Welcome to the vibrant world of Chao Chao Gyoza - Sanjo Kiyamachi, an izakaya restaurant nestled in the heart of Kyoto. Located at 117番地 Ishiyacho in Nakagyo Ward, this culinary gem has quickly garnered acclaim for its mouthwatering offerings and inviting atmosphere. With friendly staff and a cozy ambiance, Chao Chao Gyoza is a feast for both the palate and the spirit.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the gyoza. Diners rave about the perfectly cooked dumplings, bursting with flavor and crafted with care. From the classic pork and shrimp gyozas to innovative specials like fried chicken skin gyoza, each bite is a delightful experience that transports you straight to gyoza heaven. As Miriam LV noted in her review, the chocolate gyozas for dessert add a delectable twist, making the meal feel complete and unforgettable.
Arriving around popular dinner hours can lead to a brief wait, as Paloma H experienced, but trust me when I say it is well worth it. The moment you step inside, the tantalizing aromas envelop you, and the bubbly energy of the staff enhances the excitement of dining. The passion of the team shines through in both their service and the quality of the food, ensuring a memorable evening for every guest.
In addition to the standout gyoza, the restaurant offers a range of flavorful condiments and spice options to personalize your dish, an element noted by diners like Nitasha and Tejas. Experimenting with these additions elevates your meal, allowing you to explore diverse flavor profiles and textures. The intimate interior, described by Kyle Mika as engaging and welcoming, elevates the experience—turning a simple meal into a delightful event.
Chao Chao Gyoza - Sanjo Kiyamachi is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience. From the legendary service and varied menu to the unique gyoza creations, it’s a must-visit on your culinary journey through Kyoto. So gather your friends, prepare for a charming evening, and come ready to indulge in the delightful world of gyoza!
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Miriam LV
28/09/2025
We really enjoyed our meal here. The gyozas were perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and as a nice surprise, they also serve chocolate gyozas for dessert – absolutely delicious! The staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Definitely worth a visit.
Paloma H
15/09/2025
We got there around 19:30pm on a Saturday and queued for approx 30 minutes to go in. Worth the wait! It was absolutely amazing. The food tasted delicious! The staff and the recommendations were impeccable! Likely ambience. We really enjoyed and it was the highlight of our first night in Kyoto. My favourites were the shrimp and the pork dumplings.
Richard Keele
14/09/2025
Best place for food ever let alone best place for gyoza. Legendary service from fun and excited staff. They were genuinely happy to have us and it made for a great experience. The shrimp gyoza were probably the best, but the fried chicken skin gyoza specials were unique and never before gobbled. Ate heaps, ordered more. Don't miss this joint
Nitasha And Tejas
05/09/2025
Yes it’s hype but yes it is GOOD! We had the original chao , chicken and mozzarella, and the pork with spicy dressing on top. Also got the spicy cucumbers for balance. They were all solid and different textures. They give you some flavorful spice and condiment to add at the table. We arrived about 10 minutes after it opened and waited for about 20-30 minutes.
Kyle Mika
05/09/2025
This was such a fun time! The interior is very intimate and the chef is very friendly and talkative. The staff were also nice and were really engaging. We loved the dumplings here and we would for sure come back. Great time all around and hope to come back!
Sunil Daswani
07/08/2025
Stumbled upon this little gyoza place in Kyoto and it was such a gem! Super cozy, very local vibe, and the staff made it feel really homely. The gyozas were amazing — crispy outside, juicy inside — and the prices were really budget-friendly. One of those spots you’re happy to find while exploring the city. Definitely worth a stop!
Thy Nguyen
18/07/2025
It is as good as the reviews say! Each gyoza we had was succulent and cooked to perfection. Obviously you have to order the infamous chao chao gyoza - definitely can’t go wrong! We asked for a few recommendations on which gyozas are recommended by our server and it did not disappoint! It felt light and not too heavy even with the amount ordered between two. Recommended to order a vegetable side to balance the gyozas. Special mention to the chicken skin gyozas - a lovely surprise!! We arrived there at around 5:30pm and there was no line. Highly recommended!
Bea G.
08/07/2025
Delicious Gyoza Remarkable Service But Long Wait This shop requires patience due to very long wait but it's all gonna be WORTH IT! We came 10mins after opening but ended up to 1hr wait. Turns out average dining time per table is about 1hr as we had the same during our turn from frustration due to long wait to a very happy and memorable dining experience. They serve wide variety of gyoza flavors, from common to special ones. We really enjoyed their specialty Chao Chao Pork Gyoza (love the texture on the bottom, softness on top), and ended with a satisfying Chocolate Gyoza with Vanilla Icecream (recommended by the chef and it was superrr nice!) What made the dining experience special is the interaction we had with the chef and othet staffs- super fun and friendly, recommended to seat next to the chef for better experience.