I spent a week in Kyoto thanks to a research collaboration with Masaaki Sakakura, a brilliant professor at University of Kyoto. While there I also tried some amazing food. Here are my best food and beverage experiences while in Kyoto:
Multicourse home-style restaurant Banzai Sumikura
sashimi (banzai sumikura)
miso soup made with bread
Soba noodles at Owariya
soba heaven
Japanese Wagyu beef at Steak House
wagyu beef (steak house)
wagyu beef (steak house)
Burnt miso ramen and fried gyoza at Gogyo
burnt miso ramen (gogyo)
fried gyozo (gogyo)
Bluefin tuna sashimi at Chojiro
bluefin tuna
Ramen in chicken broth at クレーン (Crane)
ramen in chicken broth
Tofu at XYZ
Japanese whisky at Chez Quasimodo
12 year old Yoichi Nikka whiksy
Rob Roy cocktail at Hello Dolly
Specialty espresso at Bibliotec and Sentido
double espresso (bibliotec)
the baristas at Sentido
Next time I return, I hope to try kaseiki (Japanese multi-course haute cuisine) at Kitcho, tofu at Tousuiro, kyoto-style sushi at Izuju, and kobe beef at Morita-ya.