• 5
• Welcoming and delicious!

We recently visited Kyoto for a few days over the Christmas holiday, and our meal at Padma was one of the highlights of our trip. I joined Happy Cow just for the opportunity to review it! First of all, please note the place is a little hard to find because the sign is very small. "Padma" is written on a small stanchion, placed on the sidewalk outside the door. It is NOT the place indicated by the reviewer below, who is describing the bar/restaurant next door, which is easily identifiable by their distinctive decor (the hubcaps and industrial tubing). We walked in to that bar based on the reviewer's description, asked for the vegan dinner, and their waitstaff directed us next door, to Padma, which is a small, casual place with a counter and some little tables. Everything about Padma was warm and inviting. We were the only diners there that evening, and in some places that might feel awkward-- but not Padma! Yuka treated us like family. She served us up some sake and we ordered the dinner set, on her recommendation. It was a delight to watch her cook everything up before our eyes, and it was so delicious! The style of the food seemed traditional, but the flavors and textures were unique and surprising and out-of-this-world! To make things even better, Yuka told us about other places we should check out in Kyoto, and was very generous with her time and attention. We felt like royalty, and left knowing we had enjoyed a truly authentic meal with a generous and passionate host. Please eat at Padma. It is well worth the excursion! Modestly priced, too. Please note that last service is at 8:30pm.