My Kyoto with Kids page is extensive and includes the playgrounds, sightseeing and places to eat but if you’re just looking at Kyoto Restaurants to visit with kids? This is the best way to see all my favourites in one Kyoto gourmet swoop.
I add to this Kyoto Restaurants with kids blog post frequently as I find new gems.
My list includes gyoza, ramen, vegan options, gluten free options, teppanyaki, okonomiyaki.
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: EASY PASTA & PIZZA NEXT TO KYOTO STATION
For a good and easy (and super family-friendly pasta option) at Kyoto Station, I recommend Pasta More. It’s 1 min walk from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.
This is Japanese style Italian Pasta. They serve pizzas and desserts too. They accept credit cards. You can make a reservation here but, unless it’s a peak weekend night time, you should be fine with just a walk-in. Most meals are 1000-2000 yen each. I like their Japanese style Caesar Salad. They also have fries and you can get sausages too. See pictures of the full Pasta More menu here.
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: VEGETARIAN & VEGAN RESTAURANTS
For a vegan breakfast, I recommend Coyote The Ordinary Shop in Kyoto. This cafe serves vegan egg on toast and coffee.
This cafe doesn’t accept reservations. They do accept most major credit cards. The entire cafe is non-smoking. I would budget around 1200 yen for a meal here.
COYOTE THE ORDINARY SHOP, KYOTO
下京区東塩小路町939 キャンパスプラザ京都 1F
GROUND FLOOR, CAMPUS PLAZA KYOTO BUILDING, 939 HIGASHI-SHIOKOJICHO, SHIMOGYO
OPEN EVERYDAY 8:30AM-5PM
If you are looking for vegan options in Kyoto, I recommend trying the restaurant Veg Out by the river near Shichijo Station exit 3 (Keihin Line.)
This restaurant does except reservations ( and I recommend doing so as the restaurant only has 26 seats.)
For lunch I’d expect to pay around 1500 yen for an adult and double that amount for dinner. They do accept most major credit cards. This is a non-smoking restaurant. This restaurant also has a lovely view of the river.
This restaurant is 11 minutes walk from Kyoto Station- via the Karasuma Main Exit, 9 mins by taxi ( approx 800 yen) from Kiyomizudera or 15 mins taxi ( approx 1800 yen) from the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
VEG OUT
下京区七条通加茂川筋西入ル稲荷町448 鴨川ビル1F
GROUND FLOOR, KAMOGAWA BUILDING, 44 INARI-CHO, SHIMOGYO, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS AT 5:30PM)
VEG OUT WEBSITE
HAPPY COW REVIEW OF VEG OUT
If you’re looking for a modern yet casual vegetarian or vegan lunch or early dinner, Pettirosso Kyoto. Check here as their opening times do vary. This restaurant only serves dinner on weekdays and dinner AND lunch on weekends and they also sell order-made vegan cakes.
This restaurant is located near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and Karasuma Station.
If you travel here from Kiyomizudera it will take 11 mins in a taxi ( approx 1000 yen.). If coming from Kyoto Station, it will take approximately 15 mins by train (220 yen), 15 mins by taxi ( approx 1000 yen) or 26 mins on foot.
I would budget 2000 yen for an adult meal here.
This is a cash only restaurant.
PETTIROSSO KYOTO
京都府京都市下京區塗師屋町92-2
92 NUSHIYACHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM – 3PM ( OR UNTIL SOLD OUT)
OPEN AS A CAFE 2:30PM-6PM ( LAST ORDER 5PM)
CLOSED MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
PETTIROSSO KYOTO WEBSITE
If you decide to go to Ginkakuji, the silver pavillion, I’d like to recommend a nearby vegetarian & vegan organic restaurant called Gorey Cafe. This is fabulous option if you are craving lots of lovely fresh veggies. Vegetables here are mostly organic and are from Ohara in Kyoto. Gorey Cafe also have several gluten free options. They are well known for their delicious vegetarian curries and pasta dishes. They also have a vegan lunch set. This restaurant also serves wine and coffee. See the full Gorey Cafe menu online here.
Gorey Cafe is 10 mins walk from Ginkakuji or 6 mins (approx 900 yen) in a taxi from Mototanaka Station. Alternatively, you can use google maps to help you take a bus from Motonaka Station. Please note that this restaurant is cash only.
This restaurant also has a few toys and books for kids to play with and read.
GOREY CAFE
京都市左京く浄土寺西田町82-1
82-1 JODOJI MISHIDACHO, SAKYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN MON-SAT 11AM-11PM (PLEASE ASK YOUR HOTEL TO CALL AHEAD AS THIS IS A SMALL BUSINESS AND MAY CLOSE FOR ILLNESS ETC)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: FORMAL SIT DOWN DINNER IN AN OLD TRADITIONAL JAPANESE HOME
If you take my tip and take the walk from Gion to Kiyomizu, I recommend dining at the restaurant Sodoh. It is a restaurant in an old traditional Japanese house. The cuisine is Italian but has the garden has been kept the same and it has such a special feel. As many people go there for romantic dates or birthday celebrations, I recommend booking ahead and getting the first seating of the night when dining with kids – that’s what we always do.
We try to visit here every time we visit Kyoto. We love it so much.
The service is fantastic, the staff speak beautiful English and they also will make up a simple tomato based pasta dish for children on request & they also have a children’s menu.
This is the Sodoh Website.
For an adult, I would budget for around 4000 yen for lunch or 8000 yen for dinner. Please note that there is a 10% table service charge.
They accept most major credit cards.
The restaurant is a no-smoking restaurant with a small smoking area outside.
They do have a vegetarian menu.
They will store your stroller for you while you dine.
The restaurant is 10 minutes walk from Kiyomizudera or 15 mins by taxi ( approx 1500 yen) from Kyoto Station or 17 minutes walk from Kawaharamachi Station ( Hankyu Line) via Exit 2.
東山区八坂通下河原東入ル八坂上町366
366 YASAKA KAMICHO, SHIMOGAWARA , HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11AM-2PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10:30PM ( LAST FOOD ORDERS AT 8:30PM)
THE SODOH ARE SOMETIMES CLOSED FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS SO PLEASE CALL AHEAD
THE SODOH ENGLISH WEBSITE
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: ROOFTOP WOODFIRED PIZZAS (WITH GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS)
Mr Maurice’s Italian at Ace Hotel Kyoto has a lovely rooftop. They also have a lovely brunch here (after 11am.). Best to book as it is popular.
Children welcome and they have space to store a stroller. They have an English menu which also includes vegetarian options and gluten free spaghetti. Budget for adults during the day – approx 3000 yen and more like 6000 yen at night. Please note that this restaurant has a 10% service charge to your bill at the end. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. You can see their full menu here. On a Friday and Sat night this is kind of a date spot so, for me, I wouldn’t visit here with kids on those nights after 7:30pm (more pressure to not disturb others etc, but that’s just me.) It’s really easy to make a reservation via their website in English.
MR MAURICE’S ITALIAN
京都市中京区車屋町245-2 ACE HOTEL KYOTO 3F
3RD FLOOR, ACE HOTEL KYOTO, 245-2 KURUMAYACHO, NAKAGYO-KU
OPEN 11:30AM-3PM & 5:30PM-10PM (UNTIL 11PM FRI-SUN)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: SEMI-FORMAL LUNCH OR DINNER IN MARUYAMA PARK (STEAK OR FISH – WESTERN CUISINE
If you are looking for semi-formal Western dining(steak and cooked fish etc) in Kyoto, I recommend Two Rooms for lunch. The restaurant is within Maruyama Park so kids can play within eyeshot of parents while waiting for their meals. This restaurant is 12 mins walk from Gion Shijo Station, Exit 7. This is the sister restaurant of Two Rooms in Aoyama, Tokyo. You can make a reservation via Tablecheck (unfortunately the restaurant doesn’t yet have much of an online presence.) The lunch menu usually runs until 2pm and dinner until 8pm. Budget for lunch, 2000 yen per adult and more like 4000 yen for dinner.
TWO ROOMS CAFE & GRILL, KYOTO
京都市東山区丸山町 609
609 MARUYAMACHO, HIGHASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: SPANISH ITALIAN DINING IN THE HEART OF GION
Rigoletto is a Spanish, Italian restaurant in the middle of Gion. It’s actually a really special experience as the whole area is full of older Japanese wooden buildings – but behind one of these doors is Rigoletto Smoke Bar & Grill, Gion. For lunchtime here, I would budget approximately 2000 yen per adult and for dinnertime? More like 5000 yen. Please note that this restaurant has a 10% service charge added to the bill for those dining after 5pm. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
This restaurant welcomes families but it is a bit of a special vibe so it’s not really a “bring an iPad” kind of place. So we always take a few sheets for colouring in. If your kids aren’t yet able to sit in their seat for a meal then save this restaurant for another time instead.
Reservations can be made on the TableCheck website.
The staff here speak English really well. You can see pictures and the full Rigoletto Gion menu here.
Rigoletto is 7 mins walk from Gion Shijo Station (via Exit 6.) If you take a taxi from Kyoto Station, it will take approximately 10 mins (approx 1500 yen.)
RIGOLETTO SMOKE BAR & GRILL, GION
京都市東山区祇園町南側570-192
570-192 MINAMI-GAWA, GION-CHO, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN WEEKDAYS: MIDDAY-3PM & 5PM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS: 11:30AM-11PM
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: SUSHI !
Another fabulous family friendly option near Karasuma-Oike Station is Sushi restaurant Sushi Zen. Please note that this restaurant is cash only. This restaurant takes reservations and occasionally accepts walk-ins. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. This restaurant are fine with diners coming in as a family with children. All seating is at a counter.
This restaurant is well-known for its incredible Chirashi-zushi. I recommend budgeting approximately 2000 yen per person. This is also a great place for the grownups to try different sake.
SUSHI ZEN, KYOTO
京都市中京区三条通新町東入ル衣棚町41-2
41-2 KOROMONOTANACHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN ONLY ON WEEKDAYS 10AM-6PM
CLOSED WEEKENDS
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: SOY MILK PORK SHABU SHABU WITH KIDS NEXT TO SHIJO STATION
This restaurant is called Tonyu Ton Shabu Shabu Torataro and requires that all tables be reserved and ask that those dining with kids reserve a private room (which is actually great as you don’t need to worry about kids wriggling about and disturbing others.) The broth for the shabu shabu is creamy and made with soy milk and the pork is to be cooked lightly in the pot that everyone shares. Shabu Shabu is a fabulous and interactive way to dine as a family in Japan.
The way it works is – you choose a Course and then they bring out all of the ingredients to be cooked in the pot at the table (don’t worry – they will show you what to do.)
1 min walk from Shijo Station and 3 mins walk from Karasuma Station.
Budget for lunch is around 3000 yen per adult and more like 7000 yen at dinnertime. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. There is also a kids menu. This restaurant also has high chairs. It is best to ask your hotel to make reservations for you.
TONYU TON SHABU SHABU TORATARO
京都市下京区仏光寺通烏丸東入上柳町331 タカノハスクエア B1F
B1F TAKANOHA SQUARE, 31 KAMIYANAGI-CHO, KARASUMAHIGASHIIRU, BUKKOJIDORI, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN TUES – SUN 11:30AM-2PM & 5PM-11PM
CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, HALAL FOOD
Gluten Free, Vegan and Halal Food near Kiyomizudera
Just adding this in here – if you’re looking for gluten free food near Kiyomizudera, I recommend walking for 8 mins to Chakra for gluten-free Bangladeshi food in Kyoto. A lunch set is around 1300 yen. They have an English menu and do accept major credit cards. They also have high chairs for children. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
CHAKRA
京都府京都市東山区遊行前町558-6 クレサンテ五条坂1F
GROUND FLOOR, CRESCENT GOJOZAKA BUILDING, 558-6 YUGYOMAE, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10PM
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: GLUTEN FREE OPTION
Gluten free option in Kyoto.
It’s random but a good old reliable option for those who are strictly gluten free. Dominos Pizza does not have gluten free pizzas BUT they do have a wheat free pizza rice bowl. There is a Dominos Pizza in Kawaramachi Marutamachi. See the rice bowl on the Dominos Japan menu here.
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: GLUTEN FREE CAFE
Koma Gallery Cafe is a gluten free cafe. It is possible to make reservations but it is rarely busy so you could also try for a walk-in. There is also a beautiful little garden at the back of the cafe. Muffins, pastries and sandwiches. The cafe is in the Higashiyama / Gion district and this little hidden gluten free gem is also in a beautiful old Japanese building – in keeping with the feel of the area.
This cafe is close to Yasaka Shrine and 9 mins walk to Kiyomizudera.
KOMA GALLERY CAFE
東山区八坂通東大路東入2丁目金園町397
397 KINENCHO, YASAKA-DORI, HIGASHIOJI HIGASHIIRI, HIGASHIYAMA-KU
OPEN 10AM-7PM
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: Gluten Free with Vegan Options near Kodaiji and Kiyomizudera
If you are looking for a gluten free lunch (with vegan options) in this area ( 15 mins walk from Kodaiji Temple or 16 mins walk from Kiyomizudera) I recommend Waco Crepes. They serve savoury and dessert crepes and I recommend the salmon salad crepe. It’s so good. They also serve gluten free beer. This restaurant is very English friendly. The restaurant is full of plants and wooden decor- so it’s a lovely place to chill. If you are making your way here by public transport – take the train to Kiyomizu Gojo Station and then walk for 300 metres. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.
WACO CREPES
京都市東山区宮川筋6-355-1 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 6-355-1 MIYAGAWASUJI, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-5:30PM
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: Izakaya with Gluten Free Options
Another gluten free option in this area is Karasuma Rock. This restaurant is 2 mins walk from Gojo Station (via exit 8.)
Let them know in advance if you are gluten free or coeliac and they are so good here at being accommodating. This is an izakaya that specialises in yakiniku and chicken dishes. The food here really is exceptional. They welcome children and babies (please note that they do not have high chairs.) This restaurant has an English menu. They also accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting 5000 yen per adult to when dining here.
KARASUMA ROCK
京都区下京区烏丸通六条下ル北町191
191 KITAMACHI, ROKUJO-SAGARU, KARASUMA-DORI, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10:30PM)
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: OKONOMIYAKI WITH GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS
Ikkakuji Karasuma welcomes families with small children. They even have plastic plates and cups for kids and allow parents to bring in their own baby food. This okonomiyaki restaurant is 3 mins walk from Karasuma Station and Shijo Station. To dine here at lunch I would budget 1000-2000 yen per adult but more like 3000 yen at dinner time. This restaurant has an english menu and accepts most major credit cards. This is a mom & pop style shop so it’s like eating street food style okonomiyaki (not a fancy looking restaurant etc.)
This restaurant can make a 100% gluten free okonomiyaki.
IKKAKUJI KARASUMA
京都市下京区神明町248 グラン・ジュール綾小路 B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, 248 GRAND JEWEL AYANOKOJI, SHINMEICHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN MON, WED, THURS & FRI 5PM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 11:30AM-3PM & 5PM-11PM
CLOSED TUESDAYS
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: GYOZA, RAMEN & FRIED RICE (FRIED RICE IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS CHA-HAN IN JAPAN)
I recommend going to Tiger Gyoza Hall (or Tiger Gyoza Kaikan) for lunch or dinner. It’s casual and yummy and also so budget friendly. You can also ask the staff for their vegan friendly menu.
This restaurant accepts reservations. It does seat 68 people so you won’t have to wait too long if there is a line. Tiger Gyoza Hall Shijo accepts most major credit cards.
For lunch here I would budget for 1500 yen for lunch per person and around 3000 yen for dinner. Kids are welcome here and you don’t need to order them a full meal but it is polite to have at least one dish per person – even if that dish isn’t going to be consumed by that child- ordered (the idea is you share all items accept for ramen anyway. If you want to share a little bit of ramen with kids, I recommend asking for a small side plate – a torizawa and you can make them their own little mini-bowl.)
This restaurant is 5 mins walk from Karasuma Station and 5 mins walk from Nishiki Market.
京都市中京区占出山町314-1
314-1 URADEYAMACHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: GYOZA, RAMEN & FRIED RICE (FRIED RICE IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS CHA-HAN IN JAPAN)
This isn’t a duplicate recommendation. There is another Tiger Gyoza 5 mins walk from Kawaramachi Station in Kyoto too.
This restaurant is 5 mins walk from Kawaramachi Station and 3 mins walk from Nishiki Market. This restaurant also accepts credit cards. They accept reservations and welcome families. If you do try a walk-in you shouldn’t have to wait long as the restaurant seats 58 people. Ask the staff for vegetarian and vegan options.
京都市中京区新京極通四条上ル中之町579-7-5
579-7-5 SHINKYOGOKU-DORI, SHIJO-AGARU, NAKANOCHO, OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM)
OPEN FOR LUNCH ON WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER ON WEEKDAYS 5PM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30AM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: KOBE BEEF / TEPPANYAKI STYLE RESTAURANT
**Please note that this restaurant only welcomes children 10 years of age or older**
The Kobe beef restaurant Mouriya ( you’ll see it recommended in my Kobe with kids post) has a branch in Gion! Best to make reservations via tablecheck.com
Moriya Gion is high end beef so this is a special spot and so for lunch I would budget for 7000 yen per adult and 15,000 yen for dinner. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and the whole venue is non-smoking. The Mouriya brand have been buying and cooking Kobe for more than 140 years. This restaurant is beautiful and is great for a very special occasion type of dinner.
Dress code is smart casual. This restaurant also can help those who are gluten free.
MOURIYA STEAK GION
京都市東山区大和町7-1祇園モーリヤビル
GION MOURIYA BUILDING, 7-1 YAMATOCHO, HIGASHIYAMA, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-10:30PM ( LAST ORDER 9PM)
**See here you’re after more information about visiting teppanyaki restaurants while in Japan
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: OKONOMIYAKI & YAKISOBA
If you are craving okonomiyaki – then…Gion Tanto ( Vegan Okonomiyaki Option Available)
It is 21 mins walk from Kiyomizudera ( or 12 mins, approx 900 yen in a cab) or 400 metres from Gion Shijo Station.
Accepts Reservations? YesAccepts Most Major Credit Cards? Yes
Please note that this is NOT a non-smoking restaurant so you may be sat with smoking clientele. For this reason, I recommend going at the start or end of lunch & dinner sessions.
This is a casual hole in the wall style restaurant. It’s fab for people-watching and good local food. The Okonomiyaki is cooked in front of you. Other options include yakisoba ( my kids’ favourite), negiyaki and yaki-udon
They also have a vegan okonomiyaki option.
They have an English menu.
Read here for how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki
I’d budget around 2000 yen per adult for lunch or dinner.
GION TANTO
京都府東山区清本町372
372 KIYOMOTOCHO, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 12PM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
CLOSED SOMETIMES ON THURSDAYS SO CHECK THE GION TANTO WEBSITE
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS:CASUAL “MOM & POP” STYLE TEPPANYAKI WITH KIDS IN GION
Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is run by a husband and wife team.
The interior is retro but cosy. For dinner here I would budget around 7000 yen per adult. Reservations are required here as the restaurant is small but also popular.
Make sure you try the A5 Wagyu Beef.
This restaurant is fine with kids but they like to know how many children will be there when you make a reservation. They do not have space for strollers and they don’t have high chairs but they do have plastic cutlery and plates.
Little warning: This restaurant is rated highly on TripAdvisor which means that it is often full of international guests more than Japanese people. If this doesn’t appeal, please try one of my other suggested restaurants.
They accept most major credit cards. They have an English menu and a vegetarian menu.
Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is 10 mins walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station and Hankyu Kawaramachi Station.
4 mins walk from Maruyama Park.
3 mins walk from Yasaka Shrine.
6 mins walk from Kodaiji Temple.
12 mins walk from the famous traditional Japanese themed Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya.
TEPPAN TAVERN TENAMONYA
京都市東山区祇園町に南側537-2 ヒロビル B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, HIRO BUILDING, 536-2 GION-MACHI, MINAMIGAWA, HIGASHIYAMA, KYOTO
OPEN 5PM-10PM
CLOSED THURSDAYS
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: CASUAL KAISEKI STYLE IZAKAYA MEAL WITH KIDS
Just 5 mins walk from Keihan Sanjo Station or 5 mins walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (or 7 mins walk from Hankyu Kawarachi Station) is family-friendly Kaiseki style Izakaya restaurant Kotowari. If you have older kids, ask to sit at the counter so that you can watch eat dish be cooked and prepared. If you have infants or toddlers, you will be seated in the tatami room (this is better as it is easier for kids to have a wriggle during the meal and less pressure to be quiet.) Kotowari can also prepare a special kids menu if they are given advance notice. They also have children’s plates and cutlery. Here, they accept most major credit cards. Reservations are required to dine here. If it’s someone in your group’s birthday, they can organize a birthday dessert plate – with a minimum 3 day notice.
Budget for lunch : 2000 yen per person. Budget for dinner : 4500 yen per person.
KOTOWARI
京都市中京区松ケ枝町463
463 MATSUGAECHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-2:30PM & 3PM-10PM
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: GYOZA
Just 9 minutes walk from Nishiki Market is the Gyoza restaurant Chao Chao Gyoza Shijokawaramachi. They are English friendly and serve meat and meat-free gyoza. They also have vegan options. They accept most major credit cards.
This restaurant is also just 10 minutes in a cab (approx 900 yen) from Kiyomizudera or 22 minutes walk.
Their specialty are hitokuchi ( bite sized) gyoza. I would budget for a lunch of around 1500 yen per adult. The “set meals” are around 1300 yen.
serve meat and meat-free gyoza. They also have vegan options.
The restaurant is completely non-smoking.
CHAO CHAO GYOZA SHIJO-KAWARAMACHI
河原町通四条下ル順風町312-1
OPEN ON WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM & 5PM-11PM
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30AM-11PM ( CLOSES AT 9PM ON SUNDAYS)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: SHABU SHABU & SUKIYAKI ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT
I believe that the most family friendly option here is Tajimaya All-You-Can-Eat Shabu Shabu restaurant.
This restaurant is inside the Edion Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi on the 7th floor. Edion Shopping Mall is approx 6 mins walk from Nishiki Market or 10 mins walk from the Gion area.
For lunch I would budget around 1500 yen per person and 4000 yen for dinner. They love and welcome children here. You order as much meat and veggies as you like for 60 or 90 mins and cook the meat in a pot on your own table (don’t worry, they will show you how.) You can find a simple English menu for Tajimaya here. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. The entire restaurant is very casual (here are some pictures of the interior of this Tajimaya branch.) It is possible to make reservations here (ask your hotel to do this for you by phone.)
TAJIMAYA SHIJOKAWARAMACHI
京都府京都市下京区四条通河原町東入真町68番地 住友不動産京都ビルFOOD HALL 7F
EDION DEPARTMENT STORE FOOD HALL, 7TH FLOOR, 68 HIGASHI-IRUSHIN-CHO, KAWARAMACHI, SHIJO-DORI, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11AM-4PM
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 4PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10:30PM)
There is also a baby feeding and changing areas on the 6th floor of this building.
There is also a toy store section down on the B1 floor and many of the trains etc are out for kids to play with.
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: CHAMPAGNE & GYOZA
Or, for a really casual but cute thing to do, walk 4 minutes from Nishiki Market to Gyotako – a standing Champagne, Gyoza and Takoyaki Bar. You can also take a cab here from Kiyomizudera for 10 mins ( approx 900 yen.)
Takeaway is fine too. There are a few tables out the front (stand and eat only) and more on the second floor and the restaurant is more like a permanent food truck. Totally fine to take kids just be warned that the seating upstairs is all bar stools at counters.
The menu is small ; they have (and only have) Takoyaki, Gyoza, Kobe Beef Gyoza, Champagne by the glass (only one type) , Highballs, Beer, White or Red Wine, Cola, Oolong tea.
Closest train station to this restaurant is “Kyoto Kawaramachi” Station ( 160 metres away.)
KYOTO GYOTAKO
京都市中京区中之町５４５-３
545-3 NAKANO-CHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-9PM
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: IZAKAYA WITH A FOCUS ON SUSHI, SEAFOOD & TEMPURA
This izakaya Sugidama is completely non-smoking (if you’ve been in Japan for a hot minute, you will know that this is not an easy things to find.). They also are fine for kids to come along.
This is NOT a touristy spot and I mean that in the best way. This is where you will find people dining after work or catching up with a friend. They do have an English menu but don’t be afraid to copy what someone next to you has ordered if it looks amazing (it might be a special not on the ready-made English menu.) If you’d like to say “Please give me the same” (while pointing) say 同じものください onaji mono kudasai.
Remember that at izakayas at dinner time you order lots of small dishes that are designed to be shared (it would be quite weird to order one dish per person.)
While at lunchtime you choose a “lunch set” (there are several to choose from here) per person and it comes out kind of in a big bento style way. At lunch, I recommend getting the sushi & tempura set – it also comes with a soup.
For lunch here, I would budget 2000 yen per adult and approximately 3000 yen per adult at dinner time.
I recommend getting the sashimi of the day and the seasonal vegetable tempura (it comes with two types of salt for dipping and I love this so much more than a tempura sauce). For those with kids who aren’t in a “new food” type of mood – they also have fries.
Sugidama is 1 min walk from Kawaramachi Station and 2 mins walk from Gion Shijo Station.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. It is possible to make reservations here – ask your hotel to call for you.
SUGIDAMA, KYOTO KAWARAMACHI
京都市下京区四条通小橋東入橋本町103-2 KCS四条橋本町 B1F
B1 BASEMENT FLOOR, KCS SHIJOBASHI-HONMACHI BUILDING, 103-2 HASHIMOTO-CHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-2:30PM (LAST ORDER AT 2PM)
OPEN WEEKDAYS FOR DINNER 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10:30PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS FOR DINNER 4PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDER AT 11PM)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: VEGAN & ZERO WASTE CAFE & STORE
Another Vegan option just 450 metres from Karasuma Station or 14 mins walk from Nishiki Market is Tu Casa – Plant Based and Zero Waste Cafe. This Kyoto based vegan restaurant serves Korean Bibimbap and some other cookies and breads. They also have a zero waste cafe.
They accept more major credit cards. They also have free wifi.
TU CASA- PLANT BASED AND ZERO WASTE CAFE
414-4 MIYAGAWASUJI 8-CHOME, KYOTO
OPEN MON & TUES 5PM-8:30PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 1PM -8:30PM (ALTHOUGH CHECK THEIR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT FOR THEIR OPENING HOURS CALENDAR)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: THE CITY BAKERY, NISHIKI KOJI
Just 1 min walk from Nishiki Market is The City Bakery. They serve pizza and sandwiches- but you can also just choose from their bakery items and still dine in. The theming of this restaurant’s design is styled to be like a traditional Japanese sweets store. The high ceilings and green views also give it all a very traditional Japanese vibe. This restaurant also serves craft beer. The entire restaurant is non-smoking and they do accept most major credit cards. This restaurant does not accept reservations.
THE CITY BAKERY NISHIKI-KOJI
502 NAKAUOYACHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN 8AM-６PM
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: RAMEN
Tokkyu Ramen
If you’re looking for delicious ( I’m talking really really casual hole in the wall type not a fancy restaurant ) ramen with meat, vegetarian AND vegan options – 5 mins walk from Kodaiji Temple & 11 mins walk from Kiyomizudera is a ramen shop called Tokkyu Ramen. This is a casual Mum & Pop style ramen restaurant (usually only one person behind the counter but service is so fast) and is so yummy. They also sell gyoza. Cash only.
Non-smoking.
TOKKYU RAMEN
30-4 BISHAMONCHO, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN 11:30AM-MIDNIGHT
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
TOKKYU RAMEN WEBSITE (JAPANESE ONLY BUT THERE ARE LOTS OF MENU PICS)
KYOTO RESTAURANTS WITH KIDS: A CASUAL DINER STYLE STEAK RESTAURANT WITH ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAD AND SALAD
10 mins in cab (approx 800 yen) or 5 mins on the train + 4 mins walk on the train from Kyoto Station is Steak Gusto – Gusto is a family restaurant in Japan but when they are a “Steak Gusto” it means that they, obviously, also offer steak but also have all-you-can-eat-bread and salads. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They accept reservations and walk-ins. It’s a stand alone restaurant that resembles an American style diner.
KYOTO RESTAURANT: RESTAURANTS CLOSE TO NIJO CASTLE: Where to eat near Nijo Castle
Where to eat with kids near Nijo Castle
1) Kura Sushi Sushi Train
I recommend then stopping by Kura Sushi sushi train restaurant – just 5 mins walk from Nijo Station. This restaurant really requires zero Japanese language skills and is completely automated. It’s easy and so much fun with kids. They are smoke-free and accept most major credit cards. They are open everyday from 11AM-Midnight. It’s very affordable. I’d expect to budget for 1500 yen per adult for lunch or dinner. Sushi train chain Kurasushi have a list of all of their food with common allergens here. (Kurasushi is great when dining with kids and there are lots of cooked non-raw sushi options but if you really love sushi you may be a little disappointed with the raw-fish quality. See here for my tips on what to do in Japan if your kids like to eat westernized versions of sushi or california rolls etc.)
2) Kikyo Sushi
Kikyo Sushi is 4 mins walk from Nijo Castle.
This local Mom&Pop style local sushi and tempura restaurant is quaint and adorable. The staff here speak English well. The restaurant seats 18 so it’s best to make a reservation at Kikyo Sushi Kyoto. The seating is a mixture of counter seats and horigotatsu (kneeling on the floor or sitting on the floor with your feet going into the cut out section of the floor. My kids LOVE this style of seating). The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Kikyo Sushi Kyoto has an English menu. They accept most major credit cards. To eat here I would budget 1000 yen per person for a lunch set and more like 5500 yen per adult for dinner. Almost the entire menu at Kikyo Sushi is gluten free and they also have gluten free soy sauce ( you do need to ask for it.) Please note that this restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and sometimes on Tuesdays too so before visiting, please check the Kikyo Sushi restaurant’s operation hours here.
KIKYO SUSHI
京都市中京区油子路通丸太町下る大文字町43
43 DAIMONJICHO, ABURAKOJIDORI, MARUTAMACHI-SAGARU, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH ON WEEKENDS 11:30AM-1:30PM (RESTAURANT CLOSES AT 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER WEEKDAYS 5PM-10PM (RESTAURANT CLOSES AT 11PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER WEEKENDS 5PM-9PM (RESTAURANT CLOSES AT 10PM)
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS AND SOMETIMES ON TUESDAYS
3) Premarche Alternative Diner
This organic vegetable restaurant serves pizza, burger and salad and is only 8 mins walk from Nijo Castle. Premarche Alternative Diner also offer some gluten free menu options.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and is entirely non-smoking. They also have a vegetarian menu. See here for Premarche Alternative Diner’s full menu. I recommend their vegan avocado and tomato rice bowl. At this restaurant I would budget 1500 yen for an adult lunch and twice that amount at dinner time .
PREMARCHE ALTERNATIVE DINER
京都市中京区橋西町672 プレマヴィレッジ京都堀川三条 2F
2ND FLOOR, 672 HASHINISHICHO, NAKAGYOKU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDER 2:15PM)
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM （LAST ORDER 9PM)
