15 Restaurants in Kyoto with Delicious Seafood Dishes Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Dec 11 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Restaurants in Kyoto with Delicious Seafood Dishes

Surrounded by water on all sides, Japan is a country blessed by the bounties of the sea. If you’re looking for delicious seafood, check out these 15 great restaurants in Kyoto, an incredibly popular sightseeing spot, that serve only the best catches of the day.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. YURURI

YURURI is an izakaya (Japanese pub) housed in a renovated Kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) that's over 80 years old. You can enjoy Japanese cuisine and alcohol here. From vegetables grown in Kyoto, to branded beef and ji-dori (local chicken), they use a variety of ingredients in their plethora of dishes. However, the star of the show is their seafood dishes. A staff member who also works at the local market as a fresh fish trader selects the top picks from that morning’s haul. Their [Osashimi Kaidanmori (2,315 JPY for 2 people)] showcases seafood that has been shipped directly from local waters. If you prefer cooked fish, the [Daily Sake Steamed Fresh Fish Ara (926 JPY)] (leftover fish parts that have been steamed with sake) or the [Salt Grilled Natural Fresh Fish] are among many wonderful dishes to try.

YURURI

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:15 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 239, Daimonji-cho, Kawaramachi-dori Takeya-cho-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

2. Wasabi

Located in Kawaramachi, which is an area in the famous commercial district, Gion Shijo, this restaurant focuses on serving sushi made with fresh seafood procured directly from nearby ports like Ise, Mie Prefecture. Be sure to try their [Aburi Sushi] (seared sushi). Using only what’s in season, the umami (Japanese savory taste) of the seafood is drawn out by lightly searing it. There are other non-sushi dishes incorporating seafood that are worth a look, like the [Jun no Otsukuri (from 840 JPY)] - an assorted sashimi set made with 15 - 20 types of seafood, depending on what they have in stock that day.

Wasabi

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 5:30 pm - 4:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
*Closed on Monday instead if Sunday falls on a national holiday
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: Tohoku-kado, Tominaga-cho Higashi-iru Hitosujime, Nawate-dori Shijo-agaru Hitosujime, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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3. La Masa.

This restaurant serves up dishes from Spain, which is another country that's been blessed with great seafood. Their fresh seafood, procured every morning from the Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market, come from waters near Kyoto. While the bulk of the menu features seafood commonly found in Spanish cuisine, thanks to the chef’s background in Japanese cuisine, you'll find dishes that use Japanese ingredients like hamo (daggertooth pike conger) on the menu. Their [Kinmedai no Zarzuela] features red bream and mussels cooked in tomato sauce, while the [Fresh Fish Marinated in Wine Vinegar (600 JPY)] is a great way to sample the catch of the day. They also offer a selection of 35 - 40 different Spanish wines, including sparkling wine and sherry.

La Masa.

Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Wakabayashi Bldg., 446, Myomanjimae-cho, Tera-machi Nijo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

4. Kakuredokoro Shunsai Sengyo Sanji

This izakaya prides itself on the freshness of its seafood, which even includes line-fished catch! A unique dinner option is the popular [Premium Sea Bream Shabu (1,980 JPY plus tax per person)]. The sea bream in this shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) is delivered directly to the restaurant and cut into paper thin slices. With a quick swish, cook the fish in the dashi (broth)! Eat it just as it is, and then dip it into the sauce. When all the hot pot ingredients have been eaten, you can add some rice to the leftover dashi, creating a deliciously fragrant porridge that won't let you waste a single morsel of the delicious sea bream. Also, give their [Otsukuri Moriawase] (sashimi assortment) - made from a selection of 3, 5, or 7 varieties of seafood - a try!

Kakuredokoro Shunsai Sengyo Sanji

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)

[Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)

[Sunday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)

Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 1F, Nijo Coop, 40, Matsuya-cho, Takakura Nishi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

5. Murakoshi

Enjoy this place's lively atmosphere and extensive menu, in which the stars are their fresh seafood dishes that make use of ingredients delivered directly from ports. What’s on offer will vary depending on what’s delivered each day, but premium or rare fish like nodoguro (rosy seabass), amadai (red tilefish), and kinmedai are often available. Served in a variety of ways, such as sushi, sashimi, or salt-grilled, pair your favorites with one of their many shochu (Japanese alcohol) brands!

Murakoshi

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
*May not open until 6:00 pm on days with many group bookings. Call ahead to inquire.
Closed: Monday
*Closed on Tuesday instead if Monday falls on a national holiday
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 2321-6, Maeda, Fukuchiyama-shi, Kyoto Map
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6. Poissonnier

Taste the authentic flavors of France and Italy at this restaurant. The seafood is purchased - still alive - from the market every day, so you can tell just how much emphasis is placed on freshness! You’ll find mostly course meals here. Dishes like poêlé made with live spiny lobsters, fresh fish carpaccio, and fried food are a feast for both the eyes and stomach. For vegetables, they use ingredients like organic produce from contracted farms, which further draw out the flavor of each dish.

Poissonnier

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Address: 2F, Hisayasu Bldg., 12-2, Ichinotsubo-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

7. Kyoajidokoro Sowaka

While hot pot dishes tend to be a winter food in Japan, here, it’s on the menu all year round! These dishes celebrate the seasons with fresh seafood like hamo in the summer and fugu (puffer fish) or suppon (soft-shell turtle) in the winter. They even serve portions suitable for one person, if you feel like indulging alone. The seasonal ingredients are procured by the owner each day. In addition to hot pot dishes, their [Otsukuri Moriawase] (assorted platter of 8 kinds of sashimi) comes highly recommended. For a fabulous dinner party, be sure to try one of their many luxurious course meals!

Kyoajidokoro Sowaka

Open: [Tuesday - Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Sunday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
*May close without advanced warning on some days
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Address: 610-1, Nishi Daimonji-cho, Tominokoji-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

8. Shunsairyo Shin

At this Japanese restaurant, you can enjoy great seasonal flavors centered mostly around seafood. Every morning, fresh seafood is delivered from the Kyoto City Central Market and served raw, simmered, grilled, or fried. Be sure to order the [Tsukuri Moriawase (from 1,500 JPY)], which is a platter with 10 different types of sashimi. Best paired with sake (another type of Japanese alcohol), they have a great selection of famous brands from all over the country that you can choose from.

Shunsairyo Shin

Open: From 5:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 4,500 JPY
Address: 104, Kawaguchi Bldg., 3-323, Ryogae-machi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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9. Shokusai Kobo Madoi

Come to this popular restaurant to enjoy great food in a comfortable environment. They pay great attention to the ingredients they use, such as Tanba Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) from Kyoto. Their best dishes are ones that use seafood. Their seafood is delivered directly from fishing ports and kept in tanks to ensure that they remain as fresh as possible. Their [Puripuri Ebi no Toji Age] (deep-fried yuba-wrapped shrimp) has great texture and the [Hirame Usu-tsukuri] (thinly-sliced halibut sashimi) is a great way to enjoy the fresh flavor of halibut. There are also many à la carte dishes featuring signature Kyoto ingredients like yuba (tofu skin).

Shokusai Kobo Madoi

Open: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 70, Hieijo-cho, Nishi Kujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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10. Shutei Michiya

Shellfish from all over the country are made into delicious dishes at this restaurant. You’ll find all kinds of shellfish here, from the standard ones to rare ones - but the main attraction are the oysters. In Japan, oyster dishes are usually only served in the winter. However, because they get their supplies from all around the country, you can enjoy oyster dishes here all year round! Of note is their [Steamed Shellfish], in which rare varieties of shellfish, such as black clams, are steamed in sake. The [Otsukuri Moriawase] featuring shellfish like ishikage-gai (a type of cockle), whelk, scallops, and horned turban sashimi is also popular. What appears in this assortment changes depending on what’s in season.

Shutei Michiya

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
*Open if Monday falls on a national holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 478, Kinpuki-cho, Ryogaemachi-dori Nijo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

11. Sakura no Mai Kawaramachi Branch

This popular izakaya boasts of a seating capacity of 200 people. Though the restaurant is always lively due to all the banquets that are going on, guests are seated in private rooms, so you’ll still be able to enjoy your meal in a calm atmosphere. The menu features creative, predominantly Japanese, dishes with the [Seafood Carpaccio] and [5-Kind Premium Seafood Assortment] being some of the top recommended items. They have a huge variety of dishes that go well with alcohol.

Sakura no Mai Kawaramachi Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: B1, Koraku Bldg., 302, Naraya-cho, Kawaramachi-dori Takoyakushi-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

12. Tsuki no Akari Kawaramachi Branch

This popular izakaya can seat up to 300 people, making it the perfect place for parties. That said, all the seats are within private rooms, so you’ll be able to enjoy yourself here, even if you come with a small group of people. The menu offers à la carte dishes and course menus that go great with alcohol. Many dishes feature fresh seafood, like the [5-Kind Premium Seafood Assortment (1,690 JPY)], [Kaisen Yukhoe Original Dressing (690 JPY)] (Korean-style dish with raw seafood in an original dressing), and [Puripuri Ebi no Shio Yaki (690 JPY)] (salt-grilled shrimp). Give their plethora of meat and vegetable dishes a try as well!

Tsuki no Akari Kawaramachi Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 6F, Kojo Bldg., 324, Shioya-cho, Kawaramachi-dori Takoyakushi-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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13. Wakasaya Kawaramachi Branch

This restaurant serves various types of kaisen-don (rice bowl dish with seafood), using several different kinds of seafood sashimi as toppings. Here, you can customize your meal to suit your taste, whether you want to eat a lot of your favourite ingredients or just want to try a bit of everything. The [Uni, Ikura, Negi-toro-don (1,320 JPY)] (rice bowl dish with sea urchin, salmon roe, minced tuna, and green onions) is highly recommended, as you get to enjoy the smooth texture of the uni alongside the popping sensation you get when biting into the ikura. Their original [Yamahoko-don (880 JPY)] is also very popular. Salmon or tuna is marinated in soy sauce, with sweet shrimp and other ingredients topping off this voluminous rice bowl.

Wakasaya Kawaramachi Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 1,000 JPY
Address: 306-3, Naraya-cho, Takoyakushi-dori Kawara-machi Nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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14. Senyaichiya Rakue Shijo Karasuma Branch

This popular izakaya has a variety of private rooms that can seat anywhere from 2 - 48 people. Here, you’ll be able to sample seafood delivered every morning from fishing ports from all over Japan. They also use many other high-quality ingredients like Miura-yasai (branded vegetables grown in Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture, which is known to get the most daylight hours in the country). Besides their [Deluxe Assortment of 7 Kinds of Sashimi] that contains incredibly fresh seafood, including a box of smooth uni, they serve many hot pot and sushi dishes that showcase the bounties of the ocean.

Senyaichiya Rakue Shijo Karasuma Branch

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 930 JPY
Address: 101, Kankoboko-cho, Shijo-dori, Muro-machi Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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15. Kyo Honoka Shijo Kawaramachi Branch

This izakaya, which only has private rooms that are suitable for both small and large groups, overflows with a calm atmosphere. They’re especially proud of how fresh their seafood is, so be sure to try the [5-Kind Premium Seafood Assortment (1,690 JPY)], which consists of a platter of sashimi, [Tuna Sushi (450 JPY)], and other authentic sushi dishes. They have a wide range of food on their menu, including chicken dishes like the irresistibly fragrant [Yakitori Moriawase (690 JPY)] (grilled chicken skewer assortment).

Kyo Honoka Shijo Kawaramachi Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 5F, Shijo Kawaramachi Bldg., 305, Junpu-cho, Kawaramachi-dori Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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16. Kaniman

At Kaniman, guests will smack their lips at the course cuisine using rare large snow crabs from the Sea of Okhotsk. This restaurant is a great place to visit while sightseeing, as it is 15-minute drive from the famous Uji tourist spot Byodoin Temple, and nearby is dotted with free tourist spots. It features only private rooms, which feel like receiving room service at a ryokan inn. In these rooms, guests can enjoy course cuisine using rare large snow crabs (of the Bairdi variety). The Koki Course in particular comes recommended, and lets customers enjoy crab made with all kinds of cooking methods. They also have private rooms that can hold from 2 to up to 50 people.

Kaniman

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY / [Lunch] 20,000 JPY
Access: 30-minute from Kyoto Station by Train, 3-minute walk from JR Joyo Station, 7-minute from Joyo Interchange by car, 40-minute from Osaka by car
Address: 91-4, Kitayamada, Terada, Joyo-shi, Kyoto Map

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Besides raw fish, there are many simmered or grilled Japanese seafood dishes to try. Be sure to visit these restaurants when you come to Kyoto!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.