The town is beaming with places to eat. There is much to choose from, with a wide range of prices and quality. So let me introduce you to the excellent value for only a little money eateries I found for you. We may have a tight budget, but we can still please our taste buds.
The first place is a teishoku 定食 set menu restaurant.
Name: Uogashi Miyatake 魚河岸営武
It is situated in a residential area. The restaurant is challenging to find. Close to Kyoto’s wholesale market, where the fish are bought, freshness is guaranteed.
The lunch special menu (from 990 yen) is decided in advance and changes daily depending on market arrivals. The dimmed lights and Japanese interior design give a cosy atmosphere inside.
You can sit at the counter and watch the craftsmanship of the chef cutting the sashimi with dexterity. Or sit at one of the tatami kotatsu style tables without forgetting to take off your shoes.
The umami (a strong taste that is not sweet, sour, salty, or bitter and often referred to as “the fifth taste”) of about ten small dishes accompanies the subtle taste of the rice.
Address: Nishishinyashiki Shimono-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi.
How to get there: A 3-minute walk from JR Tambaguchi Station and a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Research Park-mae on the Kyoto City Bus.
The next one is the Soba Teishoku restaurant.
Name: Houzan 蕎麦
Aarashiyama is a popular tourist spot, so some tourist traps can be tricky to avoid if you are not in the know.
That’s why the following soba restaurant on the list is about ten minutes walk from the main crowded street. It offers good quality and is budget-friendly. The prices start at 1200 yens with generous portions, and a second serving of rice can be ordered for free.
The place is compact, and a lot of light passes through the large bay windows overlooking a small Japanese-style garden.
Families with small children are welcome to use the booster seats available.
The only drawback is that removing your shoes before stepping on the tatami with your tattered socks could be embarrassing.
Address: 27-4 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004
How to get there: It takes 37 minutes from Kyoto station with two changes until Hankyu Arashiyama station, then a 3-minute walk
The next one is a small kaiten sushi.
Name: Daiki Suisan Kaiten-Sushi 大起水産 回転寿司
Compact conveyor belt sushi is situated in the famous Shinkyogoku arcade shopping street, a 5-minute walk from the entrance on Shijo Dori Street. If you sit at the counter, the sushi will be prepared in front of you.
The prices are 30% higher than those of big chains like Sushi Lo or Kura Sushi, which families with small kids prefer. The sashimi donburi teishoku is a good value for the money at lunch.
Address:14-2 Ishibashicho, Sanjodorijimachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8036
How to get there: 10 min walk from Shijo Kawaramachi Hankyu Line station.