While in Kyoto, you simply can’t skip on eating out at their wonderful restaurants with legendary Japanese food. Of course, everyone knows that traveling with young children can sometimes be quite tricky because you have to take things like potential tantrums, picky eaters into account. To help you, we’ve made a list of the top 10 best baby and kid friendly restaurants in Kyoto.
These restaurants have been selected based on how they accommodate the needs of your children, but also, a very important point, on their ability to provide you and your family with the best of Japanese cuisine. These restaurants will make it possible for your family to have a memorable culinary experience on your trip to Kyoto – one where both parents and kids are in a good mood and content with their meals. From ninjas serving your meals to playrooms, to being witness to expert Japanese chefs preparing traditional dishes in front of you, this list has it all.
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Premium Pound Gion
One of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Kyoto is the Premium Pound Gion. You’ll be lucky to taste one of Japan’s legendary Kobe beef steaks, while you enjoy witnessing how the chef prepares and cooks it in front of you while giving you a detailed explanation of what exactly you’re eating. This is something that slightly older kids will enjoy, but kids as young as 1-year-olds have been said to absolutely love whatever dish is placed in front of them.
Eating at this restaurant will be an entire experience that will make your trip very special; it is particularly recommended to celebrate special occasions like birthdays.
Website: https://ts-pound.com/gion/
Address: 70-15 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cost: $$$$
Ramen Muraji Kyoto Gion
Out of all the Japanese traditional dishes, ramen is definitely a favorite among children. Hidden away down some stairs, the Ramen Murahi Kyoto Gion offers you some of the best ramen in Kyoto – they specialize in preparing ramen with chicken which is a great option for kids as they seem to like it best.
You can be sure that there will be no risk of fuss over what to eat, what not to eat, what’s good or what’s bad…because everything that is made from this restaurant will definitely leave you with a good impression, and wanting to come again. If you want to try the best ramen in Japan, look no further.
Website: http://ramen-muraji.jp/
Address: 373-3 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0084 Kyoto
Hours: Mon – Fri 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sat 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Sun 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Cost: $$
Minnano Café
One of the main reasons why Minnano Café is among the best kid friendly restaurants in Kyoto is for its second floor. It has plenty of toys your kids can play with so they keep themselves safe and entertained while you enjoy a delicious Japanese meal. Best of all, the toys that are provided are in good condition and you better believe they’ll keep your kids busy for a long time.
The café is essentially a converted kyomachiya-style house; giving it a charming and homey feel. As with any traditional Japanese household, you’ll be asked to leave your shoes at the door, and sit down and relax. A very special characteristic of this restaurant is that it employs refugee seekers, as well as hosting computer and relaxation workshops for them. Don’t hesitate to support this cause!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kinowa.wappa.sweets/photos/
Address: 4-319 Money Exchange Town, Fushimi-ku Kyoto
Hours: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $$
Ganko Sushi
Of course, you can’t leave Japan without trying Kyoto’s sushi. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced sushi restaurant in Kyoto, Ganko Sushi is the place to be. It has a range of delicious sushi to choose from, as well as children’s menus. It is also spacious, which gives you the opportunity to find space to play with your children if needed; so it doesn’t feel as tight.
Don’t get off-put by their loud food models outside, the sushi is of very high quality, and you can be sure you and your family will enjoy it.
Website: https://www.gankofood.co.jp/shop/detail/wa-sanjo/
Address: 101 Sanjo Dori Kawaramachi Higashiiru Nakajimacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8004 Kyoto
Hours: 11:00 am -11:00 pm
Cost: $$
Gion Tanto
Specializing in okonomiyaki and teppanyaki, the Gion Tanto will offer you memorable meals hosted by welcoming staff. This kid friendly restaurant in Kyoto is hidden away in a small alleyway but has been often called a treasure of a gem.
Your shoes will be left outside, and you’ll be invited to sit on a low table to enjoy their wonderful food. Their open kitchen lets children into the world of cooking, and the staff is excellent at providing your food quickly…you won’t even notice the time go by! This is a popular place among Kyoto locals, so you can expect that it is authentically good and definitely worth the visit.
Website: http://gion-tanto.com/
Address: 372 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0084 Kyoto
Hours: Sunday – Friday 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm, Sat: Closed
Cost: $$
Issen Yoshoku
The Issen Yoshoku is a great place to dine in Kyoto for a quick, casual and authentic experience. Known for their legendary Okonomiyaki dish, you can be sure that your entire family will love it. In a few words, it is a kind of savory pancake that you can choose the filling for. You can think of it as a Japanese crepe!
Your kids will be able to see how they are prepared on the spot while admiring the beautiful kimonos that characters waiting at the table for you wear.
Website: https://www.issen-yosyoku.co.jp/
Address: 372 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0084 Kyoto
Hours: Sun – Sat 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cost: $$
Kyoto Yakitori Seisakusho
This is an amazing restaurant for kids to see how food is cooked right before their eyes. Some may describe it as a culinary spectacle! It is also a great option for those who are not too sure about seafood since it specializes in chicken cuisine. Their chicken is free-range and comes from indigenous regions. Their most famous dish is grilled chicken thigh using binchotan – just ask for the Momo Yaki!
The restaurant itself has a cozy, modern yet an atmosphere from Japan in the 70s with tatami rooms to enjoy a full Japanese experience. To make it an even better experience, you will be asked to leave your shoes at the door, and seated at zashiki, although tables are also available.
Website: http://www.yakitoriseisakusyo.com/english.html
Address: 324 Tabiyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8038 Kyoto
Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m
Cost: $$
Teppan Tavern Gion Tenamonya
Voted as a TripAdvisors Traveller Favourite with a whopping 5 star-rating, you can probably predict that this is definitely among the top three kid-friendly restaurants in Kyoto. Many have said this restaurant has made their trip the most memorable!
Besides its incredible variety of exquisite food and dishes, kids will be very much entertained all night. From seeing the amazing cooking maneuvers that happen in front of them to the wonderful energy that is felt by other customers expressing how delicious their food is. The staff is very friendly and will make you feel right at home! Make sure to send them an email for a reservation – it’s a very easy additional step to take, but it will make sure your family has space.
We recommend the wagyu steak; it’s one of the best delicacies you will find in Kyoto – you won’t regret it.
Address: 101 Sanjo Dori Kawaramachi Higashiiru Nakajimacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8004 Kyoto
Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cost: $$
Kyoto Ninja Restaurant
Yes, by now it’s probably made clear that Japanese food is one of the best in the world. But what about Japanese desserts?
Sweets of Ninja will probably be your kid’s highlight of the trip. Some of the things you might find in this magical place are a generally fun atmosphere with ninja characterized staff putting on a captivating show as you walk in. They will perform magic tricks at your table while you enjoy your meal…some of which include “suddenly appearing chicken wings”.
Their prices are very affordable and include an all-you-can-eat buffet. The sweets are handcrafted by a talented pastry chef but your kids can become chefs of their own by creating their own parfaits or eating from the chocolate fountain.
This is definitely among the best kid-friendly restaurants in Kyoto, and they will certainly think of it as a treat.
Website: http://ninja-kyoto.co.jp/dining.html
Address: 583-2 Nakanocho Shinkyogoku Shijo Agaru , Nakagyo-ku B1f, Kyoto 604-8042 Kyoto
Cost: $$
Maguro Factory
To enjoy something that’s rather outside the box, kid friendly restaurant in Kyoto Maguro Factory has your back. Tuna is definitely the dish to try, as it is their specialty. You can be sure that it is fresh, and tasty in every form that it comes in. Kids will particularly enjoy seeing how each dish is grilled and prepared because the kitchen is visible for customers.
Their staff is very friendly and will advise you on the correct ways to eat each dish. A good way to know that this is a great restaurant to each in is because you’ll see a lot of locals eating there – and maybe even lining up. Differently to most other restaurants this place is decorated in a modern, hip and unique way – with brick walls industrial decor and lighting.
Make sure you don’t skip on this place! Tuna is actually a rather easy type of fish for kids to enjoy if they are unfamiliar with seafood, so you can be sure they’ll end up loving it.
Website: https://magufac.owst.jp/?fbclid=IwAR1QhIwAGt4poGDXTgmCnBCc-v6Y_JzJxtL2ZATYTph2qckHm9M0cr3lcIs
Address: 1-220 Miyagawasuji, Higsahiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0801 Kyoto
Hours: 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: $$$$
Suggested: Top 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Kyoto
If you’re planning on traveling more throughout Japan, check out our suggestions for the best kid friendly restaurants in Tokyo.
