If you want to eat tempura in Kyoto, this is the place! Recommended famous restaurant guide
November 07, 2025
Tempura, one of Japan's iconic culinary treasures, delights food lovers worldwide with its irresistibly crispy batter and the pure, vibrant flavors of fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. This traditional cooking technique elevates the natural tastes of each ingredient, making every bite a celebration of Japan's rich gastronomy.
While Kyoto is famed for its refined Kaiseki and tranquil shojin ryori, it is also home to a variety of exquisite tempura restaurants nestled in the city's serene streets. Imagine savoring delicately fried tempura in an elegant setting that perfectly blends historic charm and culinary mastery. In this guide, we invite you on a flavorful journey to discover Kyoto’s top spots for authentic tempura that locals and travelers alike adore.
Sushi Tempura Gion Iwai / 鮨 天ぷら 祇園いわい
Gion Tempura Koromo / 祇園天ぷら ころも
Kodaiji Tantora / 高台寺 丹虎
Tempura Izakaya KYOTO GATTEN / 酒と肉天ぷら 勝天
PREMIUM ROBATA SANDA
1. Sushi Tempura Gion Iwai / 鮨 天ぷら 祇園いわい
Kyoto, Gion ☆4.1 (Google Maps)
Delicate Tempura Harmonizing with Edomae Sushi Elegance
At "Sushi Tempura Gion Iwai", every piece of tempura is a masterpiece crafted from carefully selected ingredients enveloped in a light, crispy batter that releases a fragrant aroma with each bite. This tempura complements the flow of a sophisticated course meal, perfectly balancing with appetizers and fresh sashimi, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.
A New Sensation: Light Tempura Fried with Rice Flour and Rice Oil
"Gion Tempura Koromo" offers a refined tempura experience where Kyoto’s vibrant local vegetables and the freshest seasonal seafood are enveloped in a delightfully crispy, fragrant batter made from rice flour and rice oil. The result is a delicately finished dish that highlights the pure taste of each ingredient without any greasy aftertaste — a true testament to Kyoto’s culinary elegance.
At "Kodaiji Tantora", skilled chefs prepare fragrant tempura dishes right before your eyes, using a special blend of oils that gently tease out the natural sweetness and textures of meticulously chosen ingredients. This exquisite Kaiseki dining experience invites you to savor the essence of Kyoto’s seasons in every crispy, delicate bite.
"KYOTO GATTEN" brings a playful twist to tempura with its signature "meat tempura," featuring crisp, golden-battered slices of melt-in-your-mouth Kuroge Wagyu beef. Paired with fresh sushi and comforting sukiyaki, this lively izakaya atmosphere welcomes guests to enjoy a delicious blend of traditional and innovative flavors.
Price: ¥6,050~(Affordable)
Type: Casual
Business Hours: 11:30~15:00, 17:00~23:00
Regular Holiday: None
Feather: English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu, Easy Access from Station
Experience Seasonal Tempura and Japanese-style Presentation with All Five Senses
"PREMIUM ROBATA SANDA" invites you to indulge elegantly in tempura that showcases the delicate flavors of shrimp and seasonal vegetables, accompanied by straw-grilled dishes and fragrant kamadaki rice. The thrilling live cooking right before your eyes transforms each visit into a memorable sensory feast, making every bite and moment unforgettable.
Price: ¥19,000~(Semi-Luxury)
Type: Authentic
Business Hours: 17:00~22:00
Regular Holiday: Monday
Feather: English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu
