Vegan-friendly
Ovo
Japanese
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. A simple "mom & pop"-style family restaurant, providing traditional Japanese food. Has a separate vegetarian menu with vegan options. You can either sit on tatami mats at a low Japanese-style table, or at the counter where you can watch Hiroshi prepare your meal. English spoken. Max. capacity 12 persons. Tables max 4 people. Reservations via website. Open Mon 11:30am-12:30pm, 5:00pm-7:30pm, Wed 11:30am-12:30pm, 5:00pm-7:30pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-12:30pm, 5:00pm-7:30pm. Last orders 8:00pm.
114 Reviews
First Review by Dean
Rombout67
Points +121
Superb! Fantastic atmosphere and good food - Edit
Really the best we saw in Takayama. Not expensive, freshly made food, multiple vegan and vegetarian options.
Read morePros: Very friendly couple, Small, intimate restaurant, Authentic cooking
Guest
RACC
Points +20
Best Vegan Meal in Japan! - Edit
This was the best meal we have had in Japan! The husband & wife team spoke excellent English and specialized the meal to include our favorite vegetables! We had the Vegan Set - the appetizer, soup, dumplings and main course were all fantastic! We even had vegan black sesame pudding for dessert! Amazing!! There is a large section for vegan dishes on the menu and the atmosphere is cozy. Prices are reasonable. Definitely make a reservation!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options , Wonderful husband & wife team. , Amazing food!!
Guest
AkihiroShugo
Points +1246
Very nice food and friendly staff - Edit
It was very nice Vegan and 素食 restaurant in Takayama city,GIifu pref.
Read moreStaff were very friendly and knowledgeable, so we could eat at ease.
I want to give a perfect score of 5 but I can not get it on the system.
I will definitely be back.
Thank you very much!!
Guest
Sinnes13
Points +13
An amazing meal - Edit
The menu was nice and broad. Vegan is possible. The staff were extremely friendly and made sure we didnt eat anything we couldn't. We had the set vegetarian and would recommend it. Very small though so book ahead. You'll regret it if you don't!
Read morePros: Amazing food, Lovely staff, Reasonable price
Cons: Small (avoidable problem though)
Guest
CBogey
Points +26
Best vegan meal in Japan! - Edit
I don’t usually leave a review but this place was compelled to do so. Run by a husband and wife team, the restaurant is small, exudes warmth and pride. Both speak English very well and understand veganism. We had a vegetarian set meal which was veganised and oh my, it was the tastiest meal we’ve had in Japan and believe you me, we are eating our way across Japan. From the delicious appetisers to even the soup and mains, which was to die for. We were there at 6pm on a Saturday night and got a table, did see and hear others being turned away later. So either arrive as close as possible to opening time (5.30pm) or call ahead and make a reservation.
Read morePros: Menu easily adaptable, Owners accomodating to dietary needs, Reasonably priced
Guest
yungturbo
Points +74
Perfection - Edit
This was my most enjoyable meal in all of Japan. The food was amazing (get the sweet miso tofu) and there was a lot of it. The service was impeccable, they really made us feel at home.
Read morePros: The friendliest staff I’ve ever experienced , Huge menu, Awesome environment
Guest
genya
Points +72
Charming and delicious - Edit
The husband and wife owners are so sweet and gracious. We enjoy their delicious food. Speak very good English and menu clearly marks all the eating preferences and allergies. They are very accommodating to special requests. Food is cooked fresh to order, it is healthy and flavourful. We had a great dinner experience.
Read morePros: Flexible vegetarian and vegan menu, Friendly owners , Lovely atmosphere
Guest
az60
Points +28
Wonderfully welcoming - Edit
Lovely food, owners who can’t do enough for you this is the place to try in Takayama.
Read moreWe were lucky to get in as we were the first to arrive at 5.30. They only take 4 people at a time and were turning others away.
Pros: Lots of vegetarian options , Cater for celiacs , Very generous and enthusiastic
Guest
amberbronwyn
Points +32
Loveliest owners! - Edit
Such an amazing experience in Takayama! The owners were so lovely and polite and the food is amazing. They have even created a detailed information sheet you can hand to other restaurants explaining your dietary requirements, which they will give you a copy of if you ask.
Read morePros: Helpful and polite, Delicious food
Guest
tastyvegaina
Points +86
Best Japanese food in Japan - Edit
We have been 3 weeks travelling around Japan, and this is the best Japanese restaurant we found. Everything was perfect: the food, the owners, the price... not all the menu is vegan but there are many choices and they can speak English helping you with any ingredient or allergy. They were so kind with us, so helpful... and really the food was amazing. The ramen and the gyoza were the best we had ever. This is a 5 stars restaurant and I really recommend you to try it. Please be aware that the restaurant is little and is usually fully booked. So take a reservation or go really early. Mario y Aina.
Read morePros: Delicious food, Owners were super kind, Very cheap for the quality
Cons: Reservation may be needed
Guest
JasmineEmma
Points +895
Amazing food and lovely staff - Edit
Such a lovely cosy little place, the staff are so kind and welcoming. They have a very good understanding of veganism and will assure you that there are no animal products in your meal. My friend and I went for the set meal for 2 for 3000 yen which came with appetisers, soup, gyoza, 2 mains and some fried rice and some fruit to finish. We also got 2 pots of green tea for free! There was a mix up with one of our mains and we received a different dish but think this was due to language mix up and was our fault for not being clear so we had it anyway, it was still delicious! The gyoza is the best I’ve had and I highly recommend the tofu and cabbage with sweet miso. The price is reasonable for the amount of food you get. Wish we could come back again to try all the other options! 5 stars ⭐️
Read moreGuest
penelopehudson
Points +15
Best food so far - Edit
The hospitality and quality of food in this place is second to none
Read morePros: Loads of choice
Cons: None
Guest
TsengLuyi
Points +19
中華料理 - Edit
素食炒飯好吃,餃子比較像台灣的煎餃,包的很細緻,甜點也很美味
Read moreGuest
ahmoomoo
Points +85
5 stars for sure!! - Edit
I wish I could put 5 stars for them.
Read moreThe service is top notch!! The husband and wife owner is so adorable and welcoming. Makes you feel like home! Super friendly and the wife can speak pretty good English. They are very accommodating to your needs as well and understand some of the food allergies that you might not be able to have (e.g. The "onion family" roots)
There are so much options to choose for vegetarian/vegan (see picture)! I was quite surprise considering this is Japan. I went here for lunch as I only stay at Takayama for one night. So I order a spicy fried rice with egg and tofu (Buddhist style) and fried dumplings for takeaway on my bus ride. Both were so good, the spice was just right, and the flavours was very nice, remind me of home food.
They gave me appetizer and soup for free which I didn't order. The appetizer is a local koroimo (ie baby potatoes) with tofu mix with vege and soup a nice vege soup was so delicious!! I was so full by then.
Before I left they also gave me biscuits and a gift for the Chinese New Year, which I thought was very thoughtful 😊.
One of the best service, one of the best home cook food and so so much cheaper in price at the end. I definitely highly recommend this place.
Pros: Lots of vegetarian/vegan options as well as any, Allergies you might have.
Cons: None! They are too good!
Guest
邱俊偉
Points +17
Fantastic experience!!! - Edit
For me ,it’s worthy more than 5 stars!The owner is very friendly,kind and passionate .Foods are also very delicious!Make me feel like home:D
Read moreGuest
JokeCroonenborghs
Points +15
warm, cozy & delicious - Edit
What a lovely place! The couple is absolutely adorable, hospitable and warm. They listen to your needs and the food is just amazing. Be sure to reserve your seat! They are worth it!
Read morePros: A vegetarian/vegan/... menu , Very good pricing, Nice & warm people
Guest
Ms.Miez
Points +13
delicious - Edit
I would have given them 5 stars if I could. They know exactly what vegetarian / vegan means and offer many vegan choices. The vegan Miso Ramen was the best dish I have eaten in Japan. Loved it! The owners are also very nice and served us an appetizer and a small desert for free.
Read morePros: many choices, vegan dishes are marked
Guest
VivyShmueli
Points +39
Excellent choice - Edit
Very nice atmosphere and food. Friendly and nice food and people.
Read moreGuest
Eileen17
Points +128
Petit restaurant typique très agréable - Edit
Accueil plus que chaleureux, et plats savoureux!
Read moreN’hésitez pas à tirer la porte même si celle ci est fermée, même si c'est pour réserver pour plus tard.
Pros: Accueil chaleureux, Nourriture de qualité, Typique
Guest
nomeathagrid
Points +69
Wonderful restaurant - Edit
Lovely little restaurant. Very small so go early to avoid disappointment. Went there with my parents (who eat meat) and they loved it too. Vegetarian section in the menu. I had the yaki tofu which was great and a tasting sake set. They brought extra stuff we didn't order too. They knew about vegetarian and vegan and Buddhist requirements as well as allergy requirements like gluten and peanuts. Great service.
Read moreGuest
SachaG
Points +50
Great food, vegan friendly - Edit
I'would have put 5 stars but i can't. This restaurant is awsome, i ve had the best time. The staff is very friendly, and the food is very good. As it is "vegan friendly", it was so hard to decide between meals because there are so many options ! (Im not used to it haha ). I have ordered a meal for 1000 yen (rice with mushroom sauce and tofu ) as well as a black sesame soy milk pudding (delicious) but they offered me some tea, an apetizer (local vegetables), a soup (vegan), and a dessert (vegetable jelly flavored with coffe in soy milk). It is so worth it !
Read morePros: many vegan options
Guest
ViCao
Points +77
Best in Japan - Edit
This place was the highlight of all the meals we've had in Japan. Home-style meals which we ordered one dish from the owner's father's recipe. The restaurant has been running since 1963 and each time we came they were fully booked out. It's a small restaurant because they focus on serving quality food to their guests rather than quantity. Great service with friendly smiles and conversation. Owners are husband and wife and you can tell they share a love of food. The wife is also a dietician so they are very knowledgeable on what they are serving. They cater for vegans and have a separate menu, many options available. The appetisers were amazing along with everything else we ordered which were miso based ramen, teriyaki tofu, tofu curry and black sesame pudding. Wish I could come back for more.
Read morePros: Everything!
Cons: Always booked out
Guest
misery_chic
Points +65
oishiiiii!! - Edit
The owners were so kind and welcoming!! Free starters of local delicacies (and edamame) and the vegan/vegetarian menu was great! I got the fried rice with tofu Takeaway and it was delicious!
Read morePros: easy to read menu in English, vegan dessert! , tAkeaway near the station
Guest
AniaP
Points +71
Five stars! - Edit
We stayed two nights in Takayama, dined here twice and got another set of food to-go for our onwards train journey. Having read all the glowing reviews, I was a bit apprehensive about this place: it couldn’t possibly live up to the high expectations the reviews built up. But it did, and more! Firstly, the basics were covered: picture menu allowing you to easily explain what you eat and don’t eat; separate menu pages for veggie food; many dishes with optional egg so you can easily make them vegan; the owners’ understanding attitude to veggie diet and very good English. Secondly, the food was plentiful and delicious, served with additional small dishes (appetiser, soup, tea!), careful explanations and a smile. Last but definitely not least, Naoko and Hiroshi are warm, welcoming, friendly hosts who made dining here an unforgettable experience.
Read moreGuest
Cocacate
Points +56
Don't miss this place when traveling to Takayama! - Edit
We stayed in Takayama for three days during our trip to Japan and had dinner at Heianraku twice. We would have had dinner three times if not on our first night this small little gem had been fully booked already!
Read moreIt was by far the BEST experience we had food wise. The owners are lovely, they take very good care of you, they explain everything and the meals and drinks are so, so delicious! Best gyoza we had, best homemade umeshu we tried, best dessert... They even taught me how to cook the dessert by myself, when I asked about it. I could go on forever about how much we loved our time there!
The restaurant itself is also very cosy. We felt relaxed and welcomed the second we entered. There are also many postcards from all around the globe - you can easily tell how much loved this restaurant is. Don't miss out on Heianraku!
Guest
MrMcBlaster
Points +44
WOW - Edit
We had lunch here today. What a truly beautiful experience, way more than just eating a meal. The husband and wife are simply lovely and she has a good grasp of the English language to boot. As soon as we walked in we felt welcome, you can tell this pair take huge pride in their food and establishment. This felt like a very traditional experience with a couple of welcoming locals taking the time to explain the dishes and help show us the correct way to enjoy our meals. They have a good array of vegetarian and vegan options and their menu has dedicated sections for us folk. We ordered some saké and got a lovely surprise when the husband came over with 3 huge bottles of local saké to sample so we could choose while he gave a little history on each. Complimentary miso and tea was another nice little touch with our meals. And the food you ask? Incredible! The dumplings were impossibly soft and the 2 dishes the wife recommended were faultless, a miso dish she substituted miso for the egg and a teriyaki one. Between the station and the market makes it easy to find and they were open pretty early for lunch too which was very convenient if you’re on a busy schedule seeing Shirakawa etc that day. So far the best food experience I’ve had in a week across Japan.
Read moreGuest
AaronKinney
Points +18
Best experience in Japan so far! MUST GO! - Edit
The couple who run this restaurant are so effusively, contagiously sweet and joyful, eating at their small family restaurant (it was opened 50 years ago by his father) is about more than dinner, it's about meeting two wonderful friends who you wish could come with you after you leave. The food is delicious (best tofu I've tasted - so light and fresh); the menu comes with a cute pictorial reference so you can quickly show others in Japan your dietary preference. The hostess will fawn over your designation as a vegetarian and go to great lengths to explain how each item she brings you has been prepared. They brought us many items over and above what we ordered, including appetizers, plum wine to taste, and even a small gift (cookies!) which the chef raced out into the snow to present to us as we were saying our goodbyes. I ordered the vegetarian teriyaki which was divine, along with a sampling of three sakes which were all to my liking as well; my partner had vegetable noodles which she promptly ordered a second serving of to go so she could enjoy it the next day for breakfast. But again: the food, as good as it is, is secondary to the welcoming, warm, unabashedly embracing atmosphere. I loved this restaurant - enough so I created a Happy Cow account specifically to sing its praises. If you're anywhere near the Takayama area, you have to make a point to go here. You will leave a better and happier person than you entered! Five stars!
Read morePros: Delicious Food, Convivial Hosts, Attentive, Caring Service
Cons: You won't want the meal to end
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 26880 times.