• 5
• BEST vegan restaurant in Japan!!! :)

My partner, a few friends and I were in Japan for a month last year and were in Kyoto for a week - we tried a range of great restaurants while in Kyoto (and the whole of Japan!) - but Padma Zen was by far our absolute favourite!! We ate here 5 times - the owner is so lovely and would make us up the most delicious meals! We tried a variety of dishes - but sorry to say I don't know what any of them are because the menu is all in Japanese. The good news is EVERYTHING is vegan so we didn't need to worry just said to her to give us whatever she recommended. We had a mixed plate which was sensational. Some soups and amazing variety of noodle dishes - there was one that was creamy with these crunchy noodles on top - mind blowing!! We usually sit at the bar and chat to other customers and to the wonderful chef. It was truly our favourite restaurant on all our worldwide travels and were so sad to leave! I highly recommend this place to anyone who is in Kyoto - you won't regret it! At the bar one night we were eating there, we starting chatting to a fellow from Europe and he said he lived in Kyoto and ate there nearly everyday - I asked him if he was vegetarian or vegan and he said no why do you ask? I said because this is a vegan restaurant! and he said oh he had no idea, he just came here because the food was sensational! :) I love the decor and ambience of the restaurant and it was even open on Christmas which is where we had our Christmas dinner :) They also serve alcohol which is great. The opening hours above say they're only open for dinner on Friday or Saturday - however when we went they were open for dinner every night - so not sure if this is accurate or if it has changed? HIGHLY recommend!!! I have reviewed many restaurants on Happy Cow - but I have never given any a 5 star rating - until now! Well deserved 5 stars to Padma Zen :) - I can't wait to return to Kyoto to eat here again!