Update-date: Nov 25 2024
When visiting Kansai, Kyoto and Osaka are must-visit destinations filled with tourist and gourmet spots. This time, we introduce some luxurious French and Italian restaurants from these two cities. Enjoy a relaxing space for adults, beautifully crafted dishes made from high-quality ingredients, and delicious drinks that will soothe you, making for a memorable moment in your journey.
Restaurant DA CIRO
Restaurant DA CIRO, an intimate hideaway with just nine counter seats, specializes in freestyle Italian cuisine. The owner-chef blends his extensive culinary experience with diverse ingredients and techniques to craft innovative course-only menus for lunch and dinner. The dishes are designed to delight the senses, with a focus on pairing flavors. Guests can enjoy wine selections curated with "Wine Grocery" or non-alcoholic pairings. With its open kitchen and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to share a memorable dining experience with loved ones.
Restaurant DA CIRO
Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (12:00 pm start) *Reservation Only. / [Tuesday - Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (6:00 pm or 7:00 pm start) *Reservation Only.
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: 267-m from Gion-shijo Station
Address: 5F, Izawa Bldg., 266, Kitagawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: 267-m from Gion-shijo Station
Address: 5F, Izawa Bldg., 266, Kitagawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Yabu Distillery Restaurant
Counter-style French cuisine crafted by a whiskey distillery
Located just a 5-minute walk from both Shinsaibashi Station and Yotsubashi Station, Yabu Distillery Restaurant is a counter-style French restaurant managed by a whiskey distillery in Hyogo Prefecture. Guests can enjoy a variety of courses featuring seasonal ingredients primarily from the Tajima region of Hyogo, such as 'Tajima Ota Beef' and 'Tajima Duck', accompanied by a diverse selection of drinks.
The interior of the restaurant is styled to resemble a distillery, creating a fashionable space. The live atmosphere of the counter seats, where the chef entertains guests right in front of them, is also a highlight. The free-flow course includes not only their proud whiskey but also wine, today's beer, and homemade non-alcoholic cocktails, allowing guests to fully enjoy a variety of drinks. At the end of the course, there is also a tasting of barrel-released whiskey.
Yabu Distillery Restaurant
Open: [Tuesday-Friday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm), [Saturday] 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 7:00 pm)
Closed: Monday, Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station (Exit 12 North) on the Midosuji Line. 5-minute walk from Yotsubashi Station (Exit 1-A) on the Yotsubashi Line.
Address: 1F 2F, Nasa Prime House Annex, 4-10-18, Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
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Closed: Monday, Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station (Exit 12 North) on the Midosuji Line. 5-minute walk from Yotsubashi Station (Exit 1-A) on the Yotsubashi Line.
Address: 1F 2F, Nasa Prime House Annex, 4-10-18, Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
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Kyo Fusion - Le Confluents
Enjoy the beautiful fusion of Kyoto cuisine and French cuisine
A six-minute walk from Shijo Station, Kyo Fusion - Le Confluents is a restaurant located on the 1st floor of Hotel Agora Kyoto Karasuma. Guests can enjoy a course of 'Kyoto Fusion', which combines techniques from Kyoto cuisine and French cuisine. Delicate and beautiful dishes are complemented by the available "Wine Pairing" options (4 types or 6 types).
Located near Shijo Karasuma, this restaurant offers the convenience of being close to the bustling city center while also providing a quiet atmosphere just slightly removed from the busy streets. The interior is designed with a modern Japanese aesthetic, creating a relaxing environment. The open kitchen and counter seating make it easy for even solo diners to enjoy watching the cooking process, adding to the appeal. The restaurant is perfect for a slightly luxurious dinner, and also recommended for a casual lunch where you can enjoy Kyoto fusion cuisine.
Kyo Fusion - Le Confluents
Open: [Monday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Exit 25 of Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway
Address: 701-1, Myodenji-cho, Shijo-Sagaru, Nishinotoin-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Exit 25 of Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway
Address: 701-1, Myodenji-cho, Shijo-Sagaru, Nishinotoin-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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bistro Chic
Experience game French cuisine in an old Kyoto house
A 15-minute walk from Kitaoji Station, bistro Chic is a game French restaurant located in an area slightly removed from tourist spots, housed in a renovated traditional Japanese house. They carefully utilize rare game meats such as deer, boar, and bear from Miyama, Kyoto, and other parts of Japan, using every part from bone to muscle to create deeply flavorful and beautifully presented dishes. The restaurant offers a course menu only, both for lunch and dinner, and requires reservations to be made by the day before.
The restaurant, renovated from an old house built in 1951, offers a cozy space reminiscent of being invited to a Japanese friend's home. Both counter and table seating are comfortably set up with tatami mats and chairs. English-speaking staff and an English menu are available, ensuring a reassuring dining experience. Enjoy a special time in Kyoto with an extensive selection of wines and game pairings.
bistro Chic
Open: Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (last order 7:30 pm) / Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (last order 1:00 pm)
Closed: Monthly store holidays are posted on the website, Instagram, Facebook, and Google store information.
Average price: [Dinner] 30,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
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Closed: Monthly store holidays are posted on the website, Instagram, Facebook, and Google store information.
Average price: [Dinner] 30,000 JPY / [Lunch] 10,000 JPY
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DODICI
A Michelin one-star luxury Italian restaurant
Located just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto City Hall Station, one can enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine in a luxurious setting DODICI. The chef, who has trained in Italian restaurants with both two and one Michelin stars, creates dishes using high-quality domestic ingredients such as pesticide-free vegetables and Kyoto duck. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star in the "Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka" for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024.
Upon entering, one is greeted by an extraordinary space. There is a waiting room with a fireplace overlooking the courtyard, and a dining area where the live atmosphere of the open kitchen is palpable. The wine cellar houses approximately 500 bottles, and the manager, who holds sommelier qualifications from both Japan and Italy, offers delightful pairing options. Do try the unique tea cocktails made with green tea or Taiwanese tea.
DODICI
Open: [Monday, Friday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O 1:00 pm) [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O 7:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: 296m walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Address: 239, Kamihaksancho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: 296m walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Address: 239, Kamihaksancho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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Difference
Enjoy a moment of serenity with beautiful modern French cuisine that reflects the seasons
Located just a 5-minute walk from Honmachi Station, on the south side of a lush park, Difference is a Michelin-starred French restaurant. The restaurant's dedicated vegetable sommelier selects premium vegetables and homegrown herbs, which are then transformed into delicious dishes by a chef with hotel experience. The restaurant is also renowned for its fresh seafood delivered directly from the producers. Due to its popularity, early reservations are recommended.
The restaurant features a simple and modern interior dominated by white tones. The warm glow of downlights and the natural light streaming in through the glass windows create a comfortable atmosphere, allowing guests to relax and savor their meals and drinks. In addition to a selection of wines that pair perfectly with the dishes, the restaurant also offers a variety of sake from local Osaka breweries. Feel free to ask the staff for recommendations.
Difference
Open: [Monday/Wednesday - Sunday/national holiday/eve of national holiday] Lunch from 12:00-15:00 (last order at 13:30) / Dinner from 18:00-22:00 (last order at 20:00)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: A five minute walk from Osaka Municipal Subway Honmachi Station Exit 28. It will be on the south side of Utsubo Park.
Address: 1-16-12 Utsubohommachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 7,000 JPY
Access: A five minute walk from Osaka Municipal Subway Honmachi Station Exit 28. It will be on the south side of Utsubo Park.
Address: 1-16-12 Utsubohommachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
