Restaurants

Among the Renaissance city’s awe-inspiring art and charming districts is an ever-evolving restaurant scene stewed in Florentine traditions.

Kyoto is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal. Get to know two of the most iconic, Higashiyama and Arashiyama, with this itinerary blending history, art, natural beauty and culinary delights. You’ll also hear from two international hospitality professionals from MICHELIN Guide establishments who share how these neighborhoods shape their creative lives.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, internationally acclaimed for his boundary-crossing cuisine and flagship restaurants such as Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen in Kyoto, shares his insider favorites — from udon to tempura to cocktails — alongside stories that shaped his love for the city.

Mauro Colagreco, the chef behind the Three-MICHELIN-Starred Mirazur in Menton, traces his deep-rooted affinity for Japanese culture back to Kyoto — the city where it all began. Now, years later, he’s returned with his family, eager to share the place that first awakened his fascination.

Kyoto has no shortage of izakaya, casual eateries where you can enjoy ryotei and kappo fare in a relaxed environment. Step into any one of them and be greeted by the same inviting atmosphere: gentle clinks of sake cups over the chitter chatter of guests either catching up with the chef by the counter or conversing among themselves set against warm lights that enhance the nostalgia of a Kyoto machiya (traditional two-story townhouse).

The Champs-Élysées is more than a tourist trap — it’s home to some of Paris’ best restaurants, hidden boutiques, cultural gems and unexpected local favorites. Read on to see what to bookmark.

Explore Kyoto with Junko Sakaguchi, okami of Sanso Kyoyamato and MICHELIN Guide Service Award winner, as she shares her favorite spots and traditions.

Kyoto’s an exciting place for food and culture in itself, but it’s also a great base for exploring other parts of Western Japan.

In Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, kaiseki masters, tempura artisans, and MICHELIN-starred chefs serve up tradition with a modern edge.

Soba is deeply rooted in Kyoto, as a staple of both the city’s cuisine and the broader washoku tradition, a traditional dietary culture of Japan, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here are our Inspectors’ top Soba restaurants in Kyoto.

Kyoto’s ryotei culture traces its roots to the philosophy of wabi-sabi — a reverence for imperfection and impermanence — shaped by tea master Sen no Rikyu in the late 16th century.

Kyo-sushi is Kyoto’s elegant take on sushi, rooted in local ingredients, seasonal restraint, and centuries-old techniques unique to the city’s refined cuisine.

Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage goes beyond wagyu and kaiseki, it’s also the best city to try exceptional vegetarian food.

Rooted in centuries of culinary exchange, Malaysia’s seafood scene is a treasure trove of flavors. From fiery curries to tamarind-laced broths, these MICHELIN-recommended restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang are must-stops for any seafood lover.

Singapore’s bustling melting pot of multiethnic cuisines wouldn’t be complete without a dazzling — and often, refreshingly cool — array of sweet treats.

Get the full MICHELIN Guide experience in Qatar’s capital.

Explore everything South Korea has to offer. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time, 2025 is the year to dive in and experience it firsthand.

Celebrate love this February with five romantic date ideas that go beyond your standard dinner reservation.