Where One of Kyoto’s Top Chefs Loves to Eat

This is the most authentic Kyoto experience you can have.

This week, we’re in Kyoto with chef Katsuhito Inoue, head chef at Chef’s Table by Katsuhito Inoue at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto — recently named #1 Best City Hotel in Japan by Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025 and #1 Top Hotel in Japan in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Widely regarded as one of Kyoto’s leading chefs, Inoue-san has worked in some of Europe’s and Japan’s most respected Michelin-starred kitchens, including two-starred Mugaritz in Spain. He then returned to Japan and was appointed Chef de Cuisine at Bulgari Il Ristorante Luca Fantin, where his leadership earned the restaurant a Michelin star and a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (ranked #18).

Below, Chef Inoue shares the restaurants he recommends to chefs when they visit Kyoto — from the most incredible Kyoto dining experiences you can have, to where locals go for Kyoto-style ramen, as well as the city’s best tea houses and traditional Japanese desserts that are still well-kept secrets, and more.

A Google Map with all of the locations is provided at the end of the interview.