoying the food.

Seisui Junsei Okabeya is famous for its tofu and wheat gluten dishes. The "Yudofu Sakura" set includes yudofu, steamed egg custard, and dengaku tofu, each dish showcasing the delicacy and elegance of Kyoto cuisine. The yudofu here, with a texture between silken and cotton tofu, allows one to fully appreciate the natural aroma of soybeans. Additionally, the "Namafu Tempura Dengaku," a specialty dish of the restaurant, features fried wheat gluten served with three different sauces, offering a soft and flavorful taste.

Il Ghiottone Kyoto Honten is an Italian restaurant that uses Kyoto vegetables, about a 13-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The restaurant is housed in a renovated traditional house, with a bright and comfortable environment. It offers innovative Italian cuisine with a touch of Kyoto flavor, skillfully combining Kyoto vegetables with Italian dishes. Both lunch and dinner are served in set menus, typically including appetizers, main courses, and desserts. For example, the lunch set "Pranzo A" includes grilled Kamo eggplant, low-temperature cooked salmon, angel prawn pesto pasta, and charcoal-grilled Kyoto pork. Each dish focuses on fresh Kyoto vegetables, paired with exquisite seasoning to highlight the natural flavors and beauty of the ingredients. The restaurant has 46 seats, including private rooms on the first floor and second-floor private rooms, making it suitable for family gatherings and special celebrations. The entire restaurant is non-smoking and provides English menus and foreign language services for international visitors.

THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO is a high-end Italian restaurant located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, about a 12-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This restaurant is known for its Italian cuisine incorporating local Kyoto ingredients.

The restaurant is housed in a historic building with elegant decor. The window seats offer a view of the lush garden, providing a serene and elegant dining environment. The menu combines traditional Italian dishes with Kyoto specialties, such as dishes using Kyoto vegetables and local fresh seafood, presenting a beautiful and delicious dining experience. A signature dish is the "Kyoto Highland Pork Grill with Roasted Eggplant," pairing juicy highland pork with roasted eggplant and garnished with arugula, offering a unique taste experience. Other recommended dishes include seasonal ingredient-based pasta, combining fresh vegetables and seafood, leaving a lasting impression.

The restaurant also caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring every guest finds something delicious to enjoy. If you're traveling in Kyoto and looking for a place to enjoy both fine food and beautiful scenery, "THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO" is not to be missed.

Restaurant Hiramatou Kodai-ji is a high-end French restaurant located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, about a 15-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The restaurant is situated in a four-story building, with the main dining area on the fourth floor offering a panoramic view of Yasaka Pagoda and Kyoto Tower, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful Kyoto scenery.

The restaurant is known for its exquisite French cuisine and carefully selected ingredients. For example, "Pigeon Breast from the Landes Region of France" features pigeon breast from the Landes region, paired with an apple and cinnamon-flavored sauce, providing a unique taste experience. Another recommended dish is "Grilled White Asparagus with Black Truffle Sauce," where seasonal white asparagus is grilled and served with black truffle sauce, accompanied by a soft-boiled egg and kumquat jam, offering a rich taste experience.

Le Ange Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925 is a high-end French restaurant located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, known for its elegant environment and exquisite cuisine. The restaurant is only a 13-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, in a quiet area ideal for enjoying food with friends or family. The restaurant's decor blends modern and traditional elements, with copper decorations on the ceiling adding a touch of elegance.

Le Ange Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925 offers various lunch and dinner sets. Lunch is priced around 4,000 yen, while dinner is around 7,000 yen. Recommended dishes include "Pan-Seared Sea Bass," with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Another is "Ezo Deer Roast," paired with crispy matsutake mushrooms and white asparagus, offering a rich taste.

The restaurant has 50 seats and a private room for 5 to 10 people. It is entirely non-smoking but offers an outdoor smoking area. The restaurant also has a children's menu for families with kids.