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
tabrill
Points +13
Would rate it 5 stars if the app let me!! - Edit
The husband and wife owners are beyond delightful and take special note of eat person’s dietary requirements. And the food..... oh lordy lord. Throughout the meal we were frequently offered to try extra dishes for free. The husband takes great pride in his cooking, and the wife his takes great pride in her husband. I can’t recommend Heianraku enough!!
Read moreGuest
ErikvH.
Points +1612
Lovely experience - Edit
For vegans and vegetarians visiting Takayama, this should be one of the main attractions in town. A lovely little place run by an enthusiastic lady who loves to chat and her husband. This traditional looking Japanese place may not be all-veg but the options are plenty and the food (mostly Chinese inspired) is A-plus. I would recommend the appetizer dumplings and the excellent deep fried tofu. Hey Happy Cow, give these folks the five stars they deserve!
Read morePros: English speaking
Cons: The place is small, but worth a wait.
Guest
TomerWald
Points +24
הארוחה הכי טובה ביפן - Edit
בפער הארוחה הכי טובה ביפן. שירות אדיב בצורה הלתי יאמנת .
Read moreמחיר סביר 3000 ין לארוחת ערב זוגית שכוללת 6 מנות.
ממש ממש ממש מומלץ
Pros: הם מבינים את המשמעות של טבעוני צמחוני והיא דוברת א
Cons: אין
Guest
MicalLex
Points +157
The nicest restaurant visit ever - Edit
The food was delicious, especially the potatoes and dumplings. The kind owner literally spoiled us by steadily bringing new side dishes for free. She also speaks English fluently.
Read moreVegetarian/Vegan menu is available, you can ask for it or just skim the menu card to the last pages, they are well prepared.
We were treated so kindly that we immediately decided to go there the next day. (We would have been there a third time, if we hadn't left Takayama that day). We haven't been disappointed by the second visit.
Pros: Very kind owners (who speak English), Great vegetarian/vegan options
Cons: Few seats, I have to recommend them, because they deserve it,, but if I'll go there again it might be too crowded
Guest
azygoh
Points +21
very clear and flexible on vegetarian options - Edit
This charming and cozy restaurant features heavily on local products, so you will be able to experience local flavor. The Ookami speaks English well, and the menu is clear on what to specify if you have specific dietary needs, I enjoyed my lunch here very much! Will definitely be back in my 3 day stay
Read morePros: clear menu, explains contents, English friendly
Cons: none
Guest
LakshPriya98
Points +91
Best restaurant in Takayama! - Edit
The service was amazing! The food was delicious and there were many vegan options. We really enjoyed our time at this place. We had dinner there twice. Hiroshi and Naoko are really kind and will do everything for you to have a perfect evening.
Read moreGuest
leftyeye
Points +61
Best restaurant in Takayama - Edit
We went for dinner and there was a sign that said that it was full, we entered anyway, and they were so friendly that told us to come back. The place is very cozy and there is a really friendly atmosphere.
Read moreThe owners are wonderful and very nice. I stayed a bit longer having a chat with Naoko and we had a really good time.
The food was really nice, not expensive and gave us free little dishes which were delicious.
If you go to Takayama dont miss this place! Itis better to make a reservation
Pros: Very friendly owners, the food is amazing, not expensive
Guest
ElissaGiordano
Points +15
Best experience in Japan so far - Edit
Very cozy, the food is delicious and they have options to almost all dietary restrictions. Hiroshi and Naoko are very very very nice and friendly. I would give 5 stars if it was possible :D
Read moreGuest
amyklaw
Points +132
5 STARS! - Edit
An Excellent meal. An excellent dining experience. Naoko and Hiroshi are warm, generous hosts, and the food they prepared for us was fresh and varied. Make reservations ahead of time as it is a small establishment and space is very limited. It is worth it as they are very attentive and engaging with each person. Domo Arigato Gozimas!!!!
Read moreGuest
jimprobable
Points +123
One of our favourites in Japan - Edit
I'll start by saying this goes beyond "veg-friendly".
Read moreOur food here was amazing, but the service was incredible! Apart from the English menu making everything clear, the food we were served (with a smile) was explained to us how it was made vegan and not only was that a comfort but it was a great insight into Japanese food.
We sat at one of the traditional Japanese tables, we served tea continually and had ramen and a veg noodles. But they also gave us appertisers and dumplings which left us feeling so full!
As we tried to leave we were called back in and given a rice snack that was delicious.
The cafe is so cute, the bar seating was full of locals all with a smile, and the service cannot be beaten!
Thankyou so much Heinraku!
Pros: Service, Tasty food, Cool decor
Guest
lavender25
Points +304
deserves 5 stars - Edit
Happy Cow won't let us give 5 stars to non-veg restaurants but this place is really amazing. The food is wonderful, the owners are wonderful, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is so nice. Our favorite restaurant in Japan. They even gave me a paper to take with me that shows what vegans can't eat, to use at other restaurants. We went for lunch and got the set meal for 2 people and left stuffed. The food was soooo good. Thank you so much Heianraku!!! ?
Read moreGuest
ChioOjeda
Points +127
Muy acogedor - Edit
Perqueño y muy acogedor. Sus dueños son muy amables y excelentes anfitriones. La comida estaba riquisima. Un gusto poder disfrutar de comida vegetariana en un autentico ambiente japones.
Read moreVery very good!
Guest
Haymehhker
Points +129
Awesome food, great people. - Edit
The owners go out of their way to take care of you and your dietary needs.
Read morePros: good options, cheap, freindly owners
Guest
IttySehgal
Points +127
Absolutely Superb service - Edit
This place is amazing. Run by a couple and they are absolutely lovely. Very good food. Especially service is amazing with a lot of personal touch. Its like visiting your own Aunt n Uncle.
Read moreGuest
alicel
Points +375
An authentic Japanese restaurant - Edit
It is very small and authentic Japanese restaurant. Very friendly and cheerful lady boss. The Miso Ramen is good (850 Yen). The price is very reasonable.
Read morePros: Able to accomdate different types of vegetarians a
Cons: Small place but cozy.
Guest
inkenmm
Points +192
Just what I was looking for :) - Edit
Perfect little restaurant with very friendly owners who talk about interesting things in good English.
Read moreThere was a great menu for everybody and I had many choices. They even thought about me as a vegan with extra soup as an appetizer and told me about the banana bread with an egg in it! Just very thoughtful, friendly and open people !!!
Also met other travelers!
I'd give 5 Cows haha
(if it would be possible)
Updated from previous review on 2016-05-13
Pros: Food, Environment, People
Guest
Knoepfchen
Points +95
Wonderful cozy restaurant - Edit
As tiny as it is charming, Heianraku embodies Japanese hospitality. The cozy restaurant sits about a dozen people at low tables on tatami mats or at the counter, where you can watch the chef work his culinary magic. The cuisine served at Heianraku is mostly Chinese. Heianraku offers great, homemade food in a traditional setting, but most of all, the owners welcome their guests as part of the family. Service is warm and personal, as you strike up a casual conversation with your hosts or fellow travelers, exchanging travel anecdotes and enriching your meal with stories. English is spoken, and an English menu is also available.
Read moreThe hosts are known to go the extra mile, accommodating individual requests to meet each guest’s demand, be these vegetarian, vegan or allergy-related. Pictures and postcards show the love and appreciation left behind by previous guests. Heianraku’s setting might be traditional, but its owners are curious, open-minded and kindhearted people who really care about their guests - from the first appetizers to accompanying you onto the street to see you off after a wonderful meal.
As Heianraku does not have room for a lot of guests at once, it is highly advised to reserve in advance.
Pros: Extremely lovely owners, Meals can be customized, Cozy setting
Cons: I want to give 5 stars
Guest
MikeB
Points +16
You have to try this place! - Edit
This is a small friendly little restaurant. There are plenty of delicious vegan options. The husband and wife team were delightful and very good at what they do. Can't recommend this place enough.
Read morePros: Lots of yummy vegan options. The menu has an easy
Cons: This place has very limited seating and seemed pre
Guest
WatchJessGo
Points +24
incredible experience, must try! - Edit
We stopped here after a long day of travel and we were welcomed like family. This small restaurant is definitely a husband and wife team that makes you feel so special and the food is amazing. I wish I could give it 5 stars. Tea, appetizers and soup were included in the price of the meal, or she just brought them out, it wasn't quite clear. She also cut us a bit of fruit for dessert.
Read moreThey truly understand what vegan is. I ordered fried rice without the egg and she picked up immediately that I was vegan and was super happy to make adjustments. If you're in the area, stop by, the food and company is definitely worth it.
Guest
Beeble
Points +34
Should be 5 stars!! - Edit
The fact you can't give 5 stars in this case is very frustrating because even though they do serve meat, at least half of their menu is vegan/vegetarian.
Read moreMake sure you book at least one day ahead to experience this lovely place. They are very allergy/vegan/vegetarian friendly. My coeliac boyfriend had no problem eating here at all (he loved it!). The owners speak English, and the lady explained everything well and introduced each dish and drink with a little story and/or explaining what was on the plate. We also got soup and a little appetiser before hand which were both as amazing as the main dishes. I wish I could go back there all the time!
Pros: large vegan/vegetarian menu, gluten-free friendly, lovely owners
Guest
MikeyLikesIt
Points +13
Great spot for vegetarians and those who love them. - Edit
This delightful little spot was exactly what my wife and I needed on a lovely day in Takayama. The owners are simply wonderful, and their restaurant is so warm and friendly. Try the Hida miso ramen. You won't be disappointed. If I could give this place five stars, I would.
Read morePros: Wonderful food, Warm atmosphere , Friendly staff
Cons: Can't rate it five stars
Guest
AspiringVegan
Points +16
Great place to eat! - Edit
Really good food. I especially liked the vege fried dumplings. The couple that run the place are very freely and accommodating. There was a nice range of vegetarian options and non-vege options if you are travelling with non-vege friends. Very cheap too. Closed on Tuesday's, but we went 2 nights in a row and there was plenty of variety. I highly recommend it!
Read morePros: Cheap, Good variety, Good taste!
Cons: Closed Tuesdays, I walked past it a couple of times
Guest
LoLo7
Points +24
loved it! - Edit
We went here for dinner one night and the staff is amazing! So friendly, English menu, they go out of their way for allergies. Things can be made gluten free as well. Would recommend!!!!!
Read moreGuest
Meander
Points +150
Absolutely recommended - Edit
If you go to one place in Takayama, make it this one. The food is excellent and plentiful, there's an English menu, the setting is very nice (at the bar or on tatami mats), but most of all the owner Hiroshi is such as friendly and approachable person. She speaks English well and is very interested in other countries, so it was great to chat with her about our own culture as well as Japanese culture.
Read moreI think there's place for about 15 people, and initially when we wanted to go in there was a sign outside saying it was fully booked. Fortunately for us some people just left and were able to enter. If possible I'd advise making a reservation in advance.
Guest
plantpet
Points +13
Sweetest owners ever!! - Edit
It took us a little while to find this place, but once we did, it was amazing!!
Read moreThe people who own it are super sweet, they had really nice conversations with us, and one of them speaks english pretty well, which was awesome. She also gave us little chocolate biscuit things that she really liked.
They gave us a bunch of little free dishes with all of their specialties.
I highly recommend the potatoes- they come with really yummy sauce and a wonderful spinach dish (I got it as one of their little dishes)
Vegan/Vegetarian friendly with lots of choices! They also have non-vegetarian options for those who eat meat!
Their dishes are fairly large and you get a lot of little appetizers, so come hungry!! Also, I recommend sharing dishes if you don't have a large stomach.
I would give this place 5 stars, but since it serves meat, I can only give it 4. Very very good though!!
I recommend this place a visit if you are in Takayama!!
*Also, Takeout isn't very common in sit-down restaurants in Japan, so be prepared!!*
Pros: Vegan options!, Super friendly owners!, Great potatoes!
Cons: Could be busy, make reservation?, Large servings, no takeout! , Sort of odd hours!
Guest
oceallaig66
Points +36
Best restaurant in Takayama - Edit
This place is so charming and it has a menu to match! It's hosts are as accommodating as they are talented, serving the freshest dishes made from local produce! They cater for vegetarian/vegan and also serve meat so convenient if travelling in a group to suit varied dietary choices/needs. Definitely a must while visiting Takayama. Make sure you book to avoid disappointment!
Read morePros: Fresh local produce, Vegetarian/vegan options, Fantastic hosts
Guest
HeidiTong
Points +13
Thank you! - Edit
Friendly owner, cozy environment. We basically spend most of our meal time at this restorant. Yummy food with good choice of vegetarian food. Loving it. Thank you!
Read moreGuest
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