Types of Cuisine

  
Izakaya style "tapas" bar
This is the most popular option as you can share a variety of fresh dishes from tempura, to sashimi, salads, and grilled meats and veggies. There are usually lots of vegetarian options too. The usual way to eat is to order many small dishes and share. You can choose from a super local style place with seating on the tatami floor, to quite upscale options with lots in between too. 
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Teppanyaki and Wagyu Beef
If wanting to treat yourself to a special beef dinner where better than in one of the nice teppanyaki restaurants in Kyoto. Again there is a range of teppanyaki from casual to very upscale too. Enjoy fine cuts of meat and seafood with a top chef preparing the meal just for you. 

Tempura
For those who love tempura, to get the truly high quality batter and freshest ingredients it is best to go to a place that specializes in just that one dish. There are lots of options for this as well but not so many in the super casual category. 

Ramen
We know some of the top ramen places in Kyoto. Nowadays, there is even halal and vegetarian ramen to choose from too. Great value and a quick and filling meal every time. Note that the most famous places often have a line up adding to the time you will need to try a bowl at a famous place. 

Sushi
Although Kyoto is less know for its sushi being a bit far from the sea, modern shipping techniques mean we can get just as fresh of sushi as Tokyo or Osaka. Again we can introduce you to a range of options from the super cheap to the top in class. 

Tofu Specialty 
Being a city of Zen, we also have lots of buddhist inspired restaurants that specialize in tofu and vegetarian food. Often these restaurants are in traditional "machiya" houses or even sometimes in temples themselves, 

Japanese inspired Italian and French 
While it may seem strange to want to eat anything other than Japanese food in Japan, the locals make some fantastic French and Italian food with a local twist too. Sometimes a nice break from traditional foods too if you are a ways into your trip

Kaiseki
Evolved from the tea ceremony, the kaiseki dining is the ultimate in traditional dining. It is pricey and not altogether filling but it is a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach. Note that they usually only offer course menus with the freshest ingredients meaning what you receive could be a bit of a surprise so it's definitely for the more adventurous. 
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