Chao Chao Gyoza - Sanjo Kiyamachi
A bustling izakaya famous for its award-winning, crispy gyoza with a wide array of unique fillings, offering a fun dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Chao Chao Gyoza - Sanjo Kiyamachi
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling izakaya famous for its award-winning, crispy gyoza with a wide array of unique fillings, offering a fun dining experience.
"Consistently praised as the best gyoza in the city, this spot is worth every minute of the wait!"
Arrive Early or Expect a Wait
Popular spot, so arrive early or be prepared for a line. The wait is worth it!
Don't Skip Dessert
The chocolate gyozas with ice cream are a must-try sweet ending.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Izakaya
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 75-251-0056
Address
117番地 Ishiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8002, Japan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Perfectly Crispy Gyoza
Indulge in perfectly crafted gyoza with juicy fillings and crispy exteriors. A must-try for any dumpling enthusiast.
Unique Dessert Gyoza
Don't miss the sweet surprise of chocolate gyozas for dessert, perfectly complemented with vanilla ice cream.
Lively Izakaya Atmosphere
Experience the fun and friendly vibe of this popular izakaya, where the staff are as welcoming as the food is delicious.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early or Expect a Wait
Popular spot, so arrive early or be prepared for a line. The wait is worth it!
Don't Skip Dessert
The chocolate gyozas with ice cream are a must-try sweet ending.
Counter Seating for Interaction
Consider sitting at the counter for a more interactive experience with the chefs.
Try Unique Flavors
Explore adventurous options like shrimp or chicken skin gyoza for a unique taste.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early or Expect a Wait
Popular spot, so arrive early or be prepared for a line. The wait is worth it!
Don't Skip Dessert
The chocolate gyozas with ice cream are a must-try sweet ending.
Counter Seating for Interaction
Consider sitting at the counter for a more interactive experience with the chefs.
Try Unique Flavors
Explore adventurous options like shrimp or chicken skin gyoza for a unique taste.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chao Chao Gyoza is a highly acclaimed spot for its delicious and varied gyoza offerings, with many praising the crispy texture and flavorful fillings. Diners consistently rave about the friendly service and lively atmosphere, even noting the staff's English-friendliness. However, be prepared for potentially long waits, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant's popularity means queues are common.
"I have never been a big fan of gyozas, but after eating here, it is now clear to me that I simply have never had GOOD gyozas!
My wife found this place from Instagram fame, and after a few Instagram gails, I was a bit skeptical, but I must say, there was not a single menunitem here that we tried that did not disappoint! Every dish was absolutely fantastic!
The Chao Chao Gyoza was awesome. The shrimp gyoza was a surprise too…. I’m pretty sure that was a whole solid shrimp in each gyoza!
Lastly, if you are going to eat here, do not pass on the dessert. The chocolate gyozas are to die for and MUST be eaten with the ice cream.
Do expect a line-up upon arrival, but it is absolutely worth the wait! We waited in line for about 90min.
The atmosphere for thevrestaurant is sctually just fine, but due to their popularity, don’t be surprised of there is the occaisional loud idiot tourist in line. Americans can be such asses, but it’s to be expected in such a touristic part of town.
We will definitely be returning next time we are in town!"
Tim Cromey (Timmy Toetag)
"One of the best and most awesomes places we went to. Gyoza types are endless and you can try them all because the are small (half the size of regular gyozas) and cheap.
Now the best part is the service and the atmosphere of the places, super relaxed, informal, everyone that works there seems to be having fun!
This place caters for tourists, so english menu is available and one of the waiters speaks different languages and speaks to you even small phrases in your language, I loved it and the food was also really good and tasty.
Oohh, there is a line, but it moves fast. We arrived at around 6:15PM and only waited 10 minutes."
Beatriz Guillen
"Everything about our stop here was amazing! Gyozas are better than the hype around them. The staff are incredibly friendly and the restaurant is very English friendly! We arrived around 5:30 and had no line so got in right away. However, even if there is a line it’s probably worth the wait!
We are hoping to find time to go back and try even more of the amazing flavours!"
Morgan Nichols
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The signature 'Chao Chao Gyoza' (pork) is a must-try, along with unique options like shrimp and chicken skin gyoza.
Yes, it's a very popular spot and you should expect a wait, especially during peak hours. The lines can be long but often move quickly.
Yes, they offer a unique chocolate gyoza for dessert, which is highly recommended, especially when paired with ice cream.
Yes, the restaurant is English-friendly, with English menus and staff who can assist.
While many options are meat-based, some vegetarian-friendly choices may be available, such as cheese gyoza. It's best to ask.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best restaurants Kyoto, Japan
In the heart of Kyoto's bar scene, it's no wonder Chao Chao draws long queues for its crispy gyōza (dumplings) – great as a pre-drink dinner, even better…
11 Best Restaurants in Kyoto
Chao Chao is a popular Gyoza dumpling chain restaurant in Japan, and one of its branches Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi (餃々 三条木屋町店) is located in the Sanjo area. A Gyoza dumpling is one of the hottest Japanese food, and Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi has a variety of flavors of Gyoza dumplings at a budget price.
Where to Have Vegetarian Food in Kyoto
Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi is an Osaka franchised Gyoza restaurant which has numbers of branches across Japan. They offer the variety of Gyoza dishes at affordable price, dishes include pan-fried Gyoza which is very sought-after, cheese, shrimps and boiled Gyoza, 18cm long stick Gyoza which is must-try.
Best Restaurants in Kyoto
This Osaka-based franchise Gyoza restaurant may constantly have a line out the door, but you’ll find that the wait is well worth it. This is one of the best restaurants in Kyoto for Chinese dumplings at a great price. Try the pan-fried dumplings, filled with cheese or shrimp, or the boiled Gyoza.
Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi: Gyoza in Kyoto, Japan
Chao Chao Sanjo Kiyamachi is a gyoza restaurant in Kyoto, Japan, popular with tourists and locals for its affordable menu and fun, casual izakaya. Although small, the extensive menu offers many unique gyoza options, and the friendly staff and lively atmosphere make the wait in line worthwhile.
The 20 Best Restaurants in Kyoto
We must have eaten at Chao Chao at least 3 times, as their gyoza is addicting. Trust me that the line out the door is worth the wait. Address: 117番地 Ishiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8002, Japan
Local tells Top 5 best Gyoza Restaurants in Kyoto!Try yummy dumplings!
And they are right in choosing this place because Chao Chao has won the gyoza championship (yes, there is such a thing!).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit