Top 10 Vegetarian Restaurants in Kyoto

For visitors to Kyoto who want to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine while adhering to vegetarian or vegan dietary preferences, the city provides an abundance of options. From traditional shojin ryori crafted with Kyoto’s seasonal vegetables to stylish vegetarian cafes inspired by international cuisines, Kyoto’s dining scene caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

In this article, we have curated a list of 10 exceptional restaurants that showcase the best of Kyoto’s vegetarian cuisine.

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Kyoto is a treasure trove of high-quality plant-based ingredients, including tofu and kyo-yasai (Kyoto’s heirloom vegetables). The city’s rich food culture is deeply rooted in the tradition of shojin ryori. This form of cuisine, based on Buddhist principles, avoids the use of meat or fish, instead relying on seasonal vegetables, beans, and other plant-based ingredients to create flavorful and nourishing dishes.

In recent years, many restaurants have modernized shojin ryori, offering contemporary vegetarian dishes that appeal to a broader audience, expanding the range of dining options.

One of the defining features of Kyoto’s vegetarian cuisine is its meticulous preparation techniques that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. For instance, Kyoto-style tofu is renowned for its refined taste, which allows the full essence of soybeans to shine. Similarly, kyo-yasai stands out for its wide variety of species, delicate flavors, and seasonal vibrancy.

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Kyoto’s vegetarian food offers more than just a meal—it provides a unique opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional culture. After exploring historic temples and strolling through stunning gardens, why not indulge in a meal at one of Kyoto’s vegetarian restaurants to fully savor the city’s essence?

Below, we introduce 10 restaurants where you can enjoy vegetarian cuisine in Kyoto.

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Falafelgarden is a renowned vegetarian restaurant specializing in Israeli cuisine. Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Line, the restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere with views of the Takano River and the lush Tadasu-no-Mori forest of Shimogamo Shrine.

The restaurant was founded with the aim of introducing falafel—Israel’s beloved national dish—to a Japanese audience.

The menu features dishes made almost entirely by hand, with minimal use of additives. Highlights include falafel made from chickpeas and a variety of herbs, rich hummus, and spice-infused baba ghanoush. These healthy and flavorful dishes are perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto is a ramen specialty restaurant that explores the innovative possibilities of vegan cuisine. Located south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this establishment has gained attention since its opening in 2020 for its unique blend of art and gastronomy, creating a dining experience unlike any other.

The ramen broth is crafted by cold-brewing Rausu kombu, domestic shiitake mushrooms, and vegetables over 12 hours, resulting in a rich, umami-packed flavor. The noodles, made with Hokkaido-grown wheat and organic whole wheat flour from Aya Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.

The menu features an array of creative dishes, such as soy sauce ramen infused with fermented lotus root and spicy miso tsukemen.

In 2024, Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto was recognized in the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction, cementing its reputation as one of Kyoto’s top vegan dining destinations.

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Yudofu Sagano is a celebrated restaurant where guests can savor the elegance and tradition of Kyoto cuisine. Situated a 5-minute walk from Togetsukyo Bridge and near Tenryu-ji Temple, the restaurant is housed in a traditional sukiya-style wooden building that harmonizes perfectly with the picturesque scenery of Arashiyama.

The star of the menu is yudofu (hot tofu), made with premium Sagano tofu from Kyoto. Popular offerings include the yudofu teishoku (set meal featuring hot tofu with Kyoto vegetables and yuba) and the Sagano Gozen meal.

During summer, the restaurant also offers a seasonal “Yudofu and Ukai Viewing” plan, allowing guests to enjoy both fine cuisine and the scenic charm of cormorant fishing on the river.

Towzen is a trailblazer in vegan cuisine, renowned as the birthplace of soy milk ramen. Its signature dish was created by a yudofu (hot tofu) chef who innovatively used tofu dipping sauce as the broth base, crafting a ramen that brings out the rich umami of soybeans. The Hokkaido-sourced thin noodles pair beautifully with the creamy, flavorful broth.

The standout menu item, “Vegan Soy Milk Ramen Musashi,” is accented with a hint of sansho (Japanese pepper), making it a great option for first-time visitors. For those who enjoy spice, the “Spicy Tantan Soy Milk Ramen” with level-5 spiciness is a must-try. This fiery dish, featuring bold flavors of chili and special spices, is a favorite among heat seekers.

Beyond ramen, Towzen also offers an array of creative options like rich black sesame soy milk lattes and gluten-free desserts, ensuring a satisfying experience for all.

TUCASA is a cozy vegan café located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, attached to a guesthouse. This eco-conscious eatery emphasizes sustainability by using locally sourced ingredients grown with natural farming methods, including organic and pesticide-free or reduced-pesticide vegetables, to minimize its environmental impact.

The menu is diverse, offering colorful dishes such as the “Rainbow Kimbap,” “Bibimbap,” “BBQ Bowl,” and “Black Bean Noodles.” These vibrant and flavorful options reflect TUCASA’s commitment to serving wholesome, plant-based meals in a welcoming atmosphere.

Located in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, mumokuteki cafe is a vegan restaurant that uses no animal-based ingredients. Its standout dishes include hamburg steaks made with tofu and okara konjac, as well as steamed vegetable platters served in bamboo steamers.

The café’s concept extends beyond providing meals, emphasizing a connection with ingredient producers. By valuing the blessings of the land and the dedication of those who cultivate the ingredients, mumokuteki aims to convey these sentiments through its food. It is a haven for vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious diners seeking a wholesome and guilt-free dining experience.

AIN SOPH. Journey is a vegan café-restaurant located in Kyoto’s Kawaramachi area. Known for its creative plant-based dishes, the restaurant utilizes herbs and spices to craft flavorful vegan cuisine. The interior reflects Kyoto’s charm, featuring a cozy, traditional townhouse-style design.

The menu offers 100% plant-based options, including vegan burgers, plate lunches, and a selection of vegan desserts, making it a delightful spot for both meals and sweets.

Izusen is a traditional Kyoto restaurant specializing in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). The restaurant’s philosophy emphasizes respect for ingredients, reflecting the idea of kikishin—the belief that meals are best prepared with heartfelt love rather than begrudging effort, thereby enhancing their flavor.

Izusen’s dedication to the essence of shojin ryori is also rooted in the principle of “roshin”, which honors every grain of rice and ensures that ingredients are used to their fullest. This ethos is embodied in its signature dish, shojin tetsubachi ryori, which is served in iron bowls traditionally used by monks during almsgiving. Prepared with seasonal ingredients, these dishes use minimal seasoning to highlight the natural flavors of the food, blending Kyoto’s culinary tradition with the mindful practices of Zen Buddhism.

Shigetsu is a temple-run restaurant located within the grounds of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This restaurant upholds the tradition of shojin ryori dating back to the Kamakura period, offering seasonal, wholesome meals made entirely without animal products.

The menu features options such as “Tsuki” (one soup and six dishes), “Yuki” (one soup and five dishes), and “Hana” (one soup and seven dishes), all thoughtfully crafted with fresh ingredients that reflect the four seasons.

Shigetsu has been recognized in the 2024 Michelin Guide with both a Bib Gourmand and a Green Star, acknowledging its culinary excellence and commitment to sustainability.

Omen is a long-established udon restaurant located near Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion). The restaurant combines homestyle warmth with Kyoto’s refined culinary traditions, making it a unique dining destination.

The highlight is their meticulously crafted udon noodles, made from a carefully selected blend of domestic wheat. The noodle preparation process, including water and salt proportions, is adjusted seasonally to ensure a chewy texture and robust flavor. The broth is prepared with kombu from Hokkaido and bonito, resulting in a rich yet clean taste.

Omen also incorporates shojin ryori techniques into its menu, offering dishes that reflect Kyoto’s culinary heritage while being approachable and comforting.

Kyoto, a city steeped in history and tradition, is also a hub for exceptional vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

Restaurants like Izusen preserve the rich heritage of shojin ryori, offering thoughtfully prepared meals that celebrate seasonal ingredients and Buddhist culinary traditions. Similarly, Shigetsu provides a tranquil dining experience within the sacred grounds of Tenryu-ji, while modern establishments like Omen merge Kyoto’s culinary essence with accessible and comforting dishes.

Beyond the 10 restaurants featured here, Kyoto offers countless vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Use this guide to discover your own favorite spots and immerse yourself in Kyoto’s diverse and vibrant food culture.

*This article is based on information available as of December 2024.