The 10 Best Sukiyaki Restaurants You Must Eat in Kyoto, Japan

It all started in 1869, when Japan’s first Sukiyaki restaurant opened in Shinbashi, Tokyo called, Gyunabeya, and at the same time Kyoto was opening their very own known as, Sukiyakiya. While Kyotoans value the traditions, they can also be quite adventurous. This new type of food, Sukiyaki, quickly gained popularity across the city and it still persists today, as you will notice the abundance of locations serving Sukiyaki in Kyoto. We’ve put together a list of sukiyaki restaurants that you can only find in Kyoto.

1． Mishimatei

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Our first introduction, is a traditional restaurant called, Mishimatei, which was established in 1873. Japanese diets back then didn’t contain a lot of meat, so the introduction of a beef dish attracted many eager Japanese people, and Mishimatei prospered.

The fame hasn’t faded. Even now, it is known to be the restaurant of choice for sukiyaki in Kyoto. Amazingly, they are still housed in their original wooden building constructed 131 years ago!

Sukiyaki is served Eastern style by grilling first, then seasoning. The host will cook the dish for you to perfection. You might think the meat loses its tenderness by grilling it, but the beef served here is the highest quality aged black wagyu beef.

It’s so tender it melts in your mouth! Lunch course starts at 7722 yen, dinner course starts at 14850 yen. Why not try the premium beef that even the local citizens dream of.

2． Moritaya Shijo Inokuma Honten

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Soon after the Meiji revolution in 1869, this restaurant started serving beef in Kyoto, at a time where people were not accustomed to eating meat. Since then, the restaurant has established their own farm in Kyoto, to supply locally produced beef direct to customers.

The Sukiyaki at Moritaya is made from farm sourced beef, and seasonal vegetables are used from the farm to produce their special sauce.

The restaurant has many private rooms so you can relax and enjoy your meal. The menu starts at 4300 yen for Ume course for dinner, and wagyu sukiyaki meal for lunch at 2500 yen – making it very reasonable for the quality.

3． Sukiyaki Kimura

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You don’t want to miss this spot! Established in 1928, Sukiyaki Kimura, is a quintessential Kyoto restaurant located on the busy Teramachi Street. The large open room on the second floor offers a relaxing environment to enjoy a meal in a family style setting.

Meals start at 3100 yen/pp for regular or 3300 yen/pp for loin; both come with vegetables and tofu. Be prepared, as you’ll be cooking your own Sukiyaki on the stove.

But you don’t have to be a Michelin star chef, just follow the simple instructions provided at the table and enjoy! Go and try wonderful home-style sukiyaki for yourself!

4． Komai Tei

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There’s a word for dining at Kyoto’s special river terrace – Noryo doko. Summers in Kyoto allow for a fabulous dining experience on one of the terraces overlooking the Kamo River running through the middle of the city. Riverside terraces are open between May and September.

For the rest of the year, don’t worry, as you can still enjoy the river view from a window table at the restaurants. Komai Tai have crafted their own unique but simple Sukiyaki by using female Omi beef cooked in soy sauce and sugar. Give it a try!

5． Hyakushokuya Sukiyaki Senka

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This restaurant has been gaining recognition by local foodies. It’s parent store is a popular steak house where long waiting lines are commonplace. The highlight at their sukiyaki joint, is a Sukiyaki combo meal that uses beef produced in Japan, for just 1100 yen!

Served in your own small-sized pan, the beef comes so tender and mouth-watering. Like the steak house, be prepared to wait in line! Numbered tickets are handed out at 9:30 every morning, so plan ahead and score a spot early in the morning for lunch later.

 
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6．Jyunidanya Honten

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Jyunidanya is located in a well-established spot in a Gion’s hanamikoji neighborhood, an area of quaint streetscapes. The restaurant is housed in a 150 year old building.

Perhaps owing to its prestige, Jyunidanya is said to be the original restaurant that created Shabushabu, the cousin-dish of sukiyaki, but nontheless sukiyaki here is also revered. Their signature is Kansai style Sukiyaki, not too sweet and with an aroma of roasted soy sauce.

The interior is decorated like a museum with Japanese art pieces from the likes of Shiko Muyakata and Jiro Kawai who played a role in the folk art movement. The restaurant has private rooms available. Sukiyaki bento lunch starts at 2500 yen.

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7． Kirin Tei

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Kirin Tei has been serving sukiyaki since the Taisho period (pre-1926). They proudly serve selected premium quality Japanese black wagu beef. The restaurant is popular for both dinner and lunch, but if you are looking for a great deal go for lunch for under 1000 yen.

They also offer unusual westernized Japanese food like beef and pork cutlet, and cream courgette. Good lunch spot after visits to the nearby aquarium or railway museum.

8． Gion Mikaku

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Since 1929, Hion Miaku has specialized in steak and Sukiyaki. The steak is a cut specially selected from the top part of the Tajima cow. In an effort to preserve tradition, the owner individually sources a whole cow and expertly carves the prime cut himself!

To add a touch of opulence, your Sukiyaki comes freshly made in a pot made of pure silver! And despite no oil being used, the Sukiyaki comes out perfectly caramelized and salted.

Sukiyaki starts at 11000 yen per 100g. Located next to Shirakawa River, it’s a perfect place for a special occasion. Highly recommended!

9． Miyabian Kyoto Rokkaku

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This is a spot that can’t be missed for meat lovers. This all you can eat venue serves a huge variety of hot pot menus, including Sukiyaki / Shabushabu combo and crab hot pot.

The fresh vegetables harvested locally that come with combo meals are also popular. For the architectural-minded, this restaurant building is registered as Historical Design Building of Kyoto.

10．Torihatsu

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Most people think of beef when you see Sukiyaki on the menu, but in Kyoto, it’s pretty common to use chicken for this dish.

At this 120 year old restaurant, they specialize in free range and locally grown chicken from Tanba. Cooking style is similar to the Kansay Sukiyaki where meat is grilled and seasoned with sugar and special sauce.

The meat is cooked to perfection, and is so tender and tasty. For those non-conformists among you, give chicken sukiyaki a try! The restaurant only has private rooms available, and a reservation is highly recommended.

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Let’s Eat Delicious Sukiyaki in Kyoto!

Above are our best picks for sukiyaki spots throughout Kyoto, where you can enjoy classic recipes in surroundings centuries old, to modern twists and budget friendly all-you-can eats. There’s Sukiyaki for everyone and occasion. You won’t be disappointed with any of them. Enjoy!