CLOSED: Kairas

I spent 4 weeks in Kyoto, and tried nearly every vegetarian restaurant there. Kairasu was the last place I went, and I was sad that I didn't go there first. The space is so peaceful and relaxing, and the couple that run it are so friendly and sweet, and speak just enough English to make you feel understood. The food was excellent, with such incredible attention to detail. The lunch set is the best deal, and the dessert (banana parfait) was excellent. We also bought one of all their cookies to eat the next day. If you want fancy and flashy, go to Cafe Proverbs. If you want to relax, and feel the vibe of Kyoto, go here.

With quirky designs and a crafty menu that I totally wanted to take home with me, this was the second bright spot in Kyoto. We stopped by there mid/late afternoon one day and had no trouble finding the place. We hadn't eaten yet, and were initially disappointed that they were only serving light snacks, until I noticed the vegan French Toast on the menu (french toast and pancakes aren't really considered breakfast in Japan). That, combined with a banana parfait made for a nice light lunch. And on returning the next day, we were more than impressed with both the food and the atmosphere. Menus have English, and the staff, while somewhat quiet, was extremely helpful. Just make sure you check their hours, because the menu changes.

It is not that hard to find, but it does not have an English signboard so you have to look for "veg" on the menu blackboard in front of the place.

Their set menu for lunch was quite tasty and vegan. My only complaint would be that one of the dishes (the miso soup) could have used a shade more salt.

The menu to this place looked delicious, but please note that lunch hours are until 2 - and then after that it reopens on the evening. We went for a late lunch and they only had cake! :(

Some things contain milk, but vegan options are marked on the menu and almost everything is vegan. The cake was only good but the cookies and soy ice cream were awesome. Hours are 10-8 and it's closed Wednesdays and possibly Thursdays. Forget Shirakawa street. It is on the North side of Marutamachi street just east of Higashioji street. A bit hard to spot perhaps. On the second floor there is a comfy home-style room where you can also eat.