Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Kyoto That Accept Reservations for Groups of 8 or More

3 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Kyoto That Accept Instant Reservations for Large Groups

1. Noguchi Tsunagu (のぐち継) / Japanese

Noguchi Tsunagu has earned a Michelin star for five consecutive years. This reservation-only Japanese restaurant specializes in a seasonal omakase (chef’s choice) menu, offering refined kappo-koryouri (a multi-course meal featuring small, home-style plates). A standout dish is the Nikusui, a delicate beef broth with thinly sliced meat. The restaurant also features a spacious private room with horigotatsu (sunken seating), comfortably accommodating groups of around eight.

The renowned Nikusui is made with premium A5-grade sirloin, carefully trimmed to showcase only the most tender and flavorful cuts. The result is a dish that emphasizes the natural sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the beef. The head chef also incorporates seasonal ingredients from his hometown in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki, adding a regional flair to his elegant kappo creations.

Ideally located just a 4-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line, the restaurant is both centrally located and easily accessible.

2. Vena (ヴェーナ) / Italian

Vena has earned one Michelin star for six consecutive years. Situated on the peaceful Muromachi Street, this reservation-only Italian restaurant offers a dining experience that engages all five senses. The restaurant features 10 counter-seats on the first floor and two private rooms, each accommodating up to 8 guests.

Both lunch and dinner are served as omakase courses only. Guests can savor a vibrant array of authentic Italian dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from all over the country. Vena also boasts an impressive wine cellar with around 500 bottles, expertly curated by the sommelier. A standout feature of the restaurant is the wine pairing with each course, enhancing the overall dining experience.

3. Miyawaki (宮脇) / Japanese

Miyawaki received its first Michelin star in 2025 and has been featured in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years. This refined Japanese restaurant offers a serene and immersive dining experience in a thoughtfully designed space, personally curated by the owner. It features eight counter-seats and a private room that accommodates up to six guests.

The menu consists exclusively of an omakase course, with 11 to 12 meticulously prepared dishes that change daily based on the freshest ingredients available. As such, pricing varies depending on the day’s offerings. Great care is also taken in the selection of tableware, with seasonal ceramics that complement the presentation and enhance the overall experience.

Miyawaki also boasts a collection of around 30 varieties of sake, including rare and hard-to-find labels, offering expertly paired drinks to elevate each course. Just a 3-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station, the restaurant is conveniently located and easy to access.

7 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Kyoto That Welcome Group Reservations by Request

1. Kyokaiseki KICHISEN (京懐石 吉泉) / Japanese

Kyokaiseki KICHISEN is a renowned traditional Japanese restaurant that has been awarded three Michelin stars for two consecutive years, and two Michelin stars for six years in a row. This exclusive, reservation-only dining experience offers refined hospitality rooted in the traditions of cha-kaiseki (tea ceremony cuisine). The restaurant features five counter seats and private rooms for groups of two to eight.

Chef Yoshimi Tanigawa, the owner and host, discovered his passion for cooking at the age of nine and began his culinary journey at fifteen. His artistry is deeply influenced by traditional Japanese cultural practices such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, incense appreciation, calligraphy, and classical poetry. He honors time-honored techniques such as Ikama-ryu ceremonial knife rituals, dating back to the Heian period, and Yusoku-ryori, an aristocratic cuisine from the Muromachi era—while constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation.

The seasonal menu, crafted with meticulous attention to hospitality and presentation, includes a kaiseki lunch course, a formal kaiseki dinner, and an exclusive special kaiseki experience.

2. Reine des prés (レーヌ デ プレ) / Innovative

Reine des prés is an innovative, reservation-only restaurant that has held a Michelin star for 12 consecutive years. Specializing in French cuisine, it showcases expert precision in temperature control to bring out the best in each dish. The space is available for private bookings of up to 20 guests.

Both lunch and dinner are offered exclusively as a nine-course chef’s tasting menu, designed daily using the finest seasonal ingredients. Unconstrained by traditional French culinary boundaries, each dish is a unique and imaginative expression of flavor.

The minimalist interior features a matte black granite floor and a single striking art piece: a sculpture of a bird pecking at meadowsweet — the namesake of the restaurant and a symbol of its identity.

Located just a three-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station on the Keihan Oto Line, the restaurant is easily accessible.

3. ortensia (オルテンシア) / Italian

ortensia has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for three consecutive years and has also been featured in the Michelin Selection for two years. This intimate Italian restaurant, with just 14 seats, offers refined cuisine inspired by the chef’s experience in Italy.

Both lunch and dinner are available at a range of price points, with standout seafood-based courses that blend traditional Italian techniques with inventive touches. Wines are carefully selected to match each guest’s palate, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and casual drinkers the chance to discover something new.

The interior captures the charm of a southern Italian town with its warm orange walls, while a traditional Kyoto-style courtyard garden adds a serene, local touch—creating a distinctive and relaxing dining atmosphere.

4. Oryori Maeshiro (御料理 まえしろ) / Japanese

Oryori Maeshiro has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for two consecutive years and featured in the Michelin Selection for two years. This elegant Japanese restaurant offers a thoughtful mix of classic dishes and seasonal specialties, prepared with care and precision.

With just 10 counter seats, the space is intimate, though it can accommodate up to 20 guests for standing receptions. The menu centers on traditional Japanese cuisine, offering nearly 30 à la carte options alongside carefully curated seasonal courses. Dishes are prepared with flexibility and finesse—for instance, the head of a white tilefish is gently steamed in sake, while the fillet, cured in kelp, is served as dashi chazuke (rice in a savory broth). The course menu showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, featuring the chef’s top recommendations of the day.

5. Wakasugi (わか杦) / Japanese

Wakasugi is a refined Japanese restaurant that has earned a place in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years. Located just a short walk from Kyoto’s iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), it offers an intimate dining experience with only eight seats.

Chef-owner Nobuharu Wakasugi spent 14 years honing his craft at the esteemed Kyoto restaurant Wakuden before opening his establishment. His menu showcases a rich variety of flavors, balancing tradition with creativity.

Wakasugi is especially popular for its satisfying lunch courses and the added flexibility of à la carte dining in the evening. Diners can enjoy an array of enticing dishes—from seasonal specialties to timeless favorites—including a selection of obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking) and sakana (small plates typically served with sake).

Located just a two-minute walk from the Kinkakuji-michi stop on the Kyoto City Bus line, Wakasugi offers exceptional cuisine in a highly accessible setting.

6. DEUX FILLES (ドゥ・フィーユ) / French

DEUX FILLES is an intimate French restaurant that has earned Michelin’s Bib Gourmand distinction for seven consecutive years. With just eight seats, it offers a personalized dining experience featuring vibrant, modern French cuisine.

Rooted in classic French technique, the menu highlights seasonal Kyoto vegetables and showcases a contemporary, modernist approach. Both lunch and dinner feature thoughtfully crafted courses that unfold like a story—from the amuse-bouche to the grand dessert.

Ideally located just a two-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, DEUX FILLES is as accessible as it is exceptional.

7. Wasyoku Toku (和食 徳) / Japanese

Wasyoku Toku is a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient in 2023 and has been featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years. This Japanese restaurant offers a refined cha-kaiseki dining experience, engaging all five senses to celebrate the art of Japanese cuisine. With just 27 seats, it provides an intimate atmosphere.

Focusing on carefully sourced ingredients, Wasyoku Toku serves seasonal dishes that showcase the richness and elegance of traditional Japanese flavors. The owner personally selects a premium variety of local sake from across Japan. The sashimi is a highlight—fresh fish, handpicked daily from the market and artfully arranged, elevating the experience alongside the sake and shochu.

The restaurant features a long counter with comfortable sofa-style seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while watching the chefs in action. For a more traditional experience, tatami table seats are also available, offering flexibility for any occasion.