Best of Kyoto
The best kaiseki in Kyoto
Start with Kikunoi Honten in Higashiyama for seasonal kaiseki course, Hyotei in Nanzenji, Sakyo for seasonal kaiseki course and Roan Kikunoi in Southern Higashiyama for kaiseki lunch course. Here are all 5, with what to get at each.
- Kikunoi HontenHigashiyama
Get: Seasonal kaiseki course
Kyoto's flagship of refined kaiseki, award-listed and a fixture on local fine-dining lists.
HyoteiNanzenji, Sakyo · Michelin 3★ (2026) · JapaneseGet: Seasonal kaiseki course
Centuries-old tea-house kaiseki, award-listed and recommended by a Kyoto guide.
- Roan KikunoiSouthern Higashiyama · Kaiseki
Get: Kaiseki lunch course
The more approachable sister of Kikunoi, with the same kitchen lineage.
- Kitcho Arashiyama HontenArashiyama
Get: Seasonal kaiseki course
Legendary riverside kaiseki house on a local fine-dining list. Single strong source; medium confidence.
- Gion OwatariSouthern Higashiyama
Get: Seasonal kaiseki course
Gion kaiseki listed as an expensive top pick. Single strong source; medium confidence.
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Ask Chef for morePlan my Kyoto food tripThe best kaiseki in Kyoto: questions people ask
Where is the best kaiseki in Kyoto?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Kikunoi Honten (Higashiyama), Hyotei (Nanzenji, Sakyo) and Roan Kikunoi (Southern Higashiyama). All 5 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Kikunoi Honten, get seasonal kaiseki course. At Hyotei, get seasonal kaiseki course. At Roan Kikunoi, get kaiseki lunch course. At Kitcho Arashiyama Honten, get seasonal kaiseki course.
Which neighborhood is best for kaiseki in Kyoto?
Most of these are in Southern Higashiyama. The map on this page shows every one, numbered like the list.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for Kyoto: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in Kyoto
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated October 25, 2026.