Michelin-Starred Lunches in Kyoto for Around $100

Many Michelin-Starred Restaurants Offering Lunch Around $100

According to the Michelin Guide Kyoto-Osaka 2025, Kyoto is home to 238 Michelin-listed restaurants. The criteria for selecting the restaurants featured in this article are as follows:

1. Prestigious fine dining establishments with one or two Michelin-stars
2. Lunch courses priced under $100
3. Exceptional value compared to dinner, which often exceeds $150–$200
4. Available for online reservation via omakaseje.com

Enjoy lunch courses under $100 at Michelin-starred restaurants with one- or two-star experience. When making a reservation, be sure to book not only the table but also the course or dishes you'd like to try for a smooth dining experience.

In this article, we'll introduce Michelin-starred restaurants available for online reservations through OMKASEJE, where even solo diners can have a memorable meal.

Michelin-Starred Lunches in Kyoto for Around $100

1. Shimmonzen Yonemura (新門前 米村) / Innovative / Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera

Shinkamonzen Yonemura, which has earned Michelin two stars for four consecutive years, is an innovative restaurant led by owner-chef Masayasu Yonemura. After training at a historic Kyoto restaurant, he now creates boundary-pushing dishes that defy traditional categories.

The lunch course served as an omakase (chef’s choice), lets you enjoy a variety of creative dishes that span different culinary genres. The restaurant’s interior, featuring a fireplace, sofas, and modern antique art, creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can savor your meal in the cozy, welcoming ambiance of a friend’s home.

2. Wagokoro Izumi (和ごころ泉) / Japanese / Karasuma, Oike

Wagokoro Izumi, which earned Michelin two stars for 14 consecutive years and is currently rated with one star, is also ranked among Japan’s top 100 on a major gourmet review site. This reservation-only Japanese restaurant is owned by a chef who personally meets with producers to select the finest ingredients, creating exceptional dishes.

The dishes, made with dashi broth that brings out the purest flavors of the ingredients while highlighting their natural beauty, capture the essence of Japan's changing seasons. The lunch course is an omakase with eight dishes, offering a luxurious experience that delights both the taste buds and the eyes.

Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Exit 5 of Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, the restaurant is in a prime and easily accessible spot.

3. Tozentei (陶然亭) / Japanese / Kitaoji, Kinkaku-ji

Tozentei is a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant that has held its one-star distinction for five consecutive years. Inspired by the world of the novel Tōzentei, the restaurant offers an authentic dining experience where guests can savor exquisite cuisine and fine sake in an elegant setting.

At lunchtime, the restaurant offers a choice of three multi-course menus. Each dish—starting with an appetizer and followed by sashimi, grilled items, and more—is served individually, mirroring the dinner experience. The owner personally selects fresh ingredients from the market each day, staying true to the simplicity of traditional Kyoto cuisine. The dishes are delicately seasoned to bring out the vibrant flavors and aromas of the season.

Located just a three-minute walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line, Tozentei is easily accessible and ideally situated.

4. Vena (ヴェーナ) / Italian / Karasuma, Oike

Vena is an exclusive, reservation-only Italian restaurant that has held a Michelin star for six consecutive years and ranks among the Top 100 Restaurants on Japan’s leading gourmet review site. Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood, it offers a warm, welcoming ambiance where Japanese serenity meets Scandinavian design.

At lunchtime, guests can enjoy a seasonal tasting menu crafted by the chef, featuring authentic Italian dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Each course is thoughtfully presented to engage all five senses, making for an elegant and immersive dining experience.

Housed in a standalone residence that captures the charm of the ancient capital’s hidden gems, Vena’s interior is tastefully appointed with vintage Scandinavian furnishings. It’s a refined, tranquil space where guests can fully savor expertly prepared Italian cuisine paired with an extensive selection of fine wines.

5. Nakatsuka (ナカツカ) / Innovative / Gion, Shijo Kawaramachi

Nakatsuka is a reservation-only, innovative restaurant that earned its first Michelin star in 2024 and was named one of the Top 100 Restaurants on Japan’s premier gourmet review site. Led by a chef who refined his craft at Japan’s iconic NARISAWA and celebrated establishments abroad, Nakatsuka offers a dining experience defined by creativity and finesse.

Lunch features a meticulously crafted 11-course tasting menu centered around the theme of aromas that evoke happiness. With a focus on the fragrant notes of herbs, citrus, and ingredients that evolve with temperature, each dish captures the essence of the season.

The serene, wood-toned interior boasts an open kitchen, allowing guests to witness the culinary artistry unfold before them. It’s a multi-sensory experience that’s as refined as it is unforgettable.

6. Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji (レストランひらまつ 高台寺) / French / Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera

Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji is a reservation-only French restaurant that has earned one Michelin star for seven consecutive years. Nestled in Kyoto with sweeping views of the iconic Yasaka Pagoda, it offers classic French cuisine rooted in time-honored techniques.

Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using Kyoto’s finest seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on drawing out the natural flavors, umami, and aromas—capturing the very soul of French gastronomy.

Set within an elegant four-story residence, the restaurant provides a stunning panoramic view of Kyoto’s historic cityscape. Guests can savor a refined lunch course while gazing out over the timeless beauty of the ancient capital—an experience as visually enchanting as it is gastronomically memorable.

7. Reine des prés (レーヌ デ プレ) / Innovative / Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shimogamo

Reine des prés is a reservation-only, innovative French restaurant that has held a Michelin star for twelve consecutive years and ranks among the Top 100 Restaurants on Japan’s leading gourmet review site. The menu is grounded in a philosophy of simplicity and creativity, with each dish highlighting the pure essence of its ingredients.

Expertly prepared using precise low-temperature cooking techniques, the cuisine draws out the natural depth, aroma, and intensity of every component—resulting in a refined, memorable dining experience. Guests can also choose from a curated selection of six teas, ranging from classic blends to seasonal infusions, adding a personalized aromatic touch to the meal.

Ideally located just a three-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station on the Keihan Line, Reine des prés offers both exceptional cuisine and convenient access to the heart of Kyoto.

8. Kitaoji Yuyu (北大路 悠々) / Japanese / Kitaoji, Kinkaku-ji

Kitaoji Yuyu is a Japanese restaurant that has earned one Michelin star for four consecutive years. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, it offers a diverse dining experience, ranging from traditional kappo-style dishes to innovative, contemporary cuisine.

The restaurant sources only the finest fish and vegetables from across Japan, ensuring the highest quality ingredients—on par with those found in the finest dining establishments. Guests can enjoy both time-honored Japanese dishes and inventive creations shaped by the chef’s unique vision.

The restaurant’s intimate, tucked-away ambiance features counter seating only, offering a peaceful and comfortable setting where guests can unwind and savor an exceptional dining experience.

Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kitaoji Station on the subway, the restaurant is easy to access and ideally situated.

9. Kiyama (木山) / Japanese / Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shimogamo

Kiyama is an exclusive, reservation-only Japanese restaurant that has earned one Michelin star for eight consecutive years and is ranked among the Top 100 Restaurants on Japan’s leading gourmet review site. The restaurant is led by Yoshiro Kiyama, who refined his craft over 15 years at the renowned Wakuden, a restaurant celebrated for producing many distinguished chefs.

Kiyama offers seasonal kaiseki cuisine, expertly prepared using pure water drawn from a well. The meal begins with a delicate, warming broth made from the well water, followed by a carefully curated sequence of dishes, including soup, rice porridge, a small clear soup, grilled items, and ending with traditional tea. The restaurant’s warm, wood-accented interior creates a welcoming, serene atmosphere, where guests can savor their meal in a peaceful and comfortable setting.

Conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from Exit 5 of Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, Kiyama is easily accessible.

10. Ichijoji Norihide (一乗寺 乃り英) / Japanese / Kyoto

Ichijoji Norihide is a Japanese restaurant that has earned one Michelin star for four consecutive years. Located in a quiet, upscale residential area on the outskirts of Kyoto, it offers a refined dining experience within a sophisticated Japanese-inspired setting.

Nestled in a historic and tranquil neighborhood, the restaurant features a spacious entrance leading to its elegant interior. With both counter and tatami seating options, the atmosphere exudes calm luxury, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger groups.

Guests can indulge in seasonal Japanese flavors that beautifully capture the essence of each season. The carefully chosen tableware adds a visual dimension to the dining experience, further elevating the enjoyment of each dish.

Special Edition: Michelin Restaurants Offering Lunch for Just Over $100, More Affordable Than Dinner

In this special edition, we’ll take you to three Michelin-starred restaurants where you can enjoy lunch for just over $100 (Up to $130)—much more affordable than dinner.

11. Gion Sushi Tadayasu (祇園 鮨 忠保) / Sushi / Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera

Gion Sushi Tadayasu, a Michelin one-star restaurant with four consecutive years of recognition and ranked among the top 100 on Japan's leading gourmet review site, specializes in Edo-style sushi crafted with carefully selected, natural domestic ingredients.

For lunch, they offer a sushi course featuring sushi made from premium ingredients sourced directly from Toyosu. The restaurant uses two types of vinegared rice to complement the toppings: one made with a single variety of red vinegar, and another specially blended for tuna using two types of red vinegar.

The restaurant's interior is a sophisticated space made entirely of Hinoki wood, with counter seating on the first floor, perfect for solo diners. The second floor features private rooms, ideal for family gatherings. In this tranquil setting, guests can savor exquisite sushi and enjoy a truly blissful experience.

12. Koke (コケ) / Innovative / Gion, Shijo Kawaramachi

Koke, a Michelin one-star restaurant, is an innovative, reservation-only dining experience centered around Spanish cuisine.

Each IDO KYOTO location uses spring water sourced from a well in its garden to create dishes that highlight the pure essence of the ingredients. Guests can enjoy a unique form of hospitality that is deeply connected to the water, adding to the restaurant's charm.

Ideally situated just a 4-minute walk from Exit 2 of Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma or Tozai Line, the restaurant is easily accessible.

13. Dodici (ドーディチ) / Italian / Gion, Shijo Kawaramachi

Dodici is an Italian restaurant that has earned a Michelin star for three consecutive years, offering a luxurious dining experience in both its main dining area and fully private rooms, with reservations required. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients, including pesticide-free vegetables from Ishiwari Farm in southern Kyoto and Kyoto duck from Kameoka, focusing on bringing out the natural seasonal flavors of the ingredients. At lunchtime, guests can choose from two types of courses: a lunch-exclusive course and a shorter dinner course, each featuring 10 dishes. One of the highlights of dining here is the opportunity to enjoy the sounds and aromas of the open kitchen while savoring the meal.

Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto City Hall Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, the restaurant is easily accessible.