After spending a little time in Japan, you will quickly notice that a vast majority of restaurants specialize in a single dish or specific genre of food. While this specialization guarantees high quality, the lack of variety can make group dining tricky. Enter the shokudo. Here is our curated list of the best all-round restaurants in Kyoto.
What is a Shokudo?
The word shokudo literally translates to “canteen” or “dining hall,” but it is best understood as a traditional Japanese diner. A shokudo is an all-round restaurant that serves a wide, eclectic variety of food under one roof.
These establishments are the ultimate lifesaver when traveling with a group, a family with young children, or picky eaters. While you should not expect Michelin-starred gourmet cuisine here, most shokudo dish out highly serviceable, comforting, and delicious home-style Japanese meals. It is the perfect solution when half your party wants sushi and the other half craves a hearty bowl of noodles.
Top Shokudo Restaurants
Ganko Sushi (Downtown Kyoto; budget to mid-range) While the name suggests a specialty, Ganko Sushi is actually a massive, all-encompassing Japanese food hall. They are famous for their sushi, but they also serve just about every other kind of traditional Japanese dish. It is highly popular with tourists and often crowded, but the food is consistently good and the variety is unmatched.
Ootoya (Citywide; budget) The Ootoya chain is a fantastic, modern addition to the Kyoto dining scene. Specializing in healthy, home-style teishoku (set meals), it offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The best part for travelers? They feature excellent picture menus with English translations, making ordering completely stress-free.
Asuka (Southern Higashiyama; budget to mid-range) Think of this as a cozy, homey Japanese diner located right on the main Higashiyama tourist trail. Asuka features a friendly staff, a fully English menu, and a wide selection of comforting dishes. It is the perfect, relaxing spot to refuel after a long day of walking through the nearby historic streets.
Hisago (Southern Higashiyama; budget) Located incredibly close to major landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, and the picturesque Ishibei-koji lane. Hisago might not look like much from the outside, but it is a beloved local spot where the noodles and rice dishes are incredibly tasty, hearty, and affordable.
Daigin Shokudo (Northern Higashiyama; budget) If you are exploring the Northern Higashiyama area and working up an appetite near the Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) Temple, Daigin Shokudo is your go-to spot. It serves all the standard, comforting noodle and rice favorites in a no-fuss, traditional diner setting.
Goya (Northern Higashiyama; budget to mid-range) Located just a short walk from Ginkaku-ji Temple, Goya offers a unique twist on the standard shokudo experience. This Okinawan-themed restaurant features excellent island-inspired food, a cool music playlist, and highly comfortable seating. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy a vibrant, flavorful meal.
FAQs
What does shokudo mean in Japanese?
The word shokudo (食堂) translates directly to “dining hall,” “canteen,” or “cafeteria.” In the context of Japanese dining, it refers to a casual, all-round restaurant or diner that serves a wide variety of dishes—such as noodles, rice bowls, curries, and set meals—rather than specializing in just one type of cuisine.
Are shokudo restaurants good for families with children?
Yes, absolutely. Shokudo are considered some of the most family-friendly restaurants in Japan. Because they offer a massive variety of menu items, it is easy to find something for every family member to eat. They also tend to have a casual, noisy, and relaxed atmosphere where parents do not have to worry about children being too loud.
Do shokudo restaurants in Kyoto have English menus?
Many of the popular shokudo in Kyoto’s tourist areas, such as Ootoya and Asuka, provide excellent English menus. Furthermore, places like Ootoya use visual picture menus, which makes ordering incredibly easy even if there is a language barrier.
How much does a meal at a shokudo cost?
Dining at a shokudo is highly budget-friendly. A standard meal, such as a noodle bowl, a rice donburi, or a basic set meal (teishoku), typically costs between ¥800 and ¥1,500 ($5 to $10 USD). It is one of the most affordable ways to eat a hot, sit-down meal in Kyoto.
What is the difference between a shokudo and a shokudo-gai?
A shokudo is a single, all-round diner restaurant. A shokudo-gai (or resutoran-gai) refers to a “restaurant street” or a large food court where many different, separate restaurants are clustered together in one building or alleyway.