Hidden Foodie Delights – 8 Kyoto Cafes & Restaurants Off the Beaten Path

◆The Kamanyu Fishery

Escape the summer heat of downtown Kyoto and embrace the cooling sea breeze in the idyllic fishing village of Ine, where The Kamanyu Fishery awaits customers with its freshly caught seafood specials.

This hidden gem is renowned for its generous lunch sets which are sure to delight any seafood lovers. Lunch sets typically include sashimi, steamed fish, tempura, shellfish, sea vegetables, rice, soup, and an array of complementary small bites.

Diners can indulge in this seaside feast for just 2,000 yen (tax included), with outdoor seating available beneath the shade to create a memorable dining experience.

More information: https://www.kyototourism.org/en/restaurants/1393/

◆Un.donpuri Dessert Shop

For those with a sweet tooth, an early visit to Un.donpuri café and dessert shop in Fukuchiyama City is a must. This renowned establishment is famous for its delicious puddings, skillfully crafted to resemble iconic Japanese dishes in appearance.

The cafe’s puddings are so popular they are often sold out well before the day’s end. With a choice of 11 pudding varieties, including katsudon (fried pork cutlet on rice), ramen, and Japanese hot pot, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Beyond these Instagram-worthy puddings, Un.donpuri also offers a tempting array of baked goods from cakes and donuts to delightful cookies, making it a true haven for dessert enthusiasts.

More information: https://www.kyototourism.org/en/restaurants/1385/

◆Yanagimachi

Yanagimachi is a famous restaurant located in the castle town of Fukuchiyama. The restaurant is housed within a traditional machiya house from the Meiji era (1868-1912)　that showcases regional specialties. From the menu diners can select dishes that feature local and seasonal produce. One particular highlight is their sukiyaki made with duck meat and topped with Kyoto-grown green onions.

Lunchtime specials include hearty dishes such as oyakodon (rice topped with chicken and egg) or karaage (fried chicken) set meal options, both made using the local Fukuchiyama chicken, and accompanied with seasonal local vegetables.

After finishing their meal, diners can enjoy the restaurant’s ambience with a coffee or alcoholic beverage whilst admiring their collection of books.

More information: https://www.kyototourism.org/en/restaurants/1384/

◆Chatsubo Yoshida

Chatsubo Yoshida is a must-visit café for lovers of matcha tea without having to worry about difficult preparation methods, located in the small city of Ayabe. Customers can choose for the matcha to be prepared by the staff at their table or by whisking it by hand themselves.

This traditional establishment which was once a tea and tea utensil shop has undergone a renovation to emerge as a cozy café where good matcha and meaningful conversations come together.

More information: https://www.kyototourism.org/en/restaurants/1390/