Eat Drink Kyoto

Kyoto is famous for kaiseki dining
– many small courses, each a work of art created from the seasonal ingredients – considered by many to be the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. Kyoto has the third most Michelin stars in the world and although Michelin and kaiseki meals can be intimidating to some, in Kyoto you don’t have to empty your wallet to eat well.

LURRA°- Heritage Japanese Cuisine

LURRA° was founded by three friends - a chef, a sommelier and a bartender - each bringing together their various talents to create a restaurant that seamlessly blends traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. The trio handpicked Kyoto as the
location for their restaurant due to its accessibility to countless areas which produce fresh seasonal ingredients. Full of creativity, Chef Jacob Kear uses fermentation techniques, firewood cooking, smoked foods, and exotic spices from around the world to combine and create one-of-a-kind dishes.

Located in the calm ambience of a 120-year-old Machiya (traditional Japanese townhouse), LURRA° has a friendly warm atmosphere. The name translates to “Earth” and the circle represents the moon. Together they represent innovation, whilst nurturing the traditional.

LURRA°

39 Ishizumiinco, Higashiyama-ku

Kyoto

Tel: +81 (0)50-3196-1433

STARDUST – Vegan Café Boutique

Here you’ll find more than just a vegan hot spot in the city, Stardust is also a boutique selling pieces by artists and craftspeople from around the world. It is one of the most beautifully decorated cafes where you can relax for the afternoon, get inspired and enjoy homemade scones and teas from all over the world. You can even purchase the teas from the shop after. Combining a boutique area, you’ll uncover gems including antiques, carefully chosen clothing both new and vintage, leather bags, vintage linen and an
evolving choice of Japanese pottery.

The cafe area has a double-height ceiling and sliding, glazed doors at the back that overlook a small courtyard garden. Specialising in open sandwiches and couscous mixed with seasonable fresh vegetables full of flavour, as well as renowned homemade deserts. Some turn up for only for the rich grounded coffee and ‘tart of the day’. We recommended you book in advance - particularly for lunch as this little gem only hold 12 seats in total!

STARDUST

41 Shichiku Shimotakedono-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Tel: +81 (0)75 286 7296

Komefuku Shijo Karasuma – The Street Gem

Komefuku Shijo Karasuma is located near Karasuma Station. If you have a hankering for tempura in Kyoto, then this is a great place to go. As it is renowned for its Tempura, which means it does get busy, so expect a little wait to be seated. You might find yourself eating at the
counter, but this only adds to the fun of this locals favourite.

Komefuku Shijo Karasuma

657-5 Bantoyacho, Nakagyo Ward,

Kyoto, 604-814

Tel: +81 (0)50 5486 3719

CENCI – The Italian Japanese Twist

An Italian hangout with a unique
approach. At Cenci, chef Ken Sakamoto creates Italian cuisine taking inspiration from Japanese cooking. Using native produce as the inspiration for his hyper-seasonal 10-course tasting menu,
effective use of sansho, shiso flowers, yuzu,
and other herbs give dishes a gentle and delicate flavour, leaving guests uplifted by the unexpected pairings. Imagine
Kyoto pork with porcini mushrooms and Tasmanian grain mustard or enjoy Hokkaido oyster on a bed of rice risotto. The platter of dry-cured ham, in-season vegetables and fresh cheese is also a speciality not to be missed.

The high-octane kitchen is raised above an elegant seating area, allowing guests to watch Sakamoto and in action. Carefully selected ingredients, creative dishes and atmosphere add to culminate the experience here at Cenci.

CENCI

44-7 Seigoin Entonmicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8323

Tel: +81 (0)75-708-5307