This northwestern district covers a huge area with no particular centre to aim for. Instead, the restaurants below are chosen for their proximity to Daitoku-ji and Kinkaku-ji.
Gontaro , Kinkake-no-michi. Useful branch of the Shijo soba shop just a few minutes' walk west of Kinkaku-ji. Nothing fancy, but you'll still find the same welcome and well-priced noodle dishes. Daily 11am-10pm.
Izusen , Daitoku-ji (tel 075/491-6665). One of the nicest places to sample vegetarian shojin-ryori at an affordable price, though still around ¥3000 for the simplest meal. It's located in the garden of Daiji-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, with tables outside in fine weather. Reservations are recommended in spring and autumn. They also have a cheaper branch near the station . Daily except Thurs 11am-5pm.
Knuckles , 1-9 Murasakino Nishinocho. A "New York deli" just west of Daitoku-ji's Zen gardens. As you'd expect, there are bagels and rye-bread sandwiches, plus a few Mexican dishes. The lunch deal includes soup and tea or coffee for ¥850. English menu available. Tues-Sun 11am-10pm.