Anzukko, a gyoza bar located down a small alley near Sanjo Station, merits multiple visits. We love this pocket-sized slip of a restaurant for their excellent, inventive gyoza.
Anzukko- image © Chris Rowthorn
Downtown Kyoto has no shortage of excellent restaurants, and it takes a lot to stand out from the competition and keep us coming back. Anzukko, a gyoza bar located down a small alley near Sanjo Station, is one place that merits return visits. We love this pocket-sized slip of a restaurant for their excellent, inventive gyoza.
A dumpling is not just a dumpling. For starters, they actually limit their signature ‘Anzukko Gyoza’ to 8 per customer. Whether you think it’s a reasonable policy or not, what’s certain is just how delicious they are.
Imagine a dozen crescents spiralling around the pan, the thin gyoza bottoms sizzled to a lacy crisp, each containing a packet of piping hot, juicy meat and alliums. We suggest ordering the 8-piece plate per person, rather than a 12-piece plate to share. Trust us – you’ll want more!
Then there’s the rest of the menu. Their seafood boiled dumplings, generously filled with scallop and dried shrimp, are sure to please fish eaters. You can also try them cold, with what seems to be a rather Southeast Asian twist, drizzled with fish sauce, sweet chilli sauce, and lemon juice. Another standout here is the Camembert cheese gyoza. This is about as creamy and rich as you’d imagine a fried cheese-stuffed gyoza to be.
While the gyoza are the mainstays here, consider a few side dishes to round out your main meal. At Anzukko, they put just as much thought into the sides as they do their main product. There’s everything from edamame to pickled cucumbers to curry fried rice. Try the potato salad, creamy and studded through with bits of smoked bacon, egg, and onion. They have a number of green salads to break up the parade of rich, fried food, too.
For more Kyoto gyoza choices, see our Best Gyoza in Kyoto page.
Name in English:
Anzukko
Name in Japanese:
杏っ子
English address:
2F Le Sixieme bldg., 422-1 Ebisu-cho, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区恵比須町422-1 ル・シゼームビル2F
Opening hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 6:30pm-11:30pm
Sunday and national holidays: 6pm-11:30pm
Closed Monday
Price:
Budget to mid-range
Non-smoking area: Completely Non-Smoking
Nearest Transport:
4min walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Tozai subway line
Reservations:
Possible
Telephone: 211-3801
Website:
Official site (English)
Near To Here:
Anzukko is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
