There is no problem that a good yakiniku meal can’t solve. If there is, then have it for both lunch and dinner! Besides its historic landmarks, Kyoto is also home to mouthwatering, aromatic yakiniku that you shouldn’t miss. Our editorial team has carefully selected eight of the most recommended yakiniku restaurants favored by locals. With this guide, you can enjoy unforgettable grilled meat in Kyoto without hesitation.
01. Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Hiro
The king of Kyoto yakiniku—“Kyo Yakiniku Hiro”—is absolutely the top choice for grilled meat in the city! Established in 1997 on Kyoto’s Sanjo shopping street, it has been beloved by locals for over 20 years. Today, Hiro Yakiniku operates three brands: “Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Hiro,” “Kyo Yakiniku Hiro,” and “Yakiniku Hiro Shoten,” with 13 locations in total. Each store has its own character, but all guarantee delicious and reliable quality.
The Kyoto Station Front branch is especially convenient for travelers. Just a 5-minute walk from the station, it features a clean and spacious setting with 200 seats. Whether dining solo or with a group, you can enjoy tender, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu for around 5,000 yen per person.
Store Information
■ Name: Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Hiro Kyoto Ekimae (Hiro)
■ Address: 510-1 Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
■ Phone: 075-343-4129
■ Hours: 17:00－23:00 (Last order 22:00)
02. Yakiniku no Meimon Tendan
Founded in 1965, Kyoto’s famous yakiniku restaurant “Tendan” has long been loved by locals. This restaurant developed a unique grilling culture, still preserving the rare “araitare” method—lightly rinsing grilled meat to remove excess fat—giving richly marbled wagyu a refined and delicate flavor, embodying Kyoto’s sophisticated approach to yakiniku.
The elegant and comfortable interior enhances the dining experience. Must-try cuts include the “sirloin roast” (sāroin rōsu) and “rib loin roast” (riburoin rōsu). The sirloin is tender and evenly marbled, while the rib loin has even richer fat, delivering deep, layered flavors. Both are perfect examples of meat and fat in harmony.
Store Information
■ Name: Tendan Gion Main Store
■ Address: 1-225 Miyagawasuji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
■ Phone: 050-5594-5818
■ Hours: Mon–Fri 17:00－23:00; Weekends & Holidays 11:30－23:00 (Last order 22:15)
03. Yakiniku Gyusho Shin
_1748844249.jpg)
This charcoal-grilled yakiniku restaurant, hidden in a traditional Kyoto townhouse, is a rising star in recent years. The beef is carefully selected from Omi female cattle, using only the finest cuts with tender texture and well-balanced marbling. Grilling over charcoal enhances the aroma, and each bite reflects the chef’s dedication to detail.
_1748844342.jpg)
Located just 2 minutes from Gion Shijo Station, the building retains its wooden warmth and Kyoto charm. The restaurant offers both counter seating and private rooms, perfect for celebrations or dates. Enjoy a refined and cozy yakiniku experience in this warm space.
Store Information
■ Name: Yakiniku Gyusho Shin
■ Address: 95-5 Sueyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
■ Phone: 050-5570-1857
■ Hours: 18:00-1:00
04. Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Renzo
Renzo is a famous yakiniku restaurant based on the concept of “everyday affordable prices with a premium experience.” It’s known as one of Kyoto’s best-value yakiniku spots! They serve carefully selected Japanese black wagyu, offering more than 20 different cuts so you can savor juicy and tender beef with every bite.
_1748846492.jpg)
The restaurant is housed in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. The exterior exudes Kyoto charm, and the tableware includes traditional crafts like Kutani-yaki and Imari-yaki. With its elegant and comfortable atmosphere, Renzo is perfect for celebrating special occasions or creating unforgettable memories on your Kyoto trip.
Store Information
■ Name: Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Renzo
■ Address: 690 Osaka Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
■ Phone: 075-746-5566
■ Hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-23:00
05. Taishu Yakiniku Hormone Tenyo
Most yakiniku restaurants serve beef tongue, but have you ever seen a fresh raw beef tongue pyramid piled high with green onions and dripping with umami? At “Tenyo,” this visually stunning creation is also a flavorful surprise. As a popular casual yakiniku spot, it offers affordable prices and fresh, sashimi-grade beef cuts that let you enjoy the natural sweetness of the meat in every bite.
_1748850848.jpg)
The spacious and bright interior creates a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a family feast.
Store Information
■ Name: Taishu Yakiniku Hormone Tenyo
■ Address: 56 Takenotsukaido-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu (Excellent Yamashina 1F)
■ Phone: 050-5456-9432
■ Hours: Mon–Fri 17:00－23:00; Weekends & Holidays 16:00－23:00 (Last order 22:30)
06. Gion Karoku
“Gion Karoku” was selected as one of Tabelog’s Top 100 Yakiniku Restaurants in 2024. It specializes in charcoal-grilled premium black wagyu that melts in your mouth. The signature “Special Green Onion Salted Beef Tongue” is a must-try! The white onions are hand-cut instead of machine-chopped, giving them a fluffy, soft texture. After dining, you can move upstairs to the dessert room for sweets and after-dinner drinks.
_1748853108.jpg)
This atmospheric restaurant adopts a shoin-zukuri architectural style, renovated from a wealthy residence built in 1927. Located in Kyoto’s Gion, it features 8 tatami rooms overlooking a Japanese garden and 4 private rooms, creating a serene and elegant dining experience.
Store Information
■ Name: Gion Karoku
■ Address: 566-25 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
■ Phone: 050-5456-9432
■ Hours: Tue 17:00－23:00; Wed/Thu/Weekends 17:00－23:00 (Last order 22:00); Closed Monday
07. Kyoraku Yakiniku Yabu
_1748855329.jpg)
Meat lovers should not miss this newly opened yakiniku restaurant in Kyoto! It is known for its high-quality black wagyu and fresh offal. Must-try items include thick-cut green onion-wrapped beef tongue, A5-grade Sendai sirloin steak, and the slow-grilled “Wagyu Tataki Tower.”
_1748855495.jpg)
The restaurant is located in the prime area near Shijo Kawaramachi Station, just a 1-minute walk away. It’s an ideal place to indulge in a wagyu feast after a day of shopping in Kyoto. Suitable for group dining, but also comfortable for solo meals.
Store Information
■ Name: Kyoraku Yakiniku Yabu
■ Address: 356-2 Kamiyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu (Fil Park Shijo Kawaramachi 1F)
■ Phone: 050-5594-1753
■ Hours: 17:00－2:00; Closed Tuesday
08. Yakiniku Yazawa Kyoto
“Yakiniku Yazawa” has been consistently ranked in Tabelog’s Top 100 Yakiniku Restaurants, making it a must-visit for meat lovers. Dedicated to providing stable and excellent wagyu quality, the restaurant serves black wagyu with delicate texture and rich aroma that intensifies over charcoal grilling.
The Kyoto branch features a unique design that incorporates local courtyard elements into a modern dining space, maintaining Kyoto’s signature privacy and elegance. Enjoy premium yakiniku while soaking in the serene ambiance.
Store Information
■ Name: Yakiniku Yazawa Kyoto
■ Address: 243 Shinmei-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu (Miyabi Ayakoji Building 1F)
■ Phone: 050-5594-4773
■ Hours: Mon–Fri 17:00－22:30; Weekends & Holidays 11:30－14:30, 17:00－22:30 (Last order 22:00)
In Kyoto, Let Yakiniku Become a Delicious Memory of Your Trip
When visiting Kyoto, don’t just immerse yourself in the historic beauty—be sure to include a yakiniku feast in your itinerary. Hidden in alleys, traditional townhouses, and modern buildings, Kyoto’s yakiniku restaurants are beloved by locals and returning gourmets alike. From elegant century-old townhouses to bright, spacious modern interiors, every shop reflects Kyoto’s craftsmanship in meat selection, cooking techniques, and attentive service. This guide’s eight selected restaurants ensure that whether you’re seeking high value or a luxurious experience, you’ll find your perfect match. Next time you visit Kyoto, there’s no need to hesitate—let this yakiniku guide help you create the most unforgettable culinary memories.
