During a day of sightseeing or shopping in Kyoto, why not indulge in a delicious and convenient yakiniku lunch? Lunchtime is the perfect opportunity to savor Japan’s premium wagyu beef at a more affordable price, making it popular with both tourists and locals. In this article, we introduce three highly recommended yakiniku restaurants in Kyoto where you can enjoy an exceptional lunch offering great value-for-money. Each spot has a unique charm, turning your meal into something memorable.
A yakiniku lunch is an opportunity to enjoy the exquisite taste of wagyu beef at a reasonable price. Unlike dinner, lunch menus are often more accessible, making them ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal during a busy day of sightseeing. Kyoto, with its historic machiya townhouses and serene dining spaces, offers a unique setting that further elevates the experience. Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable meal while soaking in the city’s cultural charm.
Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Renzoh
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26040169/)
Located in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, “Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Renzoh” combines the elegance of a 100-year-old renovated machiya townhouse with a menu focused on premium Japanese black wagyu beef. At lunchtime, diners can enjoy a wide range of luxurious yet reasonably priced dishes. A standout item is the “Kyoto Staircase Platter”, featuring 10 cuts of rare wagyu artfully arranged in a stunning presentation. This dish delivers both visual and culinary satisfaction, even during lunchtime.
For a local touch, try “Kujo Green Onion Salted Tongue”, which highlights the sweet and savory flavor of Kyoto’s famous green onions. Each dish is served on exquisite Kutani or Imari porcelain, turning the meal into delightful art. The restaurant has counter seating and private rooms, making it a great choice for both visitors and locals.
Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, Renzoh is an excellent spot to recharge during a day of sightseeing or shopping.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26040169/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26040169/)
Tajimatei
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260601/26002411/)
Nestled along Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward along Kyomachi Street, “Tajimatei” exudes a cozy, hidden-gem ambiance. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of lunch sets that feature wagyu beef sourced from across Japan. Popular options include the “Yakiniku Lunch Set”, which allows diners to sample small portions of premium Kobe, Matsusaka, and other wagyu brands. Grilled with salt in a shabu-shabu style, or with savory sauces, the wide variety ensures you’ll get a well-rounded experience of wagyu’s rich flavors.
Inside, diners can relax in traditional sunken-floor seating, creating a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere. “Tajimatei” also serves rare cuts such as fresh wagyu tongue and harami (skirt steak), making it a haven for yakiniku enthusiasts. The restaurant’s light seasoning allows the natural flavors of the meat to shine, offering a pure and satisfying culinary experience.
Just a minute’s walk from both Keihan Fushimi-Momoyama Station and Kintetsu Momoyama-Goryo-mae Station, the convenient location and intimate vibe make it perfect for a relaxing lunch break while exploring Kyoto.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260601/26002411/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260601/26002411/)
Ryuan
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26023217/)
Just a minute’s walk from Gion-Shijo Station, “Ryuan” is a high-end yakiniku restaurant offering an entirely private dining experience of A5-grade wagyu. The lunch menu features dishes like the “Grilled Shabu-Shabu Lunch” and the “Charcoal-Grilled Lunch”, both of which highlight the tender and umami-rich flavors of premium wagyu at a fraction of dinner prices.
The menu includes rare and highly prized brands such as Tamura and Kobe beef, with fresh cuts of tongue and skirt steak that are never frozen, ensuring maximum flavor and texture. A wide selection of drinks, including wine, sake, and shochu, complements the exquisite cuisine.
The laid-back, refined atmosphere of Ryuan is perfect for private gatherings. The individual dining rooms are ideal for business meetings, dates, or family outings. They also accomodate larger groups of up to 24 people. In a prime location near Gion and Kawaramachi, Ryuan is a convenient and luxurious choice for a midday meal during your Kyoto adventure.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26023217/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26023217/)
Conclusion
The three restaurants featured in this article — “Kyo no Yakiniku-dokoro Renzoh”, “Tajimatei”, and “Ryuan” — each offer a distinct experience for enjoying an affordable yakiniku lunch in Kyoto. At Renzoh, you’ll find the elegant ambiance of a historic machiya paired with beautifully presented wagyu dishes. Tajimatei offers a cozy, hidden retreat where you can savor top-tier wagyu in various styles. Ryuan provides a fully private dining experience, ideal for special occasions or an indulgent break during your travels.
Enhance your Kyoto journey with a memorable yakiniku lunch at one of these exceptional restaurants. Savoring premium wagyu in such unique settings will surely make your time in Kyoto even more extraordinary.
