Japanese
Beer/Wine
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Traditional Japanese set in the house where the samurai lived. The hostess herself is cooking. Has separate vegan menu. Drinks and sake. Open Mon-Sat 5:00pm-10:30pm.
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236 Sanjo Shimoru Yamazakicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 604-8032
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- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 10 Nov 2023 by vegieseitan
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26 Reviews
First Review by ibrinin
Nancy Cadet
Points +1021
Small plates in tiny tavern - Edit
In a traditional wooden townhouse in Pontocho, across from the Kitsune club, the 15 seat restaurant serves drinks and small plates. Vegetarian dishes are clearly marked on the English menu (with a V and color coded to indicate if they’re cooked with butter or not). We enjoyed the kinpira, lotus root with mustard, boiled tofu and roasted ginkgo nuts.
Read moreDinner only. Cash only.
Pros: Traditional machida, Quick service , Reasonable price
Guest
Nic_Nov
Points +95
Best random decision! - Edit
We found the restaurant by accident because we didn't want to queue for the vegan restaurants - and it was the best decision EVER!
Read moreSmall restaurant, vegan options clearly marked on the menu and very friendly staff! Super experience!
A little tip: If you order Yakko, show it on the menu. There is a dish called Jako, which is prepared with fish😉
Pros: Traditional, Authenticator, Delicious
Guest
Leez100
Points +77
Cute place with clearly marked vegan options - Edit
Really glad we came here. Was originally going to a vegan restaurant around the corner but the line was crazy so we came here instead and we are so glad. They don’t speak much English but have clearly marked vegan items on the menu. If you want authentic Japanese dinner then definitely come here.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-09-06
Pros: Atmosphere 10/10, Clear vegan items marked , Fresh and flavoursome food
Guest
Nasuvampa
Points +1100
5/5 So good!! - Edit
What a wonderful and authentic izakaya experience, one of the best dinners in Japan! We came here since the queues for the fully vegan places were INSANE. But in the end, we were not disappointed at all.
Read moreWe ordered almost all of their vegan dishes and everything was great! The lotus root was quite spicy for me, but it was the higlight for my partner. Their fried tofu was sold out, but we tried all of the other tofus - absolutely delicious! I’m so happy we came here.
Updated from previous review on 2024-05-24
Pros: Delicious tofu, Clearly labeled vegan options, Nice ambiance
Guest
FrozenStrawberryMrgrt
Points +48
Home cooked Japanese meal - Edit
Very small but cosy place to eat. The owner is very friendly and accommodating. The food is good and there are several vegetarian/vegan options on the menu. You can pay with a card.
Read morePros: Very friendly and accommodating, Japanese eating experience, Served as soon when it is ready
Cons: Not much space at the bar for tall people.
Guest
kaleifornian
Points +194
great find - Edit
after many unsuccessful tries to dine elsewhere that was fully vegan, i stumbled upon renkon-ya. as i arrived into my seat, a woman gets up from her table and as she's about to leave, mentions to the chef that she came here 7 years ago and that she was so happy renkon-ya is around (more on this later). renkon-ya is not fully vegan but a good portion of the menu can be vegan. i opted for the fried tofu, cold tofu, hot tofu, eggplant, cucumbers and a few others but i can't remember them now. OH! the lotus root🤤 oh, how i dreamt of that lotus root after... it's fried lotus root with some kind of wasabi sauce bake into it... it is... sooooo good! all in all, was very happy to find this cute little spot in a time of need. also, as i was leaving, i asked the chef how long this place had been open per that customer's comment... 75 years! congratulations, renkon-ya and cheers to another 75!🤍
Read moreGuest
FrankHpunto
Points +699
Cozy restaurant with lots of options - Edit
Found this place to get dinner with non-vegan friends. Everybody was happy and loved the cute restaurant.
Read moreGuest
ChristianLoeffler-Vu
Points +58
Absolutely excellent - Edit
Such a great experience. Great menu of several different dishes. They are all small plates so order a couple of things. This is quite a small restaurant but has the best traditional Japanese vibe. The staff don't speak much English but the menu is well laid out with many vegan options. Highly recommend if you can get in. We did not get a reservation but we're lucky to be seated.
Read morePros: Fast service , Incredible vibe, Great food
Guest
dermo
Points +15
Top stuff - Edit
Five stars. Clearly labelled vegan and vegetarian stuff on the menu. 11ish vegan dishes. Delicious food, cooked in front of you. Fast and good service.
Read moreGuest
Dmnk
Points +54
Pure Authenticity - Edit
Authentic small and cosy restaurant runned by an old kind lady! Definitely worth a visit!
Read moreGuest
Biancajakon
Points +318
Great experience - Edit
Veg options are clearly labelled which makes it easy. The atmosphere is gorgeous. Really great dinner.
Read moreGuest
Dinoaimz
Points +27
Cute Izakaya, delicious food! - Edit
Very cute Izakaya, food was incredible. Lots of small dishes so opportunity to try a lot. Clear English menu with lots of vegetarian options.
Read morePros: Agedashi tofu, Shitake mushrooms
Guest
KrishnaPrahasith
Points +64
Healthy food and hot sake - Edit
Very old izakaya with many veg options and hot sake.
Read moreGreat location for night life in Kyoto.self sufficient English menu that you can order from without speaking in English.
Pros: Majority are veg options that are clearly marked, Great location and historic place. Since 1950 , Healthy, local flavors and has English Menu
Cons: Small place, Very limited English but the menu is sufficient
Guest
JLMc
Points +49
Excellent Delicious Vegetarian Options - Edit
The menu very clearly marked in English with what was vegetarian, what could be made vegetarian and where things like butter were used. The food was absolutely delicious, and they were great at accommodating my other dietary requirements (no onion or garlic) which can be difficult. Definitely a must-do if you're in Kyoto
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-09-01
Guest
Gulbasaur
Points +32
No frills, all taste - Edit
Clearest menu I've seen in Japan, with an apology in perfect English about their English. Plenty of vegan options. Food made in front of you. Simple but delicious. Mix of locals and tourists.
Read moreThis little place punches so far above its weight, it's not even funny. Best food I've had in my stay.
Pros: Clear menu, Cozy feel, Independent business
Guest
vdinamani
Points +23
Home cooked meal - Edit
Tiny place but charming and delicious food. Authentic!
Read morePros: Blistered peppers, Lotus root
Guest
AitorBegeta
Points +2037
Highly recommended - Edit
A very charming place, with very friendly staff who speak some English, with many well-marked vegan options on the menu, and delicious dishes. The tofu, the shitake mushrooms and some miso balls with vegetables that we took, spectacular. Great sake. It is advisable to reserve.
Read more
Guest
Claire.knop
Points +129
Authentic cuisine with vegan options - Edit
Beautiful flavours in this home-cooked food. I had the deep fried tofu with aubergine and rice. Absolutely delicious. You need to point at what you would like on the menu (or attempt to say in Japanese- the pronunciation is on the menu) it was pretty easy. Would highly recommend.
Read morePros: Inexpensive
Guest
Cabeto
Points +380
Amazing traditional food - Edit
This place has a great atmosphere, the chef prepares everything in front of you. Vegan options are easily identifiable. Small portions so we literally ordered every single option😄staff does not speak a lot of english but they are very friendly. Reservation is necessary, we asked the receptionist at our hotel to call and make the reservation. Enjoy !!
Read moreGuest
SaraSeylani
Points +410
Amazing - Edit
Such a sweet little place to give you an authentic Japanese eating experience. Amazing prices and loved the tapas style dishes so that you could try many things. Was a great option for vegans and non vegans alike!
Read morePros: Good prices, Authentic, Vegan menu
Cons: Some dishes lacked salt
Guest
bumblebee11
Points +21
Amazing experience! - Edit
Traditional Japanese vegetarian/ vegan food izakaya style, served at its best, by a very hospitable mother- daughter duo. Peaceful, serene atmosphere in a traditional Japanese setting
Read morePros: Lots of vegan vegetarian options, Kind and hospitable hostess/chef, Simple menu also available in English
Cons: Small space so reserving in advance would be idea
Mirela6
How did you find it? I can’t… lol
Read moreGuest
RebeAmz
Points +13
Very special place - Edit
Delicious food. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Host thanked us for coming as we were leaving, very special experience.
Read moreGuest
juliall
Points +32
Would give 5 stars if I could! My favorite place in Kyoto. - Edit
The leeks and mushrooms were delicious and everything else too. Such a nice authentic place
Read moreGuest
stoyani
Points +268
Authentic Japanese, locals, delicious - Edit
The place is a very authentic little restaurant. When I visited, I didn't see any tourists there, only locals.
Read moreThey didn't speak English, but had a hand-written English menu with vegan items clearly marked. Small plates, so you can order the lot and taste everything; really delicious, home-cooked style and intimate atmosphere. Highly recommended.
Pros: A lot of vegan dishes, clearly marked on the menu, Delicious, Authentic, intimate atmosphere
Cons: Staff doesn't speak English (not really an issue)
Guest
LoïcGaillard
Points +24
Amazing traditional food and local products - Edit
Plenty of veggie & vegan options. Highly recommend the lotus roots!! Great service and lovely staff.
Read moreGuest
ibrinin
Points +11
Delicious food in traditional Izakaya - Edit
Definitely worth a visit. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as fish and some meat on the menu. I would give this place 5 stars except that it is not fully vegetarian.
Read moreGuest
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