When you think of Japanese restaurants, you probably think of sushi and ramen restaurants.The fact is, there are a lot of different ways to eat out in Kyoto. They all have different specificities and specialisations.Let me share the 20 valuable tips for eating out in Kyoto.
TEISHOKU 定食
Set menu restaurants. In that type of place, An English menu is only sometimes available. But the dishes in a plastic form are often displayed in front of the shop. You will usually get miso soup, pickled vegetables, and rice with the main dish. For drink, some chilled or hot tea, depending on the restaurant. You can request a refill once for the rice and several times for the tea. The rice portion size can be changed to a significant (omoli) or a small (tsukunamé) one.
Eating everything before you is good, especially if seated at the counter.During rushing hours, when there is no seat available. You can write your name and the number of persons and choose between a table or counter. Then, wait for your turn, and the staff will call your name when a seat becomes available.Remember that the prices and menu change between lunch and dinner. The prices are double or even triple sometimes. You can get away with a tasty Japanese meal for 1000-2000 yen at lunchtime.
KAISEKI 懐石
In traditional cooking, a restaurant’s English menu is not an option. Suppose you want to experience eating in the most refined Japanese style. It comes with a price, but you should try it once because it is worth it. In small places, you must book before coming.
You can choose between 3 set menus starting at about 5000 yens. The menus change with the seasons. You must take off your shoes at the entrance, and it is bad manners to show a tattered pair of socks, and barefoot is not an option. It is an excellent manner to keep your voice down; with respect for the chef, you should try eating it all.
KAITEN SUSHI 回転寿司
Conveyer belt sushi restaurant Big chains like Sushi Lo, Kura, or Kappa Sushi are the cheapest. You can order sushi, udon, soba, and desserts…Very popular with families and students. Or you can go to a smaller place that will be about 30% more expensive but with a more cosy atmosphere. You can choose to sit at the counter or a table, and the ordering is via a touch screen with an option in English.
FAMIRESU ファミレス
Family restaurant,the concept is an affordable western cooking style restaurant for all your family. So bear in mind that the taste is mild and the portions small. But if you are tired of museums, that is a good option on a rainy day. The point is if you order minimum the drink bar. You can drink hot/cold beverages (no alcohol) as much as you want.You can stay as long as you want and get free Wi-Fi for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
On the menu, you will also find some kid’s menus. It’s the big chain restaurants in Japan, so they are everywhere. Names like Saizeria, Komeda, Denny,s…
There will be a QR code to get access to the English menu. Most of the time, the staff are students on a part-time job, so they know a few words in English.