Gluten-free vegan restaurant located a short walk east of Keihan Sanjo station. Menu items include fermented vegan cheese (also for sale), veggie burgers, soups, brown rice risotto, organic pasta, quiche, pancakes, raw cake, smoothies, hot drink. No fried food. Open Mon-Tue 9:30am-3:00pm, Thu-Sun 9:30am-3:00pm. Last order for lunch 3pm, dinner 8:30pm.
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89-1 Sanjo Street, Ohashi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0009
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- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 11 Oct 2024 by najav
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316 Reviews
First Review by jennjt
upbirdman
Points +130
nice place - Edit
We came here on a Thursday evening and it was closed because of an event of some kind. We returned on Saturday and had a nice meal. Mostly western food.
Read morePros: nice ambience , good eastside location
Guest
RovingRodent
Points +65
Fair, but not great - Edit
Easy to find, large , clean and bright inside. They seem to put a great amount of care and effort into preparing the food, but it was a little disappointing taste-wise.
Read moreIt's important to note that they take last orders at 19:00 on weekdays, one hour before closing time. We turned up hungry just past 7pm and were turned away on our first visit.
Guest
chocoholicPhilosophe
Points +865
Disappointing curry, but otherwise great food - Edit
I went here with two vegetarian friends and an omni after a day exploring the Kiyomizu temple area and ending up in Gion.
Read moreAll of us ordered the Japanese curry, and while it was ok, it didn't taste the way I remember a Japanese curry tasting. I guess that might be because it was super-healthy (no sugar or oil), but I was just craving a real Japanese curry, minus all the non-vegan bits, and it just didn't live up to that standard.
On the other hand, the drink I had with it was amazing. It was a soy amazake (a sweet basically non-alcoholic sake byproduct) drizzled with chocolate sauce. I tried every amazake drink I came across while I was in Japan, and this was easily the winner.
I also ordered the cheese tasting platter, so we could all taste the different cheeses (although, to be honest, I ate more than my fair share). The cheeses didn't quite taste like their namesakes (for starters, the cheddar was spreadable) but they were nevertheless the best vegan cheeses I've tried so far anyway, except maybe the miso-tofu cream cheese I had at Iki Laboratory in Sapporo. They were certainly in a completely different league to commercial vegan cheeses.
The mini rice milk ice-cream was pretty good too, it was much better than the So Good soy ice cream I'm used to in Australia.
Overall, if I was in the area, I'd probably come again, but I'd pick something other than curry.
Pros: English menu available
Cons: Atmosphere was a bit sterile
Guest
necius
Points +457
Great food, vegan cheese and ice cream - Edit
I tried this place with my girlfriend after a long morning in Kyoto. After getting lost a little on the way there (it's on the north side of the road, a little to the east of where the marker says) I entered and was struck by the feel of the place. The place had a modern high-class feel to it, while still being inviting. In the entry way there is a little store area with various vegan goodies for sale.
Read moreWhen we were seated we were greeted with an English menu and were served by a woman who had excellent English. We both decided to have the Japanese curry for a main, and were both very pleased with it.
For 'dessert' I decided to have a vegan cheese tasting plate. It was a little bit expensive for three small pieces of cheese on crackers, but it was amazing. I've not had a large selection of vegan cheeses, so perhaps I'm not the best judge, but it was far and away the best vegan cheese I've ever had. My girlfriend had the daily cake with a scoop of vegan ice-cream, and she was emphatic that it was the best vegan ice-cream she's ever had.
Overall it wasn't cheap for Japanese standards, but it wasn't expensive either. I would definitely visit this place again, and recommend others to do so, also.
Pros: Nice decor, Great vegan cheese, Great vegan ice-cream
Guest
stegh
Points +116
Easy to get to, tasty food - Edit
Very near to the train station and the river-- address shown is not exactly right-- walk past the Pig and Whistle and keep going down the block. Green sign, warm atmosphere. Staff speaks some English but not a lot. Set meal with quiche, soup, bread and salad was filling, if somewhat uninspiring. Easy to get to, easy to eat, and FULLY VEGAN.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Friday January 16, 2015
Pros: 100% vegan, great location, good value
Guest
JimmySeah
Points +29957
Location on the map is wrong - Edit
This is the correct location on Google Map, kindly update to this. Thank you.
Read morehttps://www.google.com/maps/@35.0092402,135.773824,3a,75y,345.66h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sbRUbukitHq5dfgrXO2G42g!2e0
Choice Cafe is conveniently located just outside Sanjo Keihan Station. Tried the Curry during Lunch.
The place is brightly lit, clean, price is reasonable. It would be perfect if the portion is slightly bigger.
Pros: Conveniently located near subway, Place is neat, clean and brightly lit, Price is reasonable
Cons: Would be better if the portion is bigger, staff do not speak much English
Guest
stancredi
Points +39
Good food and clean Restaurant - Edit
We had a great experience in Choice Cafe, the food was tasty and fresh, we had the organic coffee and it was great even with Soya Milk...
Read moreThe people were friendly, they also have a English Menu.
Pros: Delicious Food, Clean , Good location
Guest
LiaTraballero
Points +1946
Not an impartial review - Edit
The restaurant is in the same building of a plastic surgery clinic.. and this can explain very well why it looked so "medical".
Read moreThe food was good, nothing extraordinary or maybe we were only too influenced by the atmosphere.
Anyway, it is not easy to eat veg in Japan, so if you are close to this place, go for it, they serve what we believe in ;)
Cons: Medical ambient
Guest
iwanttofu
Points +45
Not a food review, but... - Edit
While researching places to eat in Kyoto, this seemed to be the closest restaurant to where I was staying. I walked past every day and can say you will have no trouble at all finding it now as it has a large green sign outside saying VEGAN CAFE.It's on the same side of Sanjo as the Family Mart. However, I never went inside, there was always somewhere more exciting looking to eat.
Read moreGuest
Psychonaut
Points +168
Delicious Food, Worth Coming Back! - Edit
The location is very central. The location on the HappyCow map was not too acurate though. There is a sign now however, so you should be able to find it.
Read moreThe food was delicious. It was special also with yummie vegan cheeses.
The staff was very friendly.
Pros: Delicious Food, Special Foods Available, Friendly Staff
Cons: Cosmetics Publicity (No real Con though)
Guest
Nancy Cadet
Points +1038
Light & delicious vegan lunch/dinner/dessert - Edit
Location: on Sanjo-dori, one block east of the Keihan railway-Sanjo station, on north side of street. That's on the east side of the Kamo river. If you reach the cross-street Hanami-koji, you've gone too far. The shop front has a big glass window, with green lettering "Choices." We also saw tables and a menu board outside.
Read moreMenu : this vegan restaurant has rather pricey multi course meals for lunch (39',000 yen) and dinner, as well as a la carte options, and a selection of " take away" set meals that are reasonably priced. There is an English menu and spiral notebooks on the tables with photos of the different dishes. This is fine vegan cuisine, and we loved the house-made vegan cheese "tasting platter", sourdough bread and mesclun salad with crunchy vegetables. Other items on the lunch menu included taco rice, veg curry, tofu quiche and seaweed salad.
Ambiance: quiet, spacious, with polished wood tables and chairs, and an open kitchen at the back. In front,you will find organic groceries for sale, books and a counter for take out. The waitstaff were very friendly , spoke some English and tolerated our limited Japanese with a smile. They even suggested ordering a set meal from the "take-away" menu because it was a better deal. I will defiantly go back for more.
Pros: Easy to find on major street , Sanjo -dori , y, inventive, unusual vegan fare, Friendly staff
Cons: A limited menu, Multi course set meal is expensive, Moderate sized portions
Guest
eatinggreen
Points +608
Good food in a clinical environment - Edit
When we first arrived we hesitated to go inside. It's literally some sort of medical clinic and looks and feels the part in every way. Brightly beaming fluorescent lighting, harshly sterile whites and cheap plastic materials abound. Everything about it felt wrong to us.
Read moreBut alas, we had come a long way so we figured we may as well venture in. We were in a hurry so didn't have time to sit down to eat - and given the ambiance we didn't want to either. We ordered an acai smoothie and an oil-free curry each to go.
The smoothies hit the spot and were gone in seconds - no taking away involved in that interaction! Thumbs up. The curry we enjoyed later on in the bullet train and it was yummy too - very healthy and true to its words, oil free, so we felt good afterwards, which is important to us.
If only they would do something about the environment we'd be back for sure. Other reviewers speak of 6 course meals which does tickle my curiosity, but I wonder if we could stand being in there for long enough to eat 6 courses... all those bright lights would surely be off-putting. Still, might give it a go sometime. If we do, we'll report back again...
UPDATE: So we did it - we went back and tried the course. The lights and ambience were still a big issue for us but wow, can see why all the positive reviews as the food is wonderful.. inspired, creative, delicious and super healthy all in one. Definitely worth your time and money.
Updated from previous review on Wednesday September 10, 2014
Pros: Strong health focus, Robust flavours, Creativity is evident in the preparation
Cons: It's in a doctor's clinic.., bright lights, plastic materials..., ambiance needs some serious work
Guest
mr.zaatar
Points +40
Lovely 6-course vegan meal - Edit
I visited Choice for dinner in Jan. 2014 after seeing it recommended by Miyoko Schinner and I had a wonderful time. It is a bit tricky to find--I was sure that it was on the other side of the street and stood looking around until I looked to the other side of the street and saw the lively green signage and plants through the front window. It was not busy so I was seated immediately.
Read moreThe server was professional. I don't speak Japanese and she was a bit nervous to speak in English but she did great explaining everything. We both had a couple of laughs at each others language flubs!
First was a fruity enzyme tonic and some assorted pickles. Next was a very nice salad of tomatoes, radishes, persimmons, and homemade mozzarella cheese (from Artisan Vegan Cheese cookbook). Next was a silky squash soup with soy milk foam. Then a brown rice and green vegetables risotto with more homemade cashew cheeses. The entree was a tempeh and root vegetable kebob with soy glaze and a creamy sauce. Finally, dessert was a plate of assorted treats: panna cotta, blueberry cake, poached apples, ice cream, and a fresh and dehydrated fruit compote. During the meal I was acquainted with Dr. Suzuki, the proprietor. She was a very pleasant lady and I chatted with her a bit about veganism and even vegan cheese-making.
The meal was light and satisfying. It is not heavily seasoned or spiced cuisine but it is delicious. The food presentation was also on point. The restaurant is very clean and has a nice window between the dining room and the kitchen through which you can see the chefs preparing the meals. My only regret is not having enough time to come back for lunch! I really wanted to but timing didn't work out. I will definitely go back and eat at Choice when I return to Kyoto. It was very memorable!
Updated from previous review on Thursday June 26, 2014
Pros: Delicious 6-course vegan meal
Cons: Can be a bit tricky to find at first
Guest
joeyfalconetti
Points +100
Delicious all vegan food - Edit
The food was delicious and light. The restaurant was difficult to find and the dining experience was a little awkward. We walked around the area that the restaurant was in for quite a while before finding it. There is a street entrance with the name written on the glass in green lettering, but it is hard to see and read and we we didn't notice it even when we were right across the street looking for it. When we did find the place, our language barrier initially made dining difficult. There was no one in the restaurant and we got the impression that they might only serve with prior reservations, but we are still unsure. They did seat us and went over the menu with us. When our food arrived, it was light and delicious. We had a sampler plate of vegan cheeses and various rice bowls. Mine was Mexican inspired and enjoyable. We were also served a nice small portion of frozen sorbet.
Read morePros: Good food, Light and healthy
Cons: Difficult to find, May require a reservation
Guest
AlohaEigo
Points +108
Cafe Menu Needs Help - Edit
I really wish the cafe items were better as the ideal location would make it a regular stop for me along the Keihan train line. At 12:00, the cafe was empty and the gourmet restaurant just behind a few plants had four guests. It doubles as a study space if you want to just have a smoothie and read for a few hours, which I might do in the future given how quiet and well lit it is.
Read morePros: Just Above Sanjou Station, Well-lit , Fast Service
Cons: Bland, Small Portions
Guest
miyokoschinner
Points +22
World Class Vegan Cuisine - Edit
I was lucky enough to go restaurant-hopping in Kyoto recently, and thoroughly enjoyed every one I went to. But Choice, an unassuming restaurant needing some clearer signage, stood out among them as having achieved a level of vegan cuisine I rarely encounter. From the presentation, service, to the plating and the subtle flavors, it captured it all. We were enthralled by every tasty bite of the five-course meals we enjoyed.
Read moreThe place is hard to find, although it is very centrally located. It is simply because of inadequate signage. However, the owner is currently working on that so that may improve soon. The space is divided into two, with a casual cafe serving smoothies and simple lunches in the front, and the full-blown restaurant in the back. I highly recommend spending a couple of relaxing hours and eating in the restaurant. You will not be disappointed.
Pros: Fabulous cuisine and plating, Great service and attention to detail, Talented chef
Cons: difficult to find
Guest
cammyschinner
Points +164
Beautiful, Fresh, Healthy Cuisine - Edit
Choice Restaurant, Cafe, and Study Space, situated right near downtown Kyoto, serves organic and creative meals for a reasonable price. Owned and produced by respected plastic surgeon Dr. Harue Suzuki, this restaurant is great for health-conscious food lovers. The space is also designed for cooking demos/classes. They sell a variety of health food products that are impossible to find in Japan, as well as Dr. Suzuki's line of health products.
Read moreThis business is fairly new--just opened in September (I believe)--and is underneath Dr. Suzuki's clinic and esthetic salon. As one reviewer mentioned, it was difficult to find--to this, my response is that a) Yes, it can be hard to see with the lobby in front, b) They are working on better signage! and c) you'll easily find it if you just get the address or call!
The cuisine is fresh and diverse. It is light and all oil-free, using organic ingredients (They do put bottles of olive oil and flax oil on the table, if you want a drizzle for your bread). Cafe menu is small (b/c not many customers) but nice variety. Includes smoothies, cakes, salads, etc. Dinner is elegant, beautifully plated, with innovative combinations of flavors and textures. The meals are perfectly portioned: considering it's Japan--the land of small portions to a Westerner--they will leave you pleasantly full.
For example, a recent several-course meal: we started with a chic pink elixir--a sort of fruit and enzyme drink to help with digestion--in a short martini glass with a side of delicious pickled vegetables; next, a salad of thin persimmon and beets and cherry tomatoes with mozzarella balls, based off of Miyoko Schinner's Vegan cheeses; Soup, risotto, a cabbage roll with veggies, and a healthy desert plate followed. The meal was quite impressive, and left one feeling satiated and refreshed. It was well worth the price--which was extremely reasonable!
It's not "white tablecloth" dining, but the quality of the experience is similar: professional staff, gorgeous food, pleasant ambiance, etc. The waiters are very polite and helpful. The space is sleek, with an open view of the kitchen. Currently, they are deliberating how to make the restaurant inviting from the outside (e.g., signs, outdoor seating, etc.).
I commend Dr. Suzuki: she runs 3 businesses, is a single mother, and is keen to educate people on health and making the right choices. This restaurant is a must-visit.
Pros: Fresh and tasty food, Clean, stylish space
Cons: Hard to see from street
Guest
Feliz
Points +6
Choice menu - Edit
I had twice! They served many unique vegetables and cheese which I never had before. Every plate were so lovely, surely tasty and healthy. I go to Choice next Friday again. Go there! You like it, too.
Read moreGuest
jennjt
Points +71
could not find this place - Edit
We walked all around the area that this was supposed to be located but we were unable to find Choice Cafe/Restaurant. Website is all in Japanese so that did not help.
Read moreCons: cannot locate
Guest
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