Where To Find The Best Burgers In Kyoto Japan

Kyoto is renowned for its refined culinary arts like the kaiseki tradition, which place heavy emphasis on simple, natural tastes. When the craving for something rich and greasy kicks in though, you’ll be longing for a good burger. We list the top spots to find one in Kyoto.

1. Kobe Gavly

Kobe Gavly

Located on the edge of Kyoto’s downtown area, Kobe Gavly can be a little hard to track down, but is totally worth it as it serves some of the best gourmet burgers in Kyoto. Partnered with Steak House Zen in Kobe, Kobe Gavly serves Kobe beef burgers, considered to be the finest of Japan’s wagyu. The well-marbled, grilled beef will melt in your mouth, allowing you to taste the rich flavours of the meat. While the price may be a little off-putting, remember that this is Kobe beef, one of the most expensive foods in Japan. This is a burger you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Kyoto Station Bldg 10F, Kyoto Ramen Koji, 901 Higashishiokojicho Karasumadori Shiokoji Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216, +81-75-365-2900

2. Grand Burger

Grand Burger

Located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Grand Burger is a friendly burger café that serves both authentic and innovative burgers. Filings range from the conventional, such as cheese and bacon, to Japanese favorites, such as avocado and cheese, and daring anchovy and Hokkaido cream. Their burgers may be a little on the expensive side, especially considering the generally low cost of café food in Kyoto, but the amount of fillings and the quality of the burgers makes them worthwhile. This gaijin (or foreigner) friendly joint has an English menu, which makes ordering easy.

1F, 107 Shinnyodomaecho, Teramachidori Imadegawa-kudaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0845, +81-75-256-7317

3. Speak Easy

Diner, Restaurant, American

Named after the American underground bars of the Prohibition era, Speak Easy is an American-styled diner that serves fantastic burgers and other American foods, such as fried onion rings. While their burgers are, for the most part, conventional, they replace certain ingredients with local ones, such as locally grown vegetables and Japanese pickles. Speak Easy is a favourite breakfast venue for local expats as well as Japanese, due to their Western breakfast menu and refillable coffee. The diner’s signature dish, however, is their Special Burger, a 30cm tall monster of a burger and a fun challenge to eat.

5. The Burger Company

Diner

The Burger Company

To satisfy your cravings for an authentic burger, look no further than The Burger Company. The meat in their burgers is juicy and tender, and the vegetables are fresh. The burgers’ sizes are surprisingly large, especially considering the trend for generally small portions in Japan. This American-diner inspired joint is located just out of the city, in picturesque Kitayama, so you can stop by after exploring the area or before visiting the nearby Kyoto Botanic Gardens.

15 Kamigamo Matsumotocho Kita-ku Kyoto, +81-75-791-1727

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