The 10 unmissable restaurants in Kyoto and Osaka area, December 2019 Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: May 09 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Osaka Kobe

The 10 unmissable restaurants in Kyoto and Osaka area, December 2019

Planning a trip to Kyoto and Osaka area and looking for something specific to eat? There are plenty of restaurants to suit every tastes. Discover the best places to eat here, from traditional meal and quintessentially comfort food to western-style dishes and varied ethnic cuisine.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Osaka and Kobe.

1. Gion Shinbashi Nakatani

Gion Shinbashi Nakatani is quietly standing in the back of a narrow alley near Gion Tatsumi Bridge, the sightseeing spot. The word [Hideaway] would be appropriate to describe this restaurant, which is full of quaint atmosphere of Gion. The chef is the genuine article who devotes himself single-mindedly to Japanese Cuisine for over twenty years. Dishes are made from seasonal ingredients including seafood sent directly from Awaji Island and Wakasa Bay, and fresh Kyoto-grown vegetables. Each dish is cleverly presented to express the change of the season. The cozy little restaurant creates the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional Kyoto machiya (old merchant's house) with the beautiful plain wood's counter. Tatami mat floor seating with sunken heated tables is also available. This relaxed atmosphere is ideal for a special occasion like a date or anniversary, or entertaining guests on business. Perfect place to welcome foreign guests as well.

Gion Shinbashi Nakatani

Open: Lunch: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) Last entry: 1:30 pm / Dinner: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: Restaurant is located in a narrow alley to the north side of Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine on Shinbashi Street near Gion Tatsumi Bridge
Address: 59-1, Yamato-ojidori, Shinbashi-agaru, Motoyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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2. ONLY-GYU

ONLY-GYU is a yakiniku restaurant located right by Abiko Station that serves cut-to-order A4 and A5 grade domestic Kuroge Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef). The Kuroge Wagyu used here has been expertly chosen by the highly experienced owner to ensure that only high quality and fresh cuts are served. A varied menu of cuts is available here, from classics to some rarer cuts of beef, all of which you can take your time sampling piece by piece. ONLY-GYU has counter seating that can accommodate solo diners, as well as table and floor seating for gatherings or parties. A site-exclusive course menu as well as a course menu with an all-you-can-drink option included are available, making ONLY-GYU perfect for a range of occasions. This yakiniku restaurant is highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in delicious Kuroge Wagyu.

ONLY-GYU

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Sunday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 1:00 am
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from Abiko Station
Address: 7-3-15, Karita, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

3. Honoo no Yakitori

The name [Honoo no Yakitori (Flame Yakitori)] calls to mind Kumamoto's nickname [fire country]. Here, you can enjoy a rare variety of local Kumamoto chicken, Amakusa Daio. This restaurant serves all cuts of this variety of chicken, raised only in small quantities and served often at gourmet restaurants. This luxurious ingredient is known for the quality of the meat itself and the rich umami (Japanese savory taste) flavor that unfolds with each bite. Recommended choices from the menu include the simple but delicious [Yakitori] (grilled chicken skewer) and the [Sukiyaki] (hot pot stew) made with specially-made dashi (broth) and egg. The relaxed interior of this restaurant has counter and table seating and a comfortable atmosphere where people of all ages can relax and take their time. With rare cuts that change daily and a flexible approach to special requests, this restaurant is sure to charm you each time you visit.

Honoo no Yakitori

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:30 am) (Subject to change based on inventory conditions)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: Located next to the FamilyMart immediately outside Exit 4 of [Daikokucho Station].
Address: 1-7-14, Ebisu-honmachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

4. Meitokuya Takumi

[Meitokuya Takumi] offers A5-rank Japanese black beef. The best-conditioned beef is carefully selected from all over Japan, regardless of the production site. The more you bite it, the more you will enjoy its addictive savory taste, melting texture, and overflowing meat juice. A great aroma will spread from the roaster while it is roasting, which will surely stimulate your appetite. The inside of the restaurant has a lively and cheerful atmosphere filled with cheerful voices of the friendly staff. The restaurant is ideal to enjoy family meals and have fun moments with your close friends. Moreover, the modern-casual interior based on wood is also recommended for girl's parties. Various kinds of rooms, including relaxing Japanese rooms where you can relax without your shoes, and private rooms for up to 8 people are offered. Please visit the restaurant for various occasions.

Meitokuya Takumi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm / Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm / Drink L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from [Jujo Station] on Kyoto Municipal Subway
Address: 21 Kamitoba Nawashiro-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

5. Yokichiya

[Yokichiya] is nestled on high ground along Mie Prefecture's Pearl Road. This restaurant is run by an oyster farm that produces Toba city's local speciality, Uramura oysters. From April to October, guests may enjoy a range of oyster dishes including fried and grilled oysters. From November to March, Yokichiya runs an all-you-can-eat grilled oyster special where guests may eat as many perfectly-grilled oysters as they'd like. The sweet and rich flavor of natural rock oysters that are in season in the summer is another charm of [Yokichiya]. The expansive restaurant interior has an airy feel with a view out at the beautiful ocean from its wide windows. Its relaxed, homely atmosphere makes it a great destination for family meals with children or couples. Guests can also sample a range of other locally-caught seafood including sea bream and tuna, so why not stop in when you're sightseeing in the area?

Yokichiya

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Lunch] 2,600 JPY
Access: Around 20 minutes by car from [Toba Station]. Take the City Kamome Bus bound for Ijikako (Port), alight at Motoura bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes.
Address: 1414-15, Uramura-cho, Toba-shi, Mie

6. Georgy's

[Georgy's] offers fresh [Ibu Biton Pork] directly sent from its production site in Susami-cho, Wakayama Prefecture. This rare meat is a hybrid of wild boar and pig. It has less smell than pork, and a nice and chewy texture. You will surely smile when tasting its fat with a strong sweet flavor and melting smooth texture. As the restaurant stocks the whole pig, they can offer it at a reasonable price. Enjoy it as exquisite [Shabu-Shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables)] with an addictive chewy texture, or Thai-style [Nuaekata BBQ Set]. They are also proud of various dishes, such as the [Caesar Salad with Thickly-Sliced Bacon] and [Spare Ribs Broiled in an Oven]. Their courses with all-you-can-drink are also recommended for banquets.

Georgy's

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 999 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from [Nakanoshima Station] on Keihan Electric Railway Nakanoshima Line
Address: 1F, Bando Bldg., 2-3-23 Tosabori, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

7. Sakana Takusan

The restaurant's quiet interiors feel like a hideaway where you can lay back and relax. It is in here that the chef creates his exceptional dishes with great care and passion. Above all, the [Vegetables Assortment] of delicious seasonal ingredients is so good your whole body will react with happiness. Plus, for their tuna-based dishes, they only use raw northern bluefin tuna to guarantee the best quality. The experience is enhanced by the colorful tableware, which adds some sort of floral garnish to your food. The owner is the only cook, so sometimes he has to apologize for the wait, but most customers take it with a smile realizing that "waiting is part of the fun." [Sakana Takusan] is a Japanese restaurant where you can truly feel the warm kindness of people.

Sakana Takusan

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm / Dinner 5:30 pm - 1:30 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: A 3-minute walk from [Sannomiya Station]
Address: B1F, Abe Bldg., 2-8-5, Kitanagasa-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo

8. Droit

[Droit] is a tranquil restaurant for adults, with a view of [Kyoto Gyoen National Garden]. Take your time and enjoy dishes and wine. The restaurant only offers the recommended course, using the recommended ingredients of the day. The restaurant proudly prepares with exquisite ingredients, such as fresh vegetables mainly from Kyoto, seafood from the central market and fishermen in Naruto, and meat carefully-selected by a rich-experienced professional. Direct communication is done with such producers to express the charms of the ingredients to the details. Enjoy them with the ideal wine selected from over 200 kinds mainly from France. Have the ultimate moment with the marriage of cuisine and wine at [Droit].

Droit

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Exit No.3 of [Jingu Marutamachi Station] on Keihan Main Line
Address: 49-1 Higashisakura-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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9. Hideaway Private Room Izakaya -toride- Umeda branch

Hideaway Private Room Izakaya -toride- Umeda branch cuisine

[Hideaway Private Rooms -toride- Umeda branch] with all private rooms has newly opened in a great location immediately from Nishi Umeda Station! Private rooms are guaranteed. Limited courses with all-you-can-drink for 2 hours with 7 dishes in total, normally 4,500 JPY, is currently offered for 3,500 JPY (tax excluded), etc. Fully enjoy the special courses to celebrate the opening, with beef tongue shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) and all-you-can-drink! *The course with all-you-can-drink for 2 hours and 8 dishes, normally 5,500 JPY, is currently 4,500 JPY. With 9 dishes, normally 6,000 JPY, is currently 5,000 JPY. The space filled with a Japanese atmosphere has many private rooms for 2-100 people. This spacious restaurant is ideal for various occasions, such as drinking parties, banquets, entertaining clients, and girl's parties. Reservations for groups are welcomed! Reservations for various banquets are also accepted. Please casually contact us to inquire about your budget and seating, etc.

Hideaway Private Room Izakaya -toride- Umeda branch

Open: Dinner 4:00 pm - 0:00 am (L.O. 0:00 am, Food L.O. 11:30 pm, Drink L.O. 0:00 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from the Sakurabashi Exit of JR [Osaka Station]
Address: 3F, Roman Club Bldg., 2-4-43 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (Map)
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10. Craft Beer x Meat Bar Craft Marche Umeda branch

Craft Beer x Meat Bar Craft Marche Umeda branch cuisine

All private rooms! Meat bar is a hot topic where craft beer is available. [NEW OPEN!!] 1,000 JPY OFF from all courses for a limited time only! [CRAFT MARCHE Banquet Course] Reasonably enjoy banquets with all-you-can-drink for 2 hours with [Light Course], normally 3,500 JPY is currently 3,500 JPY. Enjoy our cheese dak galbi (spicy grilled chicken and vegetables) which is a hot topic, with the [Standard Course], normally 5,000 JPY is currently 4,000 JPY. [VIP Course] with our home-made roast beef, normally 5,500 JPY is currently 4,500 JPY. Spacious and relaxing private rooms with sophisticated atmospheres are available for 2 groups of people.

Craft Beer x Meat Bar Craft Marche Umeda branch

Open: Dinner 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 0:00 am/ Food L.O. 11:30 pm / Drink L.O. 0:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk from Exit No.10 of the Subway [Nishi Umeda Station]
Address: 3F, Roman Club Bldg, 2-4-43 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.