Vegan
Japanese
Take-out
Asian
Breakfast

Est. Dec. 2023. A cafe located two streets from Kiyomizu Dera. Casual vibe with a friendly, warm owner who can speak a little English. Offers traditional Kyoto style Obanzai set, vegan grilled meat set, nachos, Vietnamese pho, and more. Vegan desserts too including parfait and fried banana. Open Mon-Wed 11:30am-8:00pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-8:00pm.


Venue map for Silver Backs Cafe
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62 Reviews

First Review by ireneshinoda

lyndsi.licona

Points +194

Vegan
08 Jun 2024

Worth a visit!

I went there for lunch and got their vegan meat set, which included a soup, rice, salad and a vegan meat, for only 12 USD! Was quite full afterwards and the vegan meat was delicious and juicy. Would definitely go back

太田研

09 Jun 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

mad93

Points +80

Vegan
04 Jun 2024

Lovely cafe

Had a lovely lunch here whilst visiting Kyoto! Had spring rolls, taco rice bowl, and the fried bananas, all so tasty! Great staff as well, thanks 😁

Pros: Tasty food, Great price , Attentive staff

太田研

05 Jun 2024

Thank you for visiting our restaurant.
We are glad you liked our food!
We are looking forward to seeing you again.

booters

Points +114

Vegan
20 May 2024

Best vegan place in Kyoto

Seriously a must try! The owner is so sweet and the food was all delicious. My husband had the grilled set and I had the obanzai set. We had delicious and beautiful strawberry ice cream for dessert. It was a great experience!

Pros: Delicious food, nice environment, Kind owner

ninnin

21 May 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

tadpole

Points +26

Vegan
14 May 2024

Wonderful

Just a short walk from the most crowded place in Kyoto, we had the place to ourselves on a rainy day. It was so cozy and welcoming. The guacamole was creamy and delicious. It paired perfectly with the taco bowl.

The owner was so kind and friendly. This is the type of place I would eat at multiple times per week if I lived nearby.

ninnin

15 May 2024

Thank you for visiting our store.
It was raining and a little cold.
We are glad to hear that you are pleased with our service.
We look forward to seeing you again.

Zeberka12

Points +1592

Vegan
13 May 2024

Mouthwatering 💚

Everything was extremely delicious!
Loved every bite of it 🤤

ninnin

14 May 2024

Thank you for visiting our store...
We are glad you like our products.
We will do our best to make your visit even better.
We look forward to seeing you again.

arnowi

Points +8

Non Veg
26 Apr 2024

Absolutely amazing

The owner likes joking around and is great fun. The dishes are incredible. We had the Obanzai set and the grilled (vegan)meat set. Both were very tasty and flavourful. I wanted more so I ordered a fruit parfait which he prepared and brought with much care. It also tasted wonderful and it was beautifully decorated with the apple and orange on top cut into what seemed like bunny shapes.
This is definitely a must visit when you are in Kyoto!

Pros: Super tasty, Very friendly and fun owner, Food prepared and presented with much care

ninnin

27 Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

HasokaAoldmanKrieg

Points +331

Vegan
24 Apr 2024

Fun owner, great food

Fun spot for the whole crew vegan and non-vegan. The owner is great. If you're in the area go here for sure. It is not upscale at all, but is tasty.

ninnin

26 Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

kaleifornian

Points +194

Vegan
23 Apr 2024

sweet experience

the chef/owner was very kind and the food was so good! i opted for the vegan meat plate with a side of veggie spring rolls. 10/10 the flavor was incredible.

ninnin

24 Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

Victum88

Points +20

Vegan
20 Apr 2024

Excelente lugar! El dueño es un muy buen cocinero!

Mi última cena en Kyoto la tuve en este café, y fue muy agradable :)

El menú no es de los más económico, pero es bastante llenador, saludable y delicioso 😋
Hay muchas opciones para comer, además de postres y bebidas. El dueño es muy amable, ojalá más personas conozcan este lugar, realmente merece la pena!

(Consumí el set de vegan grillet y helado)

Visita obligada si andas por el Templo Kiyomizudera.

Updated from previous review on 2024-04-20

ninnin

22 Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

Hot_Kev

Points +16

Vegan
10 Apr 2024

Great food and great owner

Had a wonderful and flavorful meal here. One of the best we had on Japan in two weeks!

The owner was very kind and welcoming.

ninnin

11 Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

Yolanda

Points +1898

Vegan
07 Apr 2024

Grateful to have found Silver Backs Cafe

We had a long day with lots of walking (20,000+ steps!) so were very grateful to find this wonderful vegan cafe enroute between visiting Sanjusangen-do (Hall of 1001 Buddhas) and Kiyomizu-dera (the 'stage' of Kyoto). These two are top sights in Kyoto but it is a bit of a walk between them so Sliver Backs is well positioned to take a break between these visits.

The owner is very welcoming and smiley. We felt relaxed in this cafe. We were surprised to find ourselves to be the only guests so it was a bonus not to have to queue or squish into the cafe like we have had to do at other places.

We had the cheese spring rolls (very delicious), meat meal set (also very delicious) and the parfait (extremely delicious!).

Pros: Cheese spring rolls, Welcoming host, Excellent location between two top Kyoto sights

ninnin

07 Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

ninnin

Points +30

Vegan
05 Apr 2024

2/2514pm-18pm

On this day, it is reserved from 14:00 to 18:00, so you will not be able to enter even if you come to the store.

Updated from previous review on 2024-02-17

Pros: obanzai meal set, grilled meat meal set

LouieDane

Points +11

Mostly Veg
03 Apr 2024

Delicious

The vegan grilled meat set was incredible, as we're the 'cheese' spring rolls and tempeh started. Obanzai set was also very nice, though we preferred the grilled meat. I would 100% recommend.

ninnin

03 Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

AleRosa

Points +135

Vegan
31 Mar 2024

Yummy food

The food is great! I've been here twice, ordered different meals, and was not disappointed at all! Everything was delicious. The two different persons I went with (one not vegan) were also satisfied and happy. The owner is very friendly too😄The restaurant is cozy and the atmosphere is relaxed.

Pros: I could leave my bicycle at the entrance, It's possible to pay separately and by credit card

Cons: No cons!

ninnin

31 Mar 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

Antsoldier

Points +92

Vegan
27 Mar 2024

Great food

Great food, lots of options, very friendly and funny owner.

We had the spring rolls, guacamole, vegan meat menu set, gagao rice and chocolate parfaits. Everything was very delicious.

Updated from previous review on 2024-03-27

Pros: Food, Owner, Funny

ninnin

29 Mar 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

NickTustin

Points +957

Herbivore
26 Mar 2024

Excellent

- obanzai - excellent!
- vegan grilled meat set meal - excellent!

Fully vegan place! The guy is the only one working, friendly guy

ninnin

27 Mar 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

MaureenJ

Points +36

Vegan
22 Mar 2024

Lovely place

The owner is such a kind person! He really deserves lots of customers. Every bit of the plate is made with effort and love. Definitely would recommend this place.😄

ninnin

23 Mar 2024

Thank you very much for your visit.
We also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.

Poobalu

Points +30

Vegan
13 Mar 2024

Simply excellent experience

What can I say aside from the food was amazing and we were treated with such kindness! We have been here twice during our visit and the vegan soy meat meal with rice is a wonderful meal with great flavor.

I’m a skinny guy and the gentleman running the shop was astounded that I ate 3 deserts, but they were so good that I had to try each one!

Whenever we come back to Kyoto this will be on my short list and I highly recommend it.

Pros: Flavor, Price, Portions

ninnin

13 Mar 2024

Thanks for coming to Silverback's Cafe!
We are sincerely glad that you enjoyed your meal.
I look forward to seeing you again in Kyoto.
itadakimasu and gochisoupamadesita!

MiffyMills

Points +921

Vegan
06 Mar 2024

You will not be disappointed

We came to silver backs on a cold, rainy day, it was warm, cosy and quiet inside, the owner/chef was friendly and welcoming. We got the obanzai set and while it looks so simple it was so delicious and had so much flavour. We also got the pudding (like panacotta) which was also so yummy. The owner/chef also gave us complimentary tea at the end, we would definitely recommend coming here

Updated from previous review on 2024-03-06

ninnin

06 Mar 2024

It was cold yesterday.
Thank you for coming to our restaurant in the rain.
You seemed to have a bit of a cold, so we offered you hot tea after dinner.
We also appreciate you giving us your highest rating.
We look forward to seeing you again.

alfredorodrigueztasso

Points +15

Vegetarian
03 Mar 2024

Best vegan restaurant in Kyoto

The best vegan restaurant I have ever visited in Kyoto.

Pros: Tasty, Traditional , Friendly

ninnin

03 Mar 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

Marielabarbara

Points +48

Vegan
03 Mar 2024

El mejor de Kyoto

Comida deliciosa 👏🏻 nos encantó y el dueño muy simpático.
La carta está en inglés/japonés y tienen variedad de comida y postres.

ninnin

03 Mar 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

LydiaMurryy

Points +20

Vegan
14 Feb 2024

Amazing and funny owner

The owner was so charming, he speaks a little English but we were able to have a good few laughs! He brought us amazing food and we had a great time.

Pros: Sou meat platter , Pudding

Cons: Not so busy

ninnin

15 Feb 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

Frandon

Points +35

Vegetarian
20 Jan 2024

Nice vegan Meals

Nice Choices of Vegan Meals. We have had the grilled soya meat With Rice and salad. Really delicious. Friendly und funny man. Best idea to eat there. #Veganuary

Pros: Meal choices , Price , Friendly staff

ninnin

20 Jan 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

sophiardi

Points +48

Vegan
19 Jan 2024

Delicious Vegan Restaurant and Nice Owner

The owner was very nice and the food was delicious, I would really recommend it to anyone, vegan or not. It was hard to find many vegan options in Kyoto so I'm so glad this exists! I'm very excited to visit again next time I'm there😄

Pros: Nachos, Service, Atmosphere

ninnin

20 Jan 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. I will do my best to get a good evaluation and encourage you! I'm looking forward to seeing you again!

MPrive

Points +16

Vegan
19 Jan 2024

Friendly, cosy and delicious

I loved the soy meat set, the owner is very friendly. Great place to go after visiting Kiyomizu Dera ❤️

ninnin

19 Jan 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. I will do my best to get a good evaluation and encourage you! I'm looking forward to seeing you again!

m@earthville

Points +9580

Vegan
09 Jan 2024

Tasty food, joyful proprietor

Silver Backs Cafe is a happy little spot for tasty vegan takes on local staples (such as obanzai) and a few dishes from further afield. The set meals are nicely balanced with good flavors and textures. The atmosphere is charming, and the service very kind. The jovial proprietor speaks enough English to achieve clarity on what’s to be served, and in a delightful way. I enjoyed hearing him sing in the kitchen while preparing my meal.

Recommended. Enjoy! #Veganuary

ninnin

09 Jan 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

nosaka

Points +35

Vegan
08 Jan 2024

Best vegan options near Kiyomizu-dera

Truly excellent food, cozy atmosphere, and the owner is a very kind chef who is willing to chat about the area if you are inclined.

ninnin

08 Jan 2024

Thank you for coming to our store. I'm honored to receive the highest evaluation. Please come and see this strange uncle again. I'll be waiting!




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