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11 Top Tempura Restaurants in Kyoto

11 Top Tempura Restaurants in Kyoto

Sep 25, 2024

Kyoto, one of Japan’s oldest cities with a history of over 1200 years, boasts some outstanding Tempura spots. The OMAKASE editorial team, a Michelin partner, highlights 11 must-visit tempura restaurants in the city.

What is Tempura?

Various Tempura

Tempura is a classic Japanese dish where vegetables or seafood are dipped in a light batter made from flour and water, and then deep-fried. It's a beloved and widely recognized dish in Japan. The batter locks in the ingredients' flavors, allowing you to enjoy the taste of perfectly cooked food. Tempura is often eaten casually at home or in affordable tempura restaurants, making it a staple of Japanese cuisine. A popular variation is Tendon, which consists of tempura served over a bowl of rice—a common lunch choice for many Japanese people.

However, making tempura is a refined art. At high-end tempura restaurants, meticulous attention is paid to every detail, from selecting the finest ingredients and adjusting the flour’s temperature for the batter to choosing the right oil and maintaining the ideal deep-frying temperature. For an exceptional experience, sampling the refined techniques of a top-tier tempura restaurant is highly recommended.

Is Kyoto famous for Tempura?

Kyoto Townscape

With over 1,200 years of history, Kyoto is one of Japan's oldest cities and, in many ways, the birthplace and heart of Japanese culture. As a result, the city is home to numerous renowned and delicious Japanese restaurants. Naturally, tempura—one of Japan's signature dishes—is highly regarded here, with many specialized restaurants dedicated to it. A key difference between tempura in Tokyo and Kyoto is the frying oil used. In Tokyo, rich sesame oil is commonly used, while in Kyoto, a lighter rapeseed oil is preferred. Another distinction is the use of local vegetables, which have been uniquely cultivated in the region for centuries, giving Kyoto’s tempura a special touch compared to Tokyo’s.

11 Top Tempura Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Tempura Matsu (天ぷら 松)

New selection
Michelin Guide, 2024

This long-established restaurant, with over 50 years of history, has been recognized as one of Japan's top 100 tempura specialty restaurants on a major gourmet review site. The restaurant exclusively serves an omakase (chef’s choice) course, featuring tempura as part of a traditional Japanese multi-course meal. Although it is uncommon for a tempura-focused restaurant to offer such a course, the owner explains that this approach has evolved to cater to the refined tastes of Kyoto's local gourmands.

Tempura Matsu's Information
Operation hours
Lunch: 12:00 - 13:00
Dinner: 18:00 - 19:30
Regular holiday
Wednesdays, Irregular Holidays
Price range
Lunch: USD 170.86 - USD 366.12
Dinner: USD 170.86 - USD 366.12
Address
21-26, Umezunawaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearest station
Matsuotaisha Station
Directions from station
7minutes walk from Matsuotaisha Station
Payment methods
Cash
Seats
30 Seats
Awards
Michelin
New selection
Awards

2. Enyuan Kobayashi (圓融菴 小林)

Michelin Star
Michelin Guide, 2024

This tempura specialty restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for two consecutive years in the Kyoto-Osaka Michelin Guide. In 2021, Chef Noriyuki Kobayashi, the founding manager of Ten You—a tempura restaurant established by the renowned Kyoto luxury inn Tawaraya—became independent and earned his star in the 2023 Michelin Kyoto Guide. The restaurant offers an omakase course that combines tempura with traditional Kyoto-style dishes. Its tempura kaiseki course, which focuses on premium ingredients and refined cooking techniques, allows guests to fully experience the seasonal flavors of Kyoto.

Enyuan Kobayashi's Information
Operation hours
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Regular holiday
Sundays, Mondays
Price range
Dinner: USD 221.89 - USD 221.89
Address
125-2, Tominaga-cho, Gion, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Nearest station
Gion-Shijo Station
Directions from station
6 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station
Payment methods
Cash only
Seats
12 seats (1 private table room with 4 seats, 8 seats at counter)
Awards
Michelin
star
  • Hani AlMalki
    5.0
    Posted on :04/12/2024
  • Shelby Moe
    5.0
    Posted on :03/20/2024

3. Tempura Kawatatsu (天ぷら 川辰)

Michelin Guide, 2018

Tempura Kawatatsu, awarded the Bib Gourmand in the Kyoto-Osaka Michelin Guide and recognized as one of the top 100 tempura spots by a major Japanese gourmet review site, is celebrated for its relaxed ambiance and authentic tempura. The tempura, deep-fried in rice oil, boasts a light and refreshing flavor, making it easy to enjoy in generous portions. The restaurant takes great care with its seasonings, including soy sauce and salt, and uses carefully selected seasonal ingredients. Although only course menus are offered, the tempura courses feature seasonal ingredients and distinctive Kyoto-style tempura, providing a memorable dining experience.

Tempura Kawatatsu's Information
Operation hours
Lunch: 11:30 - 2:00(Fri, Sat, Sun and Public Holidays only)
Dinner: 17:30 - 22:00
Regular holiday
Tuesdays, 3rd Wednesday of the month
Price range
Lunch: USD 48.08 - USD 48.08
Dinner: USD 92.46 - USD 118.34
Address
65, Kuzekawahara-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearest station
Katsuragawa Station
Directions from station
10 minutes walk from Katsuragawa Station
Payment methods
Lunch: Cash only
Dinner: Cash, Credit card
Seats
33 Seat
Awards
Awards
  • Thomas
    5.0
    Posted on :03/31/2024

4. Tempura KYORINSEN (天婦羅処 京林泉)

  1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2022, 23)

The Michelin one-star Japanese restaurant Kyo Yamato has opened this tempura-focused eatery. It has been ranked among the top 100 tempura restaurants on a leading Japanese gourmet review site. Although it's located within a hotel, the tranquil ambiance of the restaurant enhances the experience of dining in Kyoto. The tempura is made from carefully selected ingredients, including seasonal local vegetables, and is deep-fried in a blend of two oils to create a distinctive Kyoto-style tempura that's both light and flavorful. One standout seasonal dish is the sweet potato tempura, which uses a method that enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes before deep-frying them to lock in the flavor. I tried it myself, and it was exceptionally delicious.

Tempura KYORINSEN 's Information
Operation hours
Lunch: 11:30-15:00(LO14:00)
Dinner: 17:00-22:00(LO20:30)
Regular holiday
Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)
Price range
Lunch: USD 24.41 - USD 36.98
Dinner: USD 59.17 - USD 103.55
Address
Hotel Granvia Kyoto 3F, JR Kyoto Station Central Exit, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearest station
Kyoto Station
Directions from station
1 minutes walk from Kyoto Station
Payment methods
Cash, Credit card available
Seats
29 Seats
Awards
Awards

5. Gion Fuji (ぎをん 藤)

Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2023)

Gion Fuji is run by Kenji Fujimoto, the former head chef of Tempura Mizuki, which held a Michelin star for six consecutive years. The restaurant has swiftly gained popularity and is now listed among the top 100 tempura restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site. The tempura, made with safflower oil, provides a light and refreshing flavor without the heaviness of traditional oils. While the restaurant offers a range of beverages that pair well with tempura, wine lovers should consider consulting the sommelier to find a perfectly matched wine.

Gion Fuji's Information
Operation hours
17:00 - 22:30(Last Entry Time 20:30)
Regular holiday
Sundays, Public Holudays, Irregular Holidays
Price range
Dinner: USD 143.19 - USD 187.94
Address
570-121, Minamigawa, Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Nearest station
Kyotokawaramachi Station, Gionshijo Station
Directions from station
10 minutes walk from Kyotokawaramachi Station
5 minutes walk from Gionshijo Station
Payment methods
Cash, Credit card available
Seats
12 Seats
Awards
Awards
  • H.J.
    5.0
    Posted on :03/05/2024

6. Tempura Mizuki (天麩羅 水暉)

New selection
Michelin Guide, 2024
  1. Michelin (2018 - 23): One Star

Tempura Mizuki has been awarded a Michelin one-star rating for six consecutive years since 2018. Chef Taisuke Kojima began his training at a renowned restaurant in Kyoto and honed his skills at Tempura Kondo, a Michelin two-star restaurant in Tokyo. The tempura, deep-fried in safflower oil, offers a light and delightful texture. The chef is very accommodating, even providing visual explanations of the tempura ingredients for guests who may not be familiar with them. Since the restaurant is located within a hotel, it's important to specify when making a reservation that you are seeking a tempura specialty restaurant.

Tempura Mizuki's Information
Operation hours
Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Regular holiday
Tuesday and Wednesday
Price range
Lunch: USD 261.98 - USD 261.98
Dinner: USD 261.98 - USD 261.98
Address
Kamogawa Nijo-ohashi Hotori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Nearest station
Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line: Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station
Keihan Main Line: Sanjo Station
Directions from station
Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line: Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station - 3 minutes on foot
Keihan Main Line: Sanjo Station - 6 minutes on foot
Payment methods
Credit card available
Seats
8 seats
Awards
Michelin
New selection

Make a Reservation

8. Tenjaku (天若)

  1. Michelin (2024): One Star

Tenjaku is a renowned tempura restaurant where the second-generation chef, Ryo Nishioka, has carried on his grandfather’s legacy and earned a Michelin one-star rating. The restaurant offers a course that blends traditional Kyoto cuisine with exquisite tempura. A standout feature of Kyoto's culinary tradition is "hassun," a presentation of various small dishes arranged on a single plate. Each dish is not only delicious but also artistically presented. The tempura is crafted from ingredients carefully sourced from across Japan, alongside local Kyoto produce. Additionally, the chef’s expertise in Chinese tea enhances the dining experience with thoughtfully selected teas served before and after the meal.

Tenjaku (天若)'s Information
Operation hours
6:00 p.m.
Regular holiday
Wednesday
Price range
JPY 20,000 - JPY 29,999
Address
570 Botanhoko-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, north of Gojo St. on Senbon Street
Nearest station
bus stop "Senbon Imadegawa"
Directions from station
Get off at the city bus stop "Senbon Imadegawa" and walk 5 minutes north along Senbon Street
Payment methods
Credit card accepted
Electronic money not accepted
Seats
8 Seats

Make a Reservation

9. Tempura Endo (天ぷら圓堂)

  1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2022, 23)

This restaurant, boasting over 140 years of history, has earned a spot among the Top 100 Tempura Restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site. Housed in a grand Japanese-style inn, it does not offer accommodation. Diners can choose from a tempura-focused omakase course, a kaiseki course featuring Kyoto-style cuisine, or select their ingredients for customized tempura. It’s especially popular among food enthusiasts. Upholding tradition, the restaurant serves exceptional tempura and seasonal dishes, all cooked in the highest quality cottonseed oil. With both counter seating and numerous private rooms, it caters to solo diners as well as groups.Several branches in Kyoto.

Kyoto Gion Tempura Yasaka Endo (京都祇園 天ぷら八坂圓堂)'s Information
Operation hours
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
11:00 - 15:30 L.O. 14:30
17:00 - 21:30 L.O. 20:30
Price range
JPY 20,000 - JPY 29,999
Address
566 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto Japan 605-0811
Nearest station
Gion-Shijo station
Directions from station
Kyoto city bus: 3 minutes walk from Kiyomizu-dera
Keihan train: 10 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo station
JR: 10 minutes by taxi from Kyoto station central exit
100 meters east from the South Gate of Kennin-ji Temple, 150 meters west from Yasaka Pagoda
Payment methods
Credit card accepted(VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners)
Electronic money not accepted
QR code payments not accepted
Seats
180 Seats

Make a Reservation

10. Tempura Yoshikawa

  1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2022, 23)

Yoshikawa began as a traditional Japanese inn in 1952 and is now a tempura restaurant that also offers lodging. It's been ranked among the Top 100 Tempura Specialty Restaurants on a major Japanese food review site. You can dine here even if you’re not staying overnight. The restaurant features a tatami room where you can enjoy your meal while overlooking a Japanese garden, as well as counter seating. The tatami room offers a kaiseki course that combines Kyoto-style cuisine with tempura, while the counter serves a tempura course. Both dining options are available in various price ranges. Overnight guests can choose between enjoying the kaiseki course in their room or the tempura course at the counter. It's a good idea to inquire about these options when making your reservation.

Tempura Yoshikawa (天ぷら 吉川)'s Information
Operation hours
Counter Bar
Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. L.O 3:00 p.m.
Dinner 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. L.O 22:00 p.m.

Private Tatami Room
Lunch 12:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. L.O 1:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. L.O 7:30 p.m.
Price range
JPY 6,000 - JPY 35,000
Address
Tominokoji,Oike-sagaru,Nakagyo-ku,Kyoto,604-8093,JAPAN.
Nearest station
Kyoto shiyakusho-mae
Directions from station
15 minutes from Kyoto Station by Taxi.
20 minutes from Kyoto Minami or Kyoto Higashi IC of Meishin-High Way.
5 minute from Kyoto shiyakusho-mae (Kyoto city hall) subway Station by walk.

Make a Reservation

11. Tendon Makino (天丼まきの)

Tendon Makino, a popular spot known for its reasonably priced tendon, often attracts long lines. With high ratings on a major Japanese gourmet review site and a walk-in-only policy, it's common to see a queue outside. The tempura is so large it spills over the bowl, generously coated in tempura sauce, offering a delicious taste of classic, everyday Japanese cuisine.

Tendon Makino (天丼まきの)'s Information
Operation hours
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. L.O. 3:00 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. L.O. 8:30 p.m.
Price range
JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
Address
481-3 Nakasuji-cho, Teramachi Street, Shimogyō, Nakagyō Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Nearest station
Kawaramachi Station
Directions from station
388 meters from Kyoto Kawaramachi.
Payment methods
Credit card accepted(VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners)
Electronic money accepted(Transportation IC cards (e.g., Suica), Rakuten-Edy, nanaco, WAON, iD, QUICPay)
QR code payments accepted(PayPay, d Barai, Rakuten Pay, au PAY)
Seats
25 Seats

About the author

Koyanagi
Koyanagi

A Tokyo-based foodie, she spends nearly all of her earnings on culinary explorations throughout Japan, from street food to fine dining. Her passion for food has become a career, contributing to gourmet magazines and collaborating with TV shows. She also handles the creation of articles for OMAKASE. When dining out, she makes it a point to properly understand the chefs' and restaurateurs' backgrounds and philosophies.