Serves meat, vegan options available. Kyoto restaurant inside Nishiki market (錦市場). Offering Italian-fusion cuisine for three months during early 2018 - please send updates. Look for the half open glass door next to the sweet shop stall, approx. 4 stalls before you reach Fuyacho -dori, at 京都府京都市中京区東魚屋町198-1, 〒604-8055. Open Tue-Wed 11:30am-3:00pm, Thu 11:30am-2:00pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-3:00pm, Fri 6:00pm-9:00pm, Sat-Sun 6:00pm-10:00pm.
Categories: Japanese, Beer/Wine, Non-veg
54 Reviews
First Review by ahimsa333
Contributions +45
Is not a vegan restaurant, it as vegan option - Edit
The food is ok but is not a Vegan restaurant. They also serve fish and vegetarian food. They should be in a different section (vegan option). Is it not fair for many other restaurant that have probably more vegan option but they are in a different section.
Cons: It is No a vegan restaurant!
Contributions +16
Absolutely outstanding - Edit
Sensational food. Offers vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian options. We went at night, there was only one cook who also welcomes and waits on your table, so it might take a while. The food is simply outstanding. Quite possibly the best food I've had in Japan, maybe even the best vegan food I've had in a restaurant. A bit pricey but worth every penny.
Maybe the only con is that there is no vegan desert available. Otherwise absolutely flawless.
Contributions +145
Dinner isn’t currently Japanese - Edit
We tried to go here for dinner and the place is still open at night but currently has a different chef there for dinner service. We decided to try somewhere else as the lady running the restaurant at night does an Italian menu. She still had a vegan option but also a vegetarian and pescatarian option. She didn’t say how long she would be there for dinners.
Contributions +33
Amazing little plant-based Japanese restaurant in Nishiki Markets - Edit
Beautiful Japanese plant-based restaurant hidden in a small door inside Nishiki market.
There is a sign on the door Hale - vegan/vegetarian so walk slowly to find this place.
The food was so delicious, nourishing and healthy and $30 AUD for two people.
Peaceful place too with no kids and no noise.
Pros: Delicious healthy food, Quiet and beautiful space, Cheap
Cons: Not kid friendly, Hard to find - entrance is a tiny door
Contributions +16
Fantastic Lunch - Edit
Just off the market this lovely little resturant was a real gem. Beautiful food and a unique and tranquil atmosphere.
Contributions +819
A Rare Gem - Edit
This atmospheric and traditional establishment is truly a treat to visit - I was really impressed with both the food and the space. They were quite busy at the end of lunch hour and also politely asked us not to take photos; but otherwise it was a lovely experience.
Pros: High quality food, Unique space
Cons: Seemed a bit flustered
Contributions +76
Excellent in every way - Edit
I loved it here. First off is the atmosphere, this is in what looks like a very old well-maintained historical house hidden behind the chaotic insanity of the Nishiki market. Second is the fact that this place is very quiet and peaceful which seems impossible considering the location - what a welcomed refuge! Then there is of course the food. Delicious seasonal dishes, perfectly prepared and served with excellent service. The tempura maitake mushrooms were my favorite. A must for vegans in Kyoto.
Pros: Atmosphere and location, High quality food, Hidden peaceful refuge
Cons: Slippery texture of some dishes may be off putting
Contributions +19
An oasis - Edit
After the noise and pace of the market, you enter an oasis of old school Japanese calm. The set meal was beautiful and the staff were lovely.
Pros: great food and service
Contributions +17
No kids allowed - Edit
They don’t accept kids! We where not allowed to enter.
Contributions +57
Great oasis of calm in a busy (meaty!) market - Edit
I spent a few minutes looking for this place. But I was so glad I persisted. It was a wonderful little quiet spot in the middle of an exciting part of Osaka. The two women working there were both really friendly and the food was delicious. I had the lunch set menu which was made up of lots of little delicious and very fresh dishes. A wonderful experience and I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the area!
Pros: yummy food , lovely setting
Cons: blink and you could miss it. but don't give up!
Contributions +90
Fantastic! - Edit
This place was about to close when I arrived (I did not realise until I sat down) but they still accommodated me without saying a word. It is tucked in behind the market and it is so quiet. Merely finding this secret paradise was exhilarating! The food was very authenticly Japanese and I had the place to myself. It's a hidden gem.
Contributions +41
Great experience - Edit
Wonderful, beautifully presented vegan food in an elegant, quiet atmosphere. Very good value too in a city in which vegan dining can be rather expensive at times.
Pros: Wonderful food, Beautiful presentation, Elegant, quiet atmosphere
Cons: None
Contributions +32
Delightful - Edit
Everything about this restaurant is great - good food, friendly staff, beautiful shop, and it's right on Nishiki. I always go home happy and fully satisfied after having lunch at Hale. One of my favourite spots.
Contributions +43
Not amazing, but Japanese - Edit
This place was okay. Set menu--not even several set menus to choose from; you just order "lunch" and that's what you get. Kind of tricky to find--watch the signs hanging above the market, and go down the narrow hall to the end.
Pros: Convenient, Cozy, Authentic Japanese
Cons: No options, Minimal English
Contributions +58
Delicious and atmospheric - Edit
If you're after some authentic Japanese cuisine without the fish stock, come on down. The yuba is particularly lip-smacking.
Contributions +289
Mon coup de coeur à Kyoto - Edit
Hale est un petit restaurant avec deux grandes tables qui peuvent accueillir jusqu'à 12 personnes.
L'ambiance est sombre, les meubles en bois, il y a des bouteilles de Sake sur le comptoir et l'accueil est excellent. C'est tout à fait l'idée que je me faisais d'un restaurant typique Japonais. Les plats étaient délicieux (le plat de riz était servi avec de délicieux champignons). Je vous recommande vivement ce restaurant!
Pros: Très bon, Prix correct, Bon emplacement
Contributions +24
Un peu difficile à trouver mais vaut le coup! - Edit
Après quelques difficultés à trouver l'endroit (pas facile avec le marché bondé) nous avons découvert une ambiance somptueuse. Un seul choix possible mais avec beaucoup de petits plats. Très bon rapport qualité prix (1500 yens). Le jus du jour était merveilleux. Seul bémol : le plat dit "principal" composé de riz et de champignons était très salé. Si vous n'avez pas de problèmes avec le sel (mon cas) aucun soucis mais ma mère (qui ne sale pas) n'a pas pu le terminer.
Pros: Atmosphere, Diversity
Cons: Salt
Contributions +58
stunning - Edit
The ambience is what I imagine to be traditional Japan. Dark wood panelling and tables. A cosy and intimate environment. The food was plentiful, varied and delicious.
Contributions +34
Great find - Edit
Cool restaurant with great and authentic atmosphere. Food is fresh and delicious, and wait staff is helpful. Bathroom is clean but strange for foreigners (it's a squatty-potty), and seating is limited.
Pros: Food is all vegan
Cons: Just one set menu choice for lunch
Contributions +283
Not as reasonably priced as expected, but still nice - Edit
The location of Hale was nice and overall it was a nice experience. I did not find the price as "affordable" as many other reviewers, it's not outrageous, but I wouldn't give the impression it was "cheap" or a steal. There was one set meal, locale was very beautiful. I did notice when paying there was also a offer for a beer set for 1200 which personally I would have preferred, and wished the lady told me about it. The set came in courses, which considering the style of food, my partner and I found not the most ideal, the courses didn't seem to complete eachother, and go from heavy to light to heavy to light. I wish they just brought a few dishes at once, in a bit more like a bento style. Overall nice, but really we were shocked that this was listed as a 'cheap" option when it was one of the priciest places we went to on the trip.
Pros: nice locale, Sensible japanese food
Cons: Price, No advertisement for any other offers
Contributions +174
Nice ambience! - Edit
The restaurant is beautiful. Very japanese and very relaxing. We ordered a set meal. Interesting flavours and textures :) Definitly a japanese experience and worth the price.
Pros: local food, reasonable priced
Contributions +29
An Oasis - Edit
Perfect! A sanctuary of calm in a chaotic market. Quite tricky to find but well worth it. Great food, great ambiance, great service, very authentic.
Contributions +570
simple, tasty food - Edit
This is a nice respite in the middle of Nishiki market. The food was simple, but it was nice to sit down in a quiet place after strolling the awesome, but crowded market
Contributions +33
Very nice vegan bar restaurant - Edit
We had a good dinner at Hale although it was a bit difficult to find the place!
The food is japanese style with very nice dishes, plates have sufficient size.
It is a bit expensive, but it is worthwhile.
Pros: Excellent food, Friendly, Nice room (japanese-style)
Cons: A bit expensive
Contributions +71
Nice food - Edit
Visited for lunch. Had nearly missed it as the restaurant is on the cramped Nishiki market and the name was not directly visible, although it is written on the glass door, as the door is kept open.
You enter the door and through a short passage to the restaurant at the back. Relatively small place and can accommodate ~15 persons at a time. Limited options.
1000JPY for rice bowl with a type of vegetable broth, 1250 for the same with additional vegetables, tsukemono etc., i.e., washoku set and 1950 for extra large set (Has an additional vegetable set).
Food was delicious. Quiet place. But lighting and ambiance could have been better. Slightly expensive compared to some other places for lunch, but still, good quality.
Pros: Good food, Location
Cons: Not cheap. Moderate
Contributions +68
Very expensive! - Edit
My partner and I found no trouble finding the place but we're not expecting to pay so much! The food was very healthy and not quite our cup of tea. At one put we were given just steamed vegetables including a whole half of onion with the skin as well, we understand vegetables are expensive but found this a bit strange. We were expecting it to be quite cheap but for the dinner set meal itself was 2500 yen, plus a table charge (500 yen per person) plus you needed to buy a drink (650 yen) as well as tax which quickly added to a large bill! Would not go back.
Pros: very healthy food, nicely presented and cosy atmos
Cons: Very expensive, a lot of extras added to the price
1 Response
speedy1893 19 Apr 2016 - you went to a traditional Japanese restaurant. 2500 yen for a dinner set is NOT expensive in Kyoto if you want to eat decent food. they used to charge 250 yen table charge but they’ve done away with that. drinks start around 500 yen and is not required but preferred bc so many cheapskates come and order one set for several people. considering you don’t tip in Japan, a drink is not such a big deal.
Contributions +609
Delicious Macrobiotic Vegan Lunches - Edit
Hale is located in a shopping alley in Kyoto behind a narrow glass door that says "Hale". Peaceful, Japanese style, small, with lots of wooden interior and traditional feel. It's only 100% vegan during lunchtime... The owners/chef is a local, sweet lady, and the food is delicious. It's Japanese style with Yuba Tofu and lots of small plates - with various okazu. Menu was in both Japanese and English. I recommend it, and I will go back again. Please only go there is you are a respectful and considerate person. This is NOT a kind of a cafe where loud obnoxious behavior would be a ok ... only mellow respectful behavior.
Updated from previous review on Monday August 31, 2015
Pros: Unique, Delicious, Organic
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