Kyoto Food

Now I'm a total newbie to Kyoto. The city's grid design and smaller size should make it easier to navigate than Tokyo but I'm still unfamiliar with Kyoto's neighbourhoods and transportation system. I think we will take our chances with random eats here more than in Tokyo because it would be too much trouble to hunt down some of these places (good if we see them, if not, doesn't matter). Anyway, there are lots of eateries in and around Kyoto Station itself.

Kyoto is famous for its kaiseki (multi-course haute cuisine) - extremely high quality food presented like art, with prices to match. Each course is carefully designed to complement and balance the others in the banquet. Kyoto's also known for temple food, vegetarian food, tofu and wheat gluten derivatives. Okonomiyaki, yakiniku and ramen are also popular.

Also must try the Mitarashi dango rice dumplings, grilled on bamboo skewers and dipped in soy sauce, and sold at Shimogamo Shrine.

Food links:
http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/guide/dining-.htm
http://ss.gnavi.co.jp/fl/search/?id=enU&area=AREAL3404
http://www.vcarious.com/Travel-Guide/Japan/Kyoto/FoodandDrink.html

I am going to list the eateries by area, so we can refer to them when we are planning the itinerary.