Vegan
American
Pizza
Japanese
Organic
Fast food
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Vegan restaurant at 538-6 四条上る新京極通中之町中京区 serving burgers, pizza, pasta, salads, a few Japanese dishes, plus cocktails and drinks. Reported closed, Jan 2018.
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538-6 Shijyo Agaru Shinkyougoku Nakanocho Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Japan, 604-8042
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Last update on 12 Jan 2018 by teafour2
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Added by tenshi_imo on 14 Apr 2012
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126 Reviews
First Review by rabbits_nom
rhiannonmadison
Points +69
amazing veggie burgers - Edit
I'll just start off by saying this was probably this best veggie burger I've ever had. It was super flavorful although it was a bit on the small side. I really liked the atmosphere in the restaurant but it did seem like the staff were kinda indifferent to the customers and service could be slow at times. Regardless I still definitely recommend checking out this place.
Read moreGuest
vbree
Points +100
Worst vegan meal in Japan - Edit
I hate rating vegan restaurants really low, but this dining experience sucked. The restaurant was stifling hot, the server didn't bring us water (muttered a sorry when I got up to get it after 15 minutes), which could have been forgiven if the food was decent. The food was straight up bad. My partner got the meat sauce pizza (¥980) which was unpleasant tasting, and I got the ¥1500 matsuontoko dinner set which was literally a tiny pile of lettuce, brown rice, 2 cold slices of sweet potato and an oil-flavoured stir fry that was mostly raw white onion. Also a tiny cup of green soup. That's it! Crazy. I went with that option because I figured if it was the restaurants namesake it had to be good.
Read moreWe got chocolate donuts for dessert, they were super dry and crumbly and the ice cream was very grainy.
Definitely would not recommend and won't be returning.
Guest
rkfong
Points +113
Meh - Edit
Really mediocre. Got the soy meat dinner set and the portion was honestly a joke for the price. 4 small balls of soy meat 3 little cubes of tempura sweet potato a tiny salad half a bowl of rice. And not that tasty either you can get the same order but better tasting and more filling a five min walk away at mumokutekei
Read moreGuest
Macou
Points +85
good food worth the money - Edit
The restaurant was half full and we had wait for our lunch about 10-15 minutes so that pretty fast ! Dinner set worth every penny full dinner for two with beer and coke for 2900 yen
Read morePros: good taste, excellent value
Cons: hot
Guest
Kangarupe
Points +184
Not bad - Edit
I went to Cafe Matsuontoko once, I had a burger with fries and it was pretty good! Now, its a gem for a vegan, I give massive respect to any vegan place in this country, but I would say that if you could only visit one place in that area, I'd make it Mumokuteki. As for the service people are complaining about, I didn't really get that. I just gave a little "Sumimasen" in the waitresses direction. I had a question in english and she couldn't answer it so I had to get the main guy to answer it, he looked a little annoyed but I think it had more to do with the fact that he had to hire a waitress than didn't speak any English, haha!
Read morePros: Location, Vegan, of course!, Some english
Cons: Ambience
Guest
Komiyan
Points +39
Not your best option - Edit
I have visited this cafe twice now to have dinner (once alone and once with two family members), and both times I was not impressed. Let me list the good and the bad points below.
Read moreThe good points of this place are that they seem to be aware of the distinction between vegetarian and vegan, so that vegans may venture to have dinner here as well. They serve vegetarian pub food, which is a nice touch, and they have an English menu for travelers who do not speak Japanese. The food tastes quite good too.
However, to my own mind the negatives far outweigh the positives. When I was at this restaurant there were three or four people in the restaurant, one waiting tables, one or two behind the bar (where no one was seated) and one in the kitchen. They all studiously avoided every gaze directed their way unless they accidentally caught my eye, then came over with great reluctance to take orders. The second time I visited a menu item was sold out, but we were not informed of this fact until we tried to order it, and were then treated to an irritated look and the waitress flounced away again before we could say anything.
Apart from this, the portions are not always adequate. I ordered the oven-grilled vegetables, which I believe were on the main dish list of the dinner menu, but what I received was the most miserable and tiny plate of vegetables ever seen - I wish I had taken a photograph of it as proof, but I was too bewildered at the time. It was not even enough for a side-dish, let alone a main dish, and I was still very hungry when I left, despite the fact that we also ordered some side-dishes with our meal (which were served before the actual meal instead of together with it). I have tried the avocado burger before as well, and my family members ventured the pasta of the day and the burger steak meal. These portions were all hardly adequate for dinner - perhaps they would be better for lunch.
All in all, I would only recommend this restaurant if you are vegan and in dire need for something safe to eat or a place that speaks English.The service is flat-out bad, the portions are tiny and you are unlikely to leave feeling satisfied.
Pros: Flavour is good, English menu
Cons: Bad service, Tiny portions
Guest
DJK
Points +45
Just OK, super slow service. - Edit
We had lunch at Cafe Matsuontoko on a Sunday in July because of the reviews and the location. The restaurant was about half full and the service was really, really slow. Our meal was just ok, but to be fair, we did not have the veggie burger which seems to be the house specialty! I would not go out of my way to eat here.
Read moreGuest
Lucas_plantbased
Points +74
great lunch menu - Edit
For 900-950 you get a main plus a drink (soft drink, hot or iced coffee, tea, etc.) which is a great deal. I had lunch twice, loved the burger but preferred the curry even more.
Read morePros: lunch menu , great coffee, central location
Cons: nothing.
Guest
Ranger5004
Points +44
delicious - Edit
Very good vegan curry. Good price and portion. I also got a vegan brownie.
Read moreHowls moving castle movie playing on the projector.
Guest
EmmaStjernstedt
Points +17
Tasty hamburger - Edit
Went here with my family, they are not vegetarian or vegan. The avocado burger was very good. The cheese pizza was not as good, to much sesame for our taste. English friendly!
Read morePros: avocado burger
Cons: cheese pizza with to much sesame
Guest
MaRozen
Points +40
Little Jewel in Kyoto - Edit
This place has is great because it is all vegan even though it is in the middle of a sea of restaurants in Gion. The price is great. It is open till late (10pm) unlike many other food places in the area. The location is also very convenient, and there are many yummy options - even vegan pizza with great vegan cheese, which is hard to find outside the US. The ingredients are fresh, and there are many options that have special Japanese ingredients. Love it!
Read morePros: taste, price, location
Cons: cash only, not much English spoken but English menu
Guest
MikaylaQuartermaine
Points +30
We went back three times! - Edit
This place is brilliant! We visited three times during our four-day visit to Kyoto. One of my omni friends I took told me "I'm going to have dreams about that burger". The smoked tofu is also AMAZING! There is a laid back atmosphere and they were even playing Japanese animated films on a projector. Cocktails are good too! I hope I can go back one day!
Read morePros: All menu items are vegan.
Cons: Service isn't overly friendly.
Guest
JoshuaStefane
Points +90
My go-to place for greasy and delicious vegan food - Edit
The pizzas, burgers and pasta are all pretty great. My favorites are the misokatsu burger, teriyaki burger, and "cheese" pizza.
Read moreThe pub atmosphere is cool and a nice change from many vegan places that are often too clean and earthy. You could bring non-vegan friends here and, unless you told them, they probably wouldn't realize the food was totally veg.
They usually have Miyazaki films playing on the projector when I'm there, which is a bonus.
The wait staff can be a little listless and distant at times, but that's never bothered me much.
Pros: delicious "cheat" food, cheesy pizzas, amazing burgers
Cons: wait staff sometimes seem tired or bored
Guest
Toxoplasma
Points +21
Delicious burgers, great atmosphere - Edit
They were playing movies on a projector while we ate. It was tasty.
Read morePros: Good food, Good portion sizes, Reasonable prices for japan
Cons: Kinda small burgers, Closes before 10
Guest
thecholl
Points +117
Nothing fancy - Edit
A little confusing to find but found it via using the free Wifi in the nearby arcade. I ordered the pasta set and by partner ordered the burger set. Both were OK. For dessert, I ordered the 'fancy cake' and my partner ordered the pan cake(s). The only criticism I have about that was my partner said that he wanted the fruit sauce with his pan cakes, while he got the fruit sauce, they still included chocolate ice cream. Sigh…
Read morePros: Non-smoking
Guest
Jesstrixie
Points +28
great curry - Edit
I came here for dinner and had a delicious spicy curry which was super reasonably priced. They were playing a Ghibli film on the projector which was nice!
Read moreGuest
sunnyboy
Points +57
Delicious vegan burgers - Edit
Cafe Matsuontoko serves delicious vegan burgers, chips and donuts. We really loved the food and it was fun to have a veggie burger whilst in Kyoto.
Read moreThe service was friendly and the portion sizes were good (not too big, not too small).
Finding the place was a little challenging for us without a data card or portable wifi... we walked most of the way from our hotel thinking we were on the right track, got a little lost, then caught a cab. We zigged when we should have zagged.
Definitely visit if you find yourself in Kyoto, Cafe Matsuontoko is a winner.
Pros: Delicious vegan burgers, Vegan fries with sauce
Guest
Tbms1992
Points +118
Delicious Burgers! - Edit
We loved it here, we went twice while in Kyoto. The first evening they were playing The Secret Life of Arriety on a projector. The burgers are quite small but very tasty- we thought the teriyaki soy meat the best as well as the doughnuts for dessert.
Read morePros: Cool atmosphere , Nice staff, Great comfort food
Guest
LisaLisaLisa
Points +419
much better than I thought! - Edit
We went here about one and a half year ago and I didn't really like the food - I had a miso burger. Found out later on that I just don't like miso, so I gave the restaurant another shot and I'm glad I did because the teriyaki-burger is really good and every other day I feel a huge craving for the vegan "cheese"-pizza with mochi and goma-sauce - quite a special combination but it really tastes cheesy!
Read moreIt's a bit dark inside but it gives the place a nice vibe.
It's quite popular so it's often full - make a reservation to make sure or try to be there several minutes before it opens.
Pros: located close to Kawaramachi station, vegan, Japanese-style cheesy pizza mmm
Cons: popular so often full, smallish portions
Guest
SagaVigreBohinen
Points +1079
Last minute resort, twice... - Edit
I went here twice during my stay in Tokyo, we had some issues with a lot of the vegan places being closed... It's perfectly located in the main shopping area, got a nice looking outside although the interior could have been nicer.. But overall clean!
Read moreFirst night the staff was sleeping on the bar desk and seemed everything but happy that we were there, second night however there was a different waiter and she was awesome! Both nights I got the avocado burger. The bread is good, the french fries are a bit to "fried" for my taste with not a lot of actual potato in them and the burger is salty and oily but good for being fast food. The prices are reasonable but I did not get full which is why I suggest, if you go, ORDER THE PANCAKES, they are so sweet and fluffy. They're amazing.
So overall, a good place if you're close to it but for a healthy option this is not your place. I would preferbly go here for lunch!
Pros: Amazing pancakes! , Good prices! , Great area
Cons: Dull interior, A bit fatty food, Small portions
Guest
Jimbo_557
Points +36
Quick and easy food - Edit
It is essentially a fast food vegan place. The food isn't the best quality but it's cheap and quick. There is a wide selection but it's mostly junk food. It's handy if you're in the area and there's nowhere else to go. The staff don't speak much English at all but there is an English menu available. If you go there expecting gourmet food you will be disappointed but if you're just looking for a quick cheap bite to eat this place is perfect.
Read morePros: Cheap, Quick, Easy to find
Cons: Average food quality
Guest
PatriciaKondoutsikos
Points +28
Nice spot with decent food would return - Edit
Myself and a friend were first alittle reluctant to try this place after reading mixed reviews but after walking 30 minutes in the rain to another vegan restaurant that was closed we thought we would give it a go. The service isn't bad but not quite as welcoming as we have been used to whilst in Japan but overall did not impact on our dining experience.
Read moreWe ordered the Tokyo style Katsu burger & avocado burger followed by the pancakes & deep fried Yatsu Hashi. Don't be fooled by the serving size of the burgers which are smaller than most would be used to (I am a fairly big eater and was at first concerned it wouldn't be enough) the salad dressing was delicious, the burger buns and contents was tasty and quite filling (Katsu burger could have used alittle more mock chicken) pancakes were good, Yatsu Hashi was super yummy! All together just over ¥3300 and we left feeling satisfied but not over full. Would love to go back and try some other menu items.
Pros: affordable , good variety , tasty
Cons: serving size may be alittle small for big appetite
Guest
KayleighDixon
Points +81
good alternative to rice and miso - Edit
Went her twice while in Kyoto as we got so sick of eating rice and miso and a burger and chips sounded amazing! It was good but not amazing. Definitely worth a try if in the area though. English menu but only one chef do can be s bit of a wait if busy
Read morePros: English menu, easy to find
Cons: not that healthy
Guest
Nikolate
Points +2297
Junk food! - Edit
Great burger and fries, for me like real one haha. My non vegan friend was satisfied as well even for him not like real meat.- But joucy and tasty. I was very satisfied with food, it just tool bit longer as restaurant was full and everyone was ordering burger menu
Read moreGuest
StijnDB
Points +17
excellent ! - Edit
Cosy interior, groovy music and one of the tastiest veggie burgers I ate so far (and I have eaten quite some) :-)
Read moreGuest
sarah m
Points +185
Awesome! - Edit
Such a treat to find in central Kyoto. Chill vibe with delicious eats. Back for our second visit in 2 days and will probably come back again.
Read morePros: cheap, yum
Guest
MyVeganJoy
Points +583
Can't recommend :( - Edit
You are really better off spending your money on pretty much any vegan option in Kyoto. Went there twice (second time just to see if the first time was just a bad moment) and, just can't recommend. I love supporting vegan places as a vegan, but the food seriously, seriously sucks. They need to hire better chefs and possibly improve the menu... I'm not a food snob, but Matsuontoko's food was just... no. Like I regretted every flavor/texture and how I felt afterwards. The Soup of the day came out cold (like very cold) from the fridge with wet plate edges because the plastic wrap was on it. I just couldn't believe they didn't even bother to warm it up. I returned it. But everything else was also below mediocre, salad was too greasy, tartar burger texture was like dried rubber... You're better off spending the same money on any other Kyoto vegan restaurant: Hale, Morpho, Padma, Vegans Cafe and Restaurant, Choice, - everything is a much better option than this.
Read moreCons: lousy food, loud foreigner customers, just bad food...
Guest
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