Vegan
Japanese
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Traditional vegan Japanese restaurant, which specialises in chazuke, a simple Japanese dish made by pouring green tea, dashi, or hot water over cooked rice. Accompany dishes may include stewed shiitake mushrooms, housemade nijiya seaweed, and nama-fu, grilled gluten in a vegan dashi stock. Address in Japanese: 中京区南車屋町２８７ 木屋町会館１階. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm.
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 31 Oct 2024 by Volves
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Added by noborio on 08 Nov 2022
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172 Reviews
First Review by pareman
YURIEEEEEEE
Points +322
Very small store - Edit
OBANZAI style vegan store. Many vegan restaurants are cafe-style, but they serve dinner dishes.
Read moreThere are seven seats, the kitchen is very small and the selection of dishes is limited, but they also cater for oriental vegans.
The price is set high, I think it would be a great experience to use there while traveling.
It was quite difficult for people with children to enter the store.
Guest
wiredgypsy
Points +249
I almost cried. - Edit
This place, man, oh man… I don’t know if I have the vocabulary to describe how much I loved and enjoyed it.
Read moreIt’s a small Izakaya with 7 seats, serving Kaiseki (Japanese course meal) in an art form, all made of plants by a humble chef (who looked shy when I said she should get stars from Michelin Guide).
Every single dish was incredibly subtle and tasty with Umami, and my heart started leaping.
The price is also very affordable for people who are used to London restaurant prices (It was about £50 for 2 glasses of Sake and 2 large course meals).
Please check their opening time and get there as early as possible, because there is a long queue at all times (totally worth the wait though).
Honestly, it was the best hour spent in my entire trip.
Pros: Beef Yakiniku, Beef Yakidori, Yuba
Cons: Too popular! 😉
Guest
capncrunch398g
Points +37
Spectacular! - Edit
The Food, that ist served at Vegan Izakaya Nijiya is not only the best vegan Meal I ate in Japan so far, it is one of the best meals I ever had in my life.
Read moreGo for the normal Menu or the large one, but you can't do anything wrong, the dishes are all very delicious. Especially the Yakitori and the Yakiniku are spectacular.
The place ist very small, only seven people can be served at the same time and you might have to wait, but the atmosphere is relaxed and the owner/staff are lovely people, who you can tell, love, what they do.
Pros: Yakitori, Yakiniku, EVERYTHING!
Guest
AlmogBentz
Points +18
Completely vegan, amazing - Edit
This place is great, everything is vegan, only 7 seats so come early
Read moreGuest
sDianale
Points +80
Lecker & schnell - Edit
Da ich auf Palmfett allergisch bin, wurde sogar extra beim Inhaber per WhatsApp nachgefragt, ob es hier verwendet wird. Nachdem die Antwort nein war, stand einer Mahlzeit nichts im Wege. 👌
Read morePros: Atmosphäre, Sortiment, Geschirr
Cons: Die seitlichen Sitzplätze sind eng
Guest
mangomania
Points +121
Delicious set meal - Edit
Excellent all around - delicious food, well portioned and paced. Highly recommended!
Read moreGuest
FruitMonstar
Points +1135
A tourist trap - Edit
Don’t understand why this place has such a high rating.
Read moreGuest
Lenvin
Points +66
Best dinner we had - Edit
We waited for almost 45 minutes, but it was totally worth it. We ordered the Nijiya Course and it was absolutely delicious. Also the staff was really friendly. Overall an amazing experience.
Read moreGuest
Francis.crl
Points +419
I really loved it - Edit
It’s a really small place with only 7 or 8 seats but I loved it so much! Everything was so so delicious and I would definitely come again. Can only recommend if you don’t wanna miss out on this experience !
Read morePros: Everything was super delicious
Guest
LaurenC
Points +316
An unforgettable dinner - Edit
We ordered the set meal and it was some of the best food we’ve ever had, anywhere. The two women running the show were like bees that never stopped moving, and they kept handing us more and more food. Each dish was totally unique and made with real passion.
Read moreYes, it was a small space with limited seating and we had to wait outside (on a beautiful night). It’s not the place for you if you’re in a hurry, can’t stand, or can’t move in a very small space. If you can, though, it’s totally worth the wait and shouldn’t be missed while you’re in Kyoto.
Pros: Amazing food, Charming experience, Great service
Cons: Long wait to get in - but worth it!
Guest
MichaelScott!
Points +48
Good Food - Edit
The staff is friendly and the food was very good!
Read moreBe prepared to wait for a long time tho
Pros: Friendly staff, Good food especially the soy meat
Cons: Long waiting time, Some dishes are just okay
Guest
DariaRoseK
Points +66
Worth the 45min wait - Edit
We waited 45mins for a seat. Very very popular (only tourists seem to be their customers no locals) but the lovely Spanish waitress was sure to come out and give us updates on time or who's next etc. they stayed open a bit later so they could fit everyone in. We had great chats with everyone in line and at the table. Vibe was awesome!!
Read moreThe food was fantastic as was the vibe and service. The lovely Japanese chef and Spanish sous chef/waitress are so welcoming.
Food comes out quite fast considering this only the two of them! And it's made pretty much in front of you.
Yes this place is TINY, so tiny that if the chef or assistant need to clean your table they must exit through a tiny door to loop around to the front. Added a very cool and intimate element to this experience
Lovedd the Yuba & Tofu (omg the yuzu dressing was so fresh), the obanzai 5 different types of veggies, the yakitori and the tangerine plum wine! So fresh and delicious!
Dumplings are bland and almost raw tasting.
We had an amazing time! Well worth it.
When I got home I was sick however, I'm hopeful this is unrelated and more to do with the weather being so hot.
Big recommend but be prepared to wait as they're popular for a reason.
Updated from previous review on 2024-08-17
Pros: Yakitori, Obanzai , Service & Vibe
Cons: Waited 45mins for a seat, Got sick after, Dumplings aren't great
Guest
NoahSchneider
Points +65
Best vegam food we had till now! - Edit
It is really small and you probably have to wait but it IS worth it!
Read morePros: Amazing
Cons: Only 7 places
Guest
ireneshinoda
Points +101
Best best best in japan! - Edit
We came here twice on our last trip Japan. The food was incredible and so full of love. Venue is very small so get there early, but it was awesome to watch them work and prepare our food. The yakitori in particular was mind blowing!!! Loved everything
Read morePros: Small izakaya style dining , Authentic Japanese food , Friendly staff
Guest
mlmloon
Points +70
BEST VEGAN FOOD!! - Edit
Absolutely one of the best places we ate in Japan during our trip. It’s tiny so you might have to wait but we were lucky when we arrived (early) and could enjoy the delicious food right away. It’s not cheap but we loved everything they had and even ordered more. Don’t skip this place if you’re in Kyoto!
Read morePros: All the food, Izakaya experience with multiple courses , Very friendly owners
Guest
MLittl11
Points +630
Good but pricey - Edit
We got the Nijiya large course and shared between two. The yakitori was the star of the show but otherwise was just okay and a bit pricey but love what they are doing. We waited for 30 minutes and glad we did but probably wouldn’t again. They were sold out of two items including the chocolate yokan which we really wanted to try. Wish they would open up a stand with the yakitori i would visit multiple times a day. Tangerine plum wine was also exquisite.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-07-19
Pros: Yakitori, Tangerine Plum Wine, Yakiniku
Cons: Bit pricey
Guest
jadaruss
Points +1839
Was just ok to me - Edit
Nothing special but it was ok… there was what looked like mold on the ceiling and the chef/ waitress was very overwhelmed the whole time
Read moreGuest
webbstock
Points +237
Popular Vegan Japanese restaurant - Edit
Small place, friendly staff, good food and drinks.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-07-12
Pros: The Japanese desserts
Cons: A touch overpriced although fits area
Guest
CFidalgo
Points +147
Great but expensive - Edit
The vegan yakitori were amazing and the highlight for me. Everything was tasty, but a bit overpriced. They don't take reservations and there are only 7 seats. I recommend you go for an early dinner as most of the clients seem to be foreigners/tourists who prefer to dine late, as that will increase your chances of not standing in line.
Read moreGuest
SuperChipmunk
Points +404
Disappointing - Edit
It took me a week before I could write this review as I don’t like giving ratings lower than 3 to vegan restaurants, but I have to be fair.
Read moreFirst of all, I was very susprised as how expensive everything is, considering the the place where you eat it and the service that you get. I can imagine myself eating at a narrow place as I’ve done it before, but paying more than ¥4,000 to such a place, I thought that maybe the food is really great. Then I get to taste the food. I was extremely sad and disappointed. There was nothing special about their obanzais. The vegan yakitori was tasty, but it doesn’t have a “wow” to it. I have tasted better and more sophisticated dishes without having to pay for such a high price (oh, and look at the price of their water, this is not New York City!!!). On top of that, the service was not good. And the worst if it all, the instant give away that it is a tourist trap, is the tip box. It is the first time I’ve seen a tip box at a restaurant in Japan, and I’ve been to plenty of restaurants in Japan even before I went vegan! This is not something considered conventional in Japan which means that they’re obviously targeting tourists!
Whew, there, I said it. It’s probably the worst restaurant I’ve been to in Japan. I’d save my money and go else where (or go to Tokyo). But of course it’s up to you. If you want to fuel this kind of practice, then go ahead.
Updated from previous review on 2024-07-02
Cons: tourist trap, bad service, too expensive for rhe quality
Guest
travelnomadic00
Points +137
TOOK ME TO FLAVORTOWN 🤤 - Edit
I did quite a bit of research about this izakaya. The website states they do not take reservations, so my travel partner and I walked to it. Luckily, we did not have to wait too long for a seat. I could see how the wait could get long if being a 7 seat restaurant. I was first impressed by the smells, and when the food came, I was an awe.
Read moreI chose the Nijiya course (¥3900), which consisted of a little bit of everything. I didn’t expect to be so filling, yet it was. The variety of Asian flavors, put me in a state of bliss, and definitely took me to flavor town.
The music was soulful, songs like Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye. 
Pros: Service/staff, Food Flavors/presentation, Atmosphere
Cons: Limited seating
Guest
lisasays73
Points +515
A long wait but worth it - Edit
It’s very small, there is place for about 7 people, so you might need to wait up to one hour (as we did) – but the food was incredible. We tried the whole menu (I mean it) and shared all of it and I can honestly say it was extremely good – the skewers were to die for! They also make a special chocolate and you have to try it! Well worth the wait, I would say.
Read morePros: Great food, Lovely and efficient staff
Cons: Small place, A bit pricey
Guest
BennyRK
Points +31
Absolutely stunning - Edit
This is absolutely first rate cuisine (vegan or not). I have been to Michelin star restaurants that would struggle to compete with this fine establishment. Cudos to the chefs.
Read morePros: Everything, Everything, Everything
Guest
daenoochrys
Points +494
Great food and overall experience - Edit
Really great food and atmosphere. The yakitori was one of the best vegan meat dishes we've ever had. The owners were very welcoming too. Definitely recommend. There is limited seating though. We arrived a bit before 5:30 and only had to wait 5 minutes or so.
Read moreGuest
SandraAnanos
Points +289
I don't understand the hype - Edit
I arrived right when they opened at 5:30 and waited around an hour to get seated. The food was okay but definitely not worth the long wait. It wasn't particularly memorable, staff was nice and super efficient though
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-06-03
Guest
bandzior
Points +58
Very small place, but the food is AMAZING - Edit
Each dish was SO full of flavour!
Read moreGuest
p.skillz
Points +504
Superb - Edit
This is a fully vegan restaurant that seats only 7 people. We had to queue for about an hour to get in, but it was worth the wait. Absolutely loved the food here.
Read moreGuest
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