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.
62 Reviews
First Review by ireneshinoda
lyndsi.licona
Points +194
Worth a visit! - Edit
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
Read more太田研
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
mad93
Points +80
Lovely cafe - Edit
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 😁
Read morePros: Tasty food, Great price , Attentive staff
太田研
Thank you for visiting our restaurant.
Read moreWe are glad you liked our food!
We are looking forward to seeing you again.
Guest
booters
Points +114
Best vegan place in Kyoto - Edit
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!
Read morePros: Delicious food, nice environment, Kind owner
ninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
tadpole
Points +26
Wonderful - Edit
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.
Read moreThe 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
Thank you for visiting our store.
Read moreIt 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.
Guest
Zeberka12
Points +1592
Mouthwatering 💚 - Edit
Everything was extremely delicious!
Read moreLoved every bite of it 🤤
ninnin
Thank you for visiting our store...
Read moreWe are glad you like our products.
We will do our best to make your visit even better.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
arnowi
Points +8
Absolutely amazing - Edit
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.
Read moreThis 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
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
HasokaAoldmanKrieg
Points +331
Fun owner, great food - Edit
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.
Read moreninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
kaleifornian
Points +194
sweet experience - Edit
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.
Read moreninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
Victum88
Points +20
Excelente lugar! El dueño es un muy buen cocinero! - Edit
Mi última cena en Kyoto la tuve en este café, y fue muy agradable :)
Read moreEl 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
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
Hot_Kev
Points +16
Great food and great owner - Edit
Had a wonderful and flavorful meal here. One of the best we had on Japan in two weeks!
Read moreThe owner was very kind and welcoming.
ninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
Yolanda
Points +1898
Grateful to have found Silver Backs Cafe - Edit
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.
Read moreThe 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
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
ninnin
Points +30
2/2514pm-18pm - Edit
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.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-02-17
Pros: obanzai meal set, grilled meat meal set
Guest
LouieDane
Points +11
Delicious - Edit
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.
Read moreninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
AleRosa
Points +135
Yummy food - Edit
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.
Read morePros: I could leave my bicycle at the entrance, It's possible to pay separately and by credit card
Cons: No cons!
ninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
Antsoldier
Points +92
Great food - Edit
Great food, lots of options, very friendly and funny owner.
Read moreWe 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
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
NickTustin
Points +957
Excellent - Edit
- obanzai - excellent!
Read more- vegan grilled meat set meal - excellent!
Fully vegan place! The guy is the only one working, friendly guy
ninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
MaureenJ
Points +36
Lovely place - Edit
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.😄
Read moreninnin
Thank you very much for your visit.
Read moreWe also received the highest evaluation and will work even harder to encourage you.
We look forward to seeing you again.
Guest
Poobalu
Points +30
Simply excellent experience - Edit
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.
Read moreI’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
Thanks for coming to Silverback's Cafe!
Read moreWe are sincerely glad that you enjoyed your meal.
I look forward to seeing you again in Kyoto.
itadakimasu and gochisoupamadesita!
Guest
MiffyMills
Points +921
You will not be disappointed - Edit
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
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-03-06
ninnin
It was cold yesterday.
Read moreThank 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.
Guest
alfredorodrigueztasso
Points +15
Best vegan restaurant in Kyoto - Edit
The best vegan restaurant I have ever visited in Kyoto.
Read morePros: Tasty, Traditional , Friendly
ninnin
Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
Read moreGuest
Marielabarbara
Points +48
El mejor de Kyoto - Edit
Comida deliciosa 👏🏻 nos encantó y el dueño muy simpático.
Read moreLa carta está en inglés/japonés y tienen variedad de comida y postres.
ninnin
Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
Read moreGuest
LydiaMurryy
Points +20
Amazing and funny owner - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Sou meat platter , Pudding
Cons: Not so busy
ninnin
Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
Read moreGuest
Frandon
Points +35
Nice vegan Meals - Edit
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
Read morePros: Meal choices , Price , Friendly staff
ninnin
Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
Read moreGuest
sophiardi
Points +48
Delicious Vegan Restaurant and Nice Owner - Edit
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😄
Read morePros: Nachos, Service, Atmosphere
ninnin
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!
Read moreGuest
MPrive
Points +16
Friendly, cosy and delicious - Edit
I loved the soy meat set, the owner is very friendly. Great place to go after visiting Kiyomizu Dera ❤️
Read moreninnin
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!
Read moreGuest
m@earthville
Points +9580
Tasty food, joyful proprietor - Edit
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.
Read moreRecommended. Enjoy! #Veganuary
ninnin
Thank you for coming to our store. Thank you again for your good evaluation. I'm looking forward to seeing you again.
Read moreGuest
nosaka
Points +35
Best vegan options near Kiyomizu-dera - Edit
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.
Read moreninnin
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!
Read moreGuest
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