Best Restaurants Around Shimogamo

Shimogamo area is one of the quieter place in Kyoto.

Shimogamo is located a little north of Gion and Kiyomizudera Temple.

The Shimogamo area, located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, is a peaceful residential neighborhood centered around the famous Shimogamo Shrine, offering an authentic Kyoto experience.

Located at the confluence of the Kamo River and Takano River, Shimogamo boasts an abundance of greenery. Here you’ll find the Tadasu no Mori, a beautiful forest path leading to the World Heritage-listed Shimogamo Shrine, as well as the serene Kyoto Botanical Garden. Shimogamo Shrine itself is famous for granting blessings in various aspects of life, including love, fertility, and safe travels. It's also one of the main venues for the Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival), one of Kyoto's three major festivals, which is jointly held with Kamigamo Shrine.

The Shimogamo area is characterized by low-rise residential buildings and is known as one of Kyoto's most prestigious neighborhoods. It is easily accessible via the subway or bus, making it convenient to visit.

You'll find a good selection of shopping malls, supermarkets, and drugstores in the area, ensuring that all your daily needs are met. Local residents praise the neighborhood for its many stylish cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

Shimogamo is a wonderful place to experience the best of Kyoto, combining historical architecture with abundant natural beauty. We encourage you to take your time exploring this charming neighborhood.

Restaurants in the Shimogamo Area

Kyoto, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its historic buildings and scenic spots, which are highly regarded around the world. The city is also home to many Michelin Guide-listed restaurants.

The Kamogawa River flows through the center of Kyoto, with bustling areas like "Kawaramachi," "Gion," and "Pontocho," all filled with shopping, dining, and sightseeing opportunities. The Kamogawa area and Shimogamo are particularly known for having many Michelin-starred restaurants.

In this article, the editorial team of OMAKASE, Japan’s only official online partner of the Michelin Guide, will introduce kaiseki (traditional multi-course) and sushi restaurants in the Shimogamo area that feature seasonal ingredients.

Tip: When you make a reservation, it's a good idea to also reserve your meal course or what you want to eat. This will make your experience smoother.

10 Best Restaurants Around Shimogamo

1. Sushi Hayashi (鮓 はやし) / Sushi

"Sushi Hayashi" is a special sushi restaurant that has earned one Michelin star for four years in a row. It's a fully booked restaurant where you can enjoy the best of both Edo-style (Tokyo) and Kyoto-style sushi, featuring fresh fish from the nearby seas around Kyoto.

They offer an amazing "omakase" (chef's choice) course using seafood that is delivered directly from Mie, Wakayama, and Awaji. The seafood is carefully prepared, and they use two kinds of sushi rice, paired perfectly with the selected fish.

The restaurant has only 8 counter seats, allowing you to enjoy the dynamic spectacle of the chef's skills right in front of you. A selection of wines and rare sake that pair perfectly with sushi is also available, making it possible to enjoy the harmony of sushi and sake.

2. Bistro Kappou YAOYA (ビストロ割烹 YAOYA) / Izakaya

"Bistro Kappo YAOYA" is a popular restaurant, even selected as one of the best 100 on a major Japanese food review site. If you love tasty fish and Japanese sake, this is the perfect place for you.

The menu is extensive, and if you're unsure what to order, the "Today's Recommended Sashimi" platter is highly recommended. The dishes are prepared simply to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, allowing you to truly enjoy their quality. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes and drinks to suit different budgets and occasions.

In front of the restaurant, you'll see a display of rare Japanese sake bottles, like Dassai, Juyondai, and Jikon. These are hard to find anywhere else. This is truly a special place for anyone who loves Japanese sake.

3. Kitaoji Yuyu (北大路 悠々) / Japanese

"Kitaoji Yuyu" is a Japanese restaurant that's been chosen as one of the best 100 by a major Japanese food review site. Here, you can enjoy a range of dishes, from traditional kappo (Japanese-style cooking) to creative cuisine, all in a relaxing atmosphere.

A standout feature of this restaurant is its use of high-quality Kyoto vegetables, particularly those sourced from Mizusawa Farm in Takagamine, Kyoto. These vegetables are known for their rich flavor and sweetness. You can savor seasonal dishes such as "White miso beef tongue stew," "Guji no Kaburamushi" (a traditional Kyoto-style winter dish of steamed tilefish and grated turnip), and "Beef and mushroom hot pot."

The restaurant is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from exit 3 of the Kitaoji subway station. The restaurant is in a convenient and easily accessible area.

4. Shimogamosaryo Main Store (下鴨茶寮 本店) / Japanese

"Shimogamo Saryo Main Store" is a Japanese restaurant that has earned one Michelin star for five years in a row. With a history of over 150 years, it is located next to the UNESCO World Heritage site, "Shimogamo Shrine." Here, you can enjoy traditional Kyoto kaiseki (multi-course) meals, in a beautiful setting.

The restaurant is dedicated to the "Dosan-Dohou" (cooking using the local method for local ingredients) philosophy, highlighting the best of Kyoto’s vegetables. Each dish is a work of art, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation. The focus is on presenting beautifully arranged courses of kaiseki cuisine that you won’t forget.

The restaurant offers a carefully curated selection of sake from all over Japan, perfectly paired with each kaiseki dish. The sake cellar, equipped with an ice temperature storage system, maintains over 100 varieties, ranging from renowned Kyoto sakes to rare, hard-to-find options, all available at your preferred temperature.

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5. Doppo (獨歩) / Japanese

Featured in the 2023 Michelin Guide and awarded one Michelin star in 2024, "Doppo" is an exclusive reservation-only Japanese restaurant. Inspired by the esteemed artist and connoisseur of fine living, 'Kitaōji Rosanjin', it offers a space where you can fully immerse yourself in the pursuit of Japanese cuisine and culture.

The menu consists of a set course, featuring about 10 exquisite dishes. Highlights include "Fugu no Shirakoae (Blowfish dressed with milt)" and "Ise lobster soup", alongside seasonal ingredients and unique delicacies. Guests can enjoy an exceptional experience at the 10-seat hinoki wood counter, where they can engage in conversation with the owner while savoring an unforgettable meal.

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6. Kokyu (弧玖) / Japanese

"Kokyu" has earned one Michelin star for eight consecutive years. This exclusive, reservation-only restaurant is located in Demachiyanagi, an area known for famous sightseeing spots like Shimogamo Shrine and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Both lunch and dinner offer a course menu, featuring the chef’s selection of exquisite dishes made with the finest seasonal ingredients available each day.

The restaurant's interior, a beautifully renovated machiya (traditional townhouse), features a counter with nine seats made of natural wood, where guests can experience the dynamic essence of the seasons and Japanese culture. There is also a private room, perfect for dining with family or friends.

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7. Kyokaiseki Kichisen (京懐石 吉泉) / Japanese

"'Kyoto Kaiseki Yoshizumi,' awarded three Michelin stars for two consecutive years and two Michelin stars for five consecutive years, is an exclusive reservation-only Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal flavors and a comfortable, memorable experience.

The restaurant offers a "Omakase Kaiseki" (chef's choice kaiseki) meal, where dishes are curated to match your budget and feature the very best seasonal ingredients. The term "shun" (season) traditionally means a ten-day period. It reflects the belief that any ingredient tastes its finest during the peak ten days of its season. At Kichisen, you can savor the true essence of the seasons through exquisitely prepared kaiseki cuisine. The restaurant also offers private rooms which is perfect for hosting family, friends, or business guests.

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8. Sushi Kawano (鮨 かわの) / Sushi

"Sushi Kawano," listed in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years, is an exclusive reservation-only sushi restaurant where you can enjoy Edomae sushi (a traditional Japanese sushi style that originated in Edo) that brings out the full flavor of ingredients through the techniques of fresh, seared, and smoked.

Located in a quiet residential area close to the lush Kamogawa River, the restaurant is a hidden gem. The intimate setting features a 9-seat counter where you can enjoy the chef's mastery up close.

Sushi Kawano is highly praised for its unwavering commitment to quality. The restaurant takes extreme care in storing and preparing ingredients to ensure they are served at their peak flavor. Alongside the nigiri (hand-formed sushi) made with their special akazu (red vinegar) rice, which boasts a deep umami flavor without being too sweet, they also offer a great selection of seasonal side dishes.

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9. middle (ミドル) / Modern Cuisine

Featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide, ""middle" is an exclusive reservation-only French restaurant known for its innovative cooking techniques.

Leveraging a wealth of experience, the chef offers a unique "omakase course" (chef's choice course) that incorporates abundant elements of Japanese cuisine. The 11 course meal features creative and artistic dishes, with fish and meat grilled over charcoal, offering an extraordinary culinary experience.

Located in a former Italian ambassador's residence, middle offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. The restaurant boasts stunning views of the Kamo River, providing a serene backdrop for your meal. In addition to the main dining room, there are also semi-private rooms available for more intimate gatherings.

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10. KASHIWAI (花梓侘) / Sushi

"KASHIWAI" has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand for two consecutive years. This restaurant is loved for its beautiful Japanese tableware, and its signature "Tsumami Sushi," which is also available for takeout.

The restaurant's famous "Tsumami Sushi," arranged in small compartments of a square box, looks like a selection of elegant Japanese sweets. It’s a truly delightful dish that will impress you the moment you open the lid. Dining in at the restaurant includes a side of red miso soup and a dessert. The ingredients are special to Kyoto, like "namafu" (wheat gluten) and "yuba" (tofu skin). The menu is full of vibrant and flavorful dishes like "Tai no Kobujime" (Kombu Cured Bream), "Yakihamo" (grilled pike conger), and "Omi konnyaku" (konjac from the Omi region).

Located just a one-minute walk from Kitaoji Station, Kashiwai is easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

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