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Uosue
Uosue is one the best value Japanese places in town. It's a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant with a simple, clean interior and friendly proprietors. For lunch, try the wonderful nijū bentō for around ¥1000 . At dinner, their omakase ryōri kōsu is a great way to sample kaiseki ryōri without breaking the bank: it costs about ¥3800 . It's next to a tiny shrine - keep an eye out for the sake barrels out front.
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Yak & Yeti
This tiny joint serves more than just the dal bhaat (rice and lentil curry) that most people associate with Nepalese cuisine. In fact, the fare (good curries and tasty nan bread) is probably closer to Indian. There is counter seating but we like to sit on the comfortable cushions here. English menus are available. The staff is pretty chuffed about being listed in our guides and has posted a picture of an old edition out front - should be no trouble finding it.
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Yoshida-Ya
This quaint and friendly little teishoku-ya (set-meal restaurant) is the perfect place to grab a simple lunch while in Arashiyama. All the standard teishoku favourites are on offer, including things such as oyakodon (egg and chicken over a bowl of rice) for around ¥1000 . You can also cool off here with a refreshing uji kintoki for around ¥600 . There is no English sign; the restaurant is the first place south of the station and it has a rustic front.
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Yoshikawa
For superb tempura, head for Yoshikawa. It offers fancy table seating but it's much more interesting (and cheaper) to sit and eat around the small counter and observe the chefs at work. Look for the English sign reading 'Yoshikawa Inn'; the restaurant entrance is next door.
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Yudōfu Sagano
This is a popular place to sample yudōfu . It's fairly casual with a spacious dining room. You can usually eat here without having to wait and there 's both indoor and outdoor seating. Look for the old cartwheels outside.
