11 Kid-Friendly MICHELIN Restaurants in Kyoto

Regarding the acceptance of Infants and Children in Japan's High-End Restaurants

In Japan's fine dining scene, whether or not young children are allowed often depends on the restaurant, which can make choosing a place challenging for parents. However, there are surprisingly many restaurants that welcome children under 12 and even infants, so it's worth looking into options without giving up. That said, some restaurants only allow children in private rooms, others accept strollers, and some may require prior consultation when making a reservation, so it's important to check ahead. This article will introduce MICHELIN-starred restaurants in Kyoto where you can dine with children, which we hope will be helpful for your planning.

Kid-Friendly MICHELIN Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Shigetsu (篩月) / Japanese / Arashiyama

Awarded one MICHELIN star in 2024, after holding a Bib Gourmand from 2016 to 2023, this restaurant specializes in shojin ryori, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks. With no meat or fish used, it is popular among vegetarians. Located beyond the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, the restaurant serves dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients, including Kyoto local vegetables, wild plants, and seaweed carefully sourced from across Japan. The tranquil tatami seating offers views of the beautiful scenery, making it a serene spot to enjoy a leisurely meal. Small children are welcome, adding to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

■Children

Small children are welcome.

2. Tempura Matsu (天ぷら 松) / Tempura / Arashiyama

Recognized as a Selected Restaurant in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide, this Japanese restaurant specializes in tempura. The chef offers a unique menu by combining traditional techniques inherited from his father, a master tempura chef, with innovative methods learned in the U.S. In addition to tempura, the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including sashimi, fried items, hot pot, rice dishes, and noodles, all served as part of an elegant kaiseki course. The counter seating features a glass window that provides a stunning view of Kyoto's mountains, enhancing the dining experience. Families with children are welcome, making it an ideal hidden gem for a relaxed meal with a picturesque backdrop.

■Children

Available

3. Kitaoji Yuyu (北大路 悠々) / Japanese / Kitaoji

This Japanese restaurant has earned one MICHELIN star every year from 2021 to 2024. Part of its name, Yuyu, reflects the concept of living freely and at ease, which aligns with the restaurant's calm and leisurely atmosphere. Known for sourcing top-quality fish and vegetables from across Japan, it uses ingredients comparable to those of high-end establishments. A signature dish inspired by Western stew, beef tongue stewed in white miso, demonstrates the restaurant's blend of tradition and originality. The menu also includes a variety of dishes, such as rice bowls, noodles, and curry, making it especially accommodating for families. Children can enjoy either the same courses as adults or smaller, specially prepared courses tailored to their needs.

■Children

Children will be served either the same course as adults or a smaller course provided by our restaurant. Payment for children's meals will be settled on-site. If you are bringing children, please be sure to mention this in the special requests section. Please ensure that adults supervise their children at all times.

4. Kodaiji Jugyuan (高台寺 十牛庵) / Japanese / Higashiyama

This Japanese restaurant has earned one MICHELIN star every year from 2019 to 2024. The chef is dedicated to preserving the tradition, beauty, and globally renowned flavors of Kyoto cuisine, carefully preparing each dish to reflect these qualities. The plating is meticulously designed to showcase seasonal colors, allowing diners to enjoy a sensory experience. Set in a historical building rebuilt by modern master craftsmen, the restaurant features a traditional sukiya-style structure originally constructed in the Meiji era, complemented by a meticulously maintained garden and serene ambiance. The restaurant also offers a children’s menu, making it a welcoming choice for families.

■Children

Available

*Children's menu available

5. Kyoyamato (京大和) / Japanese / Higashiyama

This kaiseki restaurant has maintained one MICHELIN star annually from 2021 to 2024. Located in the historic Suikokan, a Kyoto heritage site with over 100 years of history, it iss a popular destination for international visitors. The restaurant specializes in seasonal ingredients, offering dishes that appeal to all the senses, including beautifully arranged presentations served on carefully selected tableware. For lunch, the Nishiki Kasane two-tiered bento box features a colorful assortment of dishes in the first tier and simmered items in the second. With a family-friendly atmosphere and private dining spaces, guests can enjoy refined cuisine alongside Kyoto’s seasonal scenery.

■Children

Available

6. la bûche (ラ ブッシュ) / French / Ohara

Awarded one MICHELIN star in 2024, this French restaurant specializes in wood-fired cooking, as suggested by its name, la bûche, which means log in French. The chef, inspired by French chefs who celebrate local ingredients, established the restaurant in Ohara to honor the region's bounty. Guests can savor dishes that highlight local produce, wild plants, river fish, and game, offering a gastronomic experience that reflects the richness of the satoyama landscape. The restaurant also caters to families with smaller portion options for children, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive dining experience.

■Children

From an educational perspective on food, we welcome infants and children who are not eating solid foods. We kindly ask that you ensure they do not walk around and are considerate of those around you.For guests with children, please provide details such as their age in the remarks section.

7. Dodici (ドーディチ) / Italian / Gion

This Italian restaurant earned a MICHELIN star in both 2023 and 2024. The chef combines Italian culinary expertise with Japanese ingredients, creating unique courses that incorporate the essence of Kyoto, such as fresh yuba (tofu skin) and Daitokuji natto (fermented soybeans). Highlights include a risotto made with Japanese rice, which reflects both Japanese and Italian influences, and vegetable pickles transformed into a sauce with fermented acidity that echoes Japanese techniques. The open-kitchen dining area boasts a spacious feel, with vibrant blue walls adding a touch of flair, making it enjoyable even for children. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu.

■Children

Kid’s menus are available.

8. Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen (ジャン-ジョルジュ アット ザ・シンモンゼン) / French / Higashiyama

This French restaurant, listed as a Selected Restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide for 2023 and 2024, is headed by a renowned French chef known for modern French cuisine. Utilizing carefully selected local Kyoto ingredients, the menu showcases an innovative blend of French, American, and Asian influences. Guests can enjoy vibrant, ever-changing seasonal menus, attracting many repeaters. The restaurant welcomes families with children, making it an accessible choice for a casual visit. Situated along the Shirakawa River within a hotel on the historic Shinmonzen-dori, a district known for its antique shops, it offers not only modern French cuisine but also the opportunity to appreciate the changing scenery of Kyoto.

■Children

Available

9. Hiiragitei (ひいらぎ亭) / Yakitori / Higashiyama

Awarded a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide for 2023 and 2024, this cozy Japanese restaurant specializes in homemade-style dishes. Run by a family, the father handles side dishes, the son takes charge of the yakitori, and the mother looks after the guests. The intimate and warm interior adds to the charm. A key highlight is their fresh local chicken, sourced daily from a poultry farm in Shiga Prefecture, where they personally process the birds. Despite its small size, the restaurant offers both counter and table seating. It’s a family-friendly establishment, welcoming children and even babies.

■Children

Babies are also allowed. Children who do not eat the course must order a la carte.

10. Vena (ヴェーナ) / Italian / Karasuma-Oike

This Italian restaurant has held a MICHELIN star from 2020 to 2024. Set in a stylish space with Nordic-inspired decor, it offers authentic Italian cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients in a chef’s-choice course menu. Signature dishes include the Handmade Tagliolini with Hair Crab and Sea Urchin Sauce at dinner, showcasing the chef's creativity. The lunch course also features a beautifully arranged appetizer platter that’s especially popular. Families with children are welcome, but only in private rooms, allowing for a relaxed and worry-free dining experience.

■Children

Children are only allowed in private rooms.

11. Ryosho (凌霄) / Japanese / Higashiyama

This two-star MICHELIN Japanese restaurant, has been recognized in 2023 and 2024. It is located in the atmospheric Gion district. The menu blends traditional Kyoto cuisine with French influences, using seasonal ingredients. Examples include white vinegar-dressed dishes enhanced with cheese and beef dishes with sauces made from meat juices, offering a subtle yet refined flavor. The restaurant's use of antique, modern, and Western tableware complements its beautifully arranged presentations. Families with children under 13 are welcome, but only in private rooms, providing a more comfortable and private dining experience.

■Children

Children under 13 years old are only allowed in private rooms.