Discover the best dining experiences in Osaka and Kyoto, as featured in the 2025 Michelin Guide. From elegant kaiseki to world-class street food, these culinary gems are not to be missed. We will also introduce you to some reasonably priced restaurants that you can enjoy casually.
■KYOTO
Shimogamo Ichima 
Source:@shimogamo_ichima Instagram
Have you ever tried Temari sushi? Inspired by traditional Japanese embroidered balls called Temari, this adorable sushi is bite-sized, delicious, and almost too cute to eat!
Among the new Michelin Selected Restaurants for 2025 is “Shimogamo Ichiman”, a graceful kappo-style restaurant that has been cherished by locals for years.
Its lunch-only “Temari Sushi set” (5,000JPY) features delicate, bite-sized sushi crafted to be easy to eat—even for maiko (apprentice geisha). Adored for both its elegant appearance and celebratory presentation, it features auspicious toppings like sea bream and shrimp.
Also recommended is the “Chirashi Sushi” (3,800JPY), made with 8 kinds of fresh toppings carefully selected each morning. Its gentle, balanced flavor makes it another must-try dish.
Sake to Sakana DNA
Located in Kyoto, Sake to Sakana DNA is a beloved Izakaya that has earned a spot in the Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2 consecutive years. Its unique name reflects the family's passion for preserving and sharing “authentic Japanese cuisine” at a time when traditional food culture is gradually fading among young people.
Despite its casual setting, the restaurant is known for offering remarkably high-quality dishes and sake at surprisingly reasonable prices. With limited seating and a menu full of inventive twists on classic flavors, this cozy spot is a hidden gem.
A meal at DNA typically begins with a seasonal “wan” (soup bowl). Signature dishes include the fragrant Sakura Mushi Wan (1,000JPY), market-fresh Otsukuri (sashimi), flavorful Charcoal-Grilled Soy-Marinated Fish Trio (700JPY), and the beautifully arranged Hassun (6–7 seasonal appetizers, 1,500JPY). Don’t miss their famed Shiokara Potato (500JPY) — a must-try dish that perfectly pairs with sake.
With an à la carte menu that invites exploration and craftsmanship that shines in every bite, you can rediscover the essence of Japanese Cuisine.
■Osaka
Murabayashi
“Murabayashi” is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Kitashinchi. Despite being located in the center of the city, it offers remarkably fresh seafood that makes you feel as though you're dining near a fishing port.
To highlight the natural flavor of the fish, seasonings and cooking techniques are kept deliberately simple. A standout dish is their “Simmered fish dish” , cooked gently with just soy sauce and water to bring out the ingredient’s innate sweetness. The leftover broth is a delight when enjoyed with freshly steamed rice cooked in a traditional clay pot—down to the very last drop.
For first-time visitors, the Seasonal Course (7 dishes / 5,000 JPY) is highly recommended. This course offers a full taste of the restaurant’s charm, featuring seafood hot pots, delicate tofu dishes, and a satisfying finale of clay pot rice topped with a raw egg (Tamago Kake Gohan).
Temboshi
Source: Tempura-tenboshi Website
Tempura Tenboshi is a cozy spot tucked away in an alley near Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station. Operated by Numatada, a renowned tempura specialty branch, this casual outpost stands out among its many branches for its relaxed atmosphere and affordable pricing.
The restaurant takes pride in its tempura, lightly fried in a blend of sesame and cottonseed oil, featuring seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood. The house specialty—horse sashimi from the owner’s hometown of Kumamoto—is also a favorite, along with a variety of a la carte dishes showcasing ingredients from across Kyushu. The carefully designed course menus alternate between seafood and vegetables, and the tempura dipping sauce is crafted to enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient.
For lunch, the Omakase Course includes 9 kinds of tempura starting at 4,180JPY, while dinner courses begin at ¥7,150JPY. With its refined yet unpretentious charm, Tenboshi offers a hidden retreat for enjoying expertly prepared tempura.
The restaurant will usually confirm your reservation within 7 working days. Once the reservation is confirmed, the system will automatically refund the deposit within 30 working days.
＊Note: If you are unable to attend to your reservation, please cancel in advance. No-shows cause inconvenience to the restaurants and other customers. Thank you for your cooperation.