Vegan
Japanese
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Traditional vegan Japanese restaurant operated by Vegan Farm, which specializes in ochazuke, a simple Japanese dish made by pouring green tea, dashi, or hot water over cooked rice. Accompany dishes may include stewed shiitake mushrooms, house made 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-8:00pm, Tue-Sun 12:00pm-3:00pm. Irregular closed days - check Instagram for latest hours.
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- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 31 Dec 2025 by noborio
Update business info -
Added by noborio on 08 Nov 2022
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284 Reviews
First Review by pareman
m@earthville
Points +10434
Must-try! Excellent food, intimate experience, farm-to-table - Edit
Even in Kyoto, a place with an abundance of great plant-based food, Nijiya stands out as exceptional. As others here have reported, the food and service are both very special.
Read moreBeing a seven-seat izakaya, intimacy is built into the experience: you're essentially sharing a table with the cooks and the guests. And, in this case, that's a big plus, because the cooks are so warm, friendly, and gracious. (English is spoken.)
The traditional way to enjoy an Izakaya (which is recommendable here) is to start with subtler dishes like the gyoza (dumplings) and the obanzai sets, and then move to the richer flavors and textures (such as the yakitori, which is uncommonly good here), and finally fill up with one or more of the rice dishes (here, this means either rice balls with a lovely miso spice or various preparations of chazuke). If you have an appetite, you'll need to order several dishes, and one usually orders them gradually rather than all at once. It seems common for guests here to wind up trying at least half of the menu in one sitting, which is a rewarding experience.
If it’s your first visit, we’d recommend going for the full Nijiya set so you get to try almost everything.
Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Updated from previous review on 2024-01-08
Guest
KAGoldberg
Points +86
Fantastic place - Edit
We tried a number of things. All delicious. The place is tiny—and popular! Most of all, the chefs were so nice and hospitable.
Read moreGuest
basyl
Points +20
Best meal on our Japan trip! - Edit
This was the best meal we had during our Japan trip. Highly recommend getting the full course. Everything was delicious, unique, and special. The staff were so warm. Well priced (at least, coming from USD).
Read moreIf there’s a line, it’s worth the wait.
Pros: Variety, Quality, Interior (tight quarters)
Guest
JamesTee1
Points +42
Once in a lifetime - Edit
Super. We arrived at 530pm and were 2nd/3rd in the queue, a bit cold but whatever. Served at 630pm (guests have 1hr). The Japanese staff cook in front of you and the food and courses (9 I think) keep coming. Amazing, plentiful food at a fair price. Fantastic intimate atmosphere with little touches and really feel involved in the whole process. We strongly insist you make the effort to come here (tip: my wife took a load of photos of the nearby stunning river (10 seconds) while we queued).
Read morePros: Food, Culinary experience, Intimacy
Cons: Queue, Cold, Eyes staring at you (don't look back haha)
Guest
deidden
Points +156
Great Izakaya experience - Edit
Very small restaurant (7 seater), so it is best to arrive early to guarantee yourself a seat. You can select individual items, but it is generally recommended to go with the set menu for the full experience.
Read moreThe highlights include the exquisite yakitori and the yakiniku. Some of the items could have been more flavourful, such as the dumplings and the obanzai.
Updated from previous review on 2025-04-06
Pros: Everything is vegan
Cons: Expensive, Some items are a bit disappointing
Guest
MCSchuetz
Points +462
Amazing food - Edit
Great spot for vegans in Kyoto!
Read moreReally tasty!
Only note that they have limited seating (7 seats), so you probably have to wait for some time. But it's worth it!
Pros: Great food!, traditional cuisine
Cons: really small place, likely long waiting time
Guest
KATIE H
Points +363
Amazing experience- we went twice - Edit
Honestly one of the best meals I’ve had. Maybe it was the wonder of so much coming out of a tiny space. But it was most definitely delicious.
Read moreWe went for the small set and added the cheesecake to try it all.
We didn’t think we’d get chance to come back, but after a good walk the next day all we could think about was that meal. So we lined up again. Be prepared to wait. But very worth it.
Inside is small (very small) so go minimally.
Pros: Incredible work , So many dishes, Flavour, balance and texture were incredible
Cons: The line
Guest
Jessnavit
Points +601
The best vegan restaurant in Kyoto - Edit
Love de izakaya, the food and drinks are amazing
Read moreGuest
mnechmad
Points +24
Phenomenal Authentic Izakaya - Edit
This place is amazing! Highly recommend. Their homemade miso is the best I’ve had (you can buy a jar of it to go). There are only 7 seats and a line out the door for dinner. I’d recommend getting there at 5:15 to secure a spot at 5:30.
Read morePros: Great service, Amazing food, Pleasant music/intimate ambiance
Guest
verbivore
Points +80
So cute, so delicious! - Edit
Had the delicious vegan hotpot lunch for two. Such a fun process, it cooks right in front of you. Very friendly owner as well. There was no wait when we showed up at noon (when it opened) but apparently sometimes there is a wait. I'll tell you, it is worth it!!
Read morePros: Ethics, Food, Friendly staff
Guest
DonovanJames
Points +32
Delicious all vegan hot pot restaurant, highly recommend! - Edit
Absolutely delicious! One of a kind hot pot experience, all vegan. Delicious homemade fermented miso and farm fresh ingredients. Highly recommend!!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-03-23
Guest
Happytraveller
Points +285
A wonderful experience! - Edit
What an amazing experience! This is a tiny Izakaya with seven seats only. It is a cozy, comfortable, welcoming space. We had the soy meat skewers and dumplings and both were amazing. One of our best meals in Japan. The prices were reasonable. The atmosphere makes it special too!
Read morePros: Cozy space, Beautiful presentation, Japanese style food
Guest
Diego89
Points +16
A little corner of paradise - Edit
Sublime dishes, I was extremely satisfied. A small place immersed in the chaos of Kyoto. There time stops and you can savor every dish
Read moreGuest
wuski
Points +411
Must go - Edit
Recommend trying to go early as there was quite a line when we went. We got really lucky and only had to wait about 30-40 minutes, but there were people who had to wait well over an hour. The food was worth it to us. Some of the best vegan meat we’ve ever had (could’ve eaten a million skewers). It was a fun experience watching the food get made and served up to the other diners. Only 7 seats and they try to limit people to an hour to help with the wait
Read moreGuest
taiwanesetexan
Points +13606
Fresh and filling - Edit
I went straight to this restaurant after getting off the train from Osaka to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. It’s tiny, but I was the first customer of the day in this seven-person bar counter restaurant, which somehow still has a restroom in it. Both staff members were extremely accommodating to English speakers and humored me and my broken Japanese. For lunch, they only offer a nabe (hot pot) set menu, which is ¥3,900 for one and ¥4,900 for two. The only customization allowed is the addition of drinks. It comes with a big pot of organic vegetables grown on the owner’s family farm, a piece of fried tofu, shabu mochi, udon noodles, miso paste that has been aged for three years, ponzu sauce, ichimi (chili pepper), and yuzu sorbet. I chatted with two different couples who came in after me, in English (from Italy and France) and in Mandarin Chinese (from Taiwan). It was a lovely experience. Credit cards accepted, and free wifi available. Would love to return for dinner, but beware of the long lines!
Read moreGuest
CandyLee
Points +402
Tiny izakaya with excellent food - Edit
One the best food experiences I have had in Japan. The chefs made the food right in front of us, which made everything even more unique. We tasted almost everyhing in the menu. Even the memories of the meal makes my mouth water 🤤
Read moreGuest
Brittemor
Points +24
Sehr ausgewogen, ein Genuss für den Gaumen - Edit
Sooo lecker
Read moreDas warten hat sich auf jeden
Fall gelohnt
Pros: Freundliches Personal , Alle Gerichte waren super lecker, Sehr Persönlich da nur 7 Plätze
Cons: Das Warten
Guest
ChanelleRodeka
Points +737
What an experience! - Edit
Tiny place offering traditional Japanese Buddhist cuisine. I went for a late lunch so they were only serving a set menu- of hot pot and yuzu sorbet. It’s cooked in front of you, full of veges, tofu and udon noodles and the most delicious miso ever. I’m not a massive hot pot fan but after this I am! The lovely ladies preparing the food were so welcoming and lovely.
Read moreI’d love to go back for dinner. Apparently you have to queue outside at dinner time as it gets busy (and because so tiny and it takes awhile).
Was grateful for free wifi and a toilet which not all places have
Guest
MatthewWood
Points +94
Exquisite vegan restaurant - Edit
Absolutely delicious traditional Japanese. Inspired by Buddhist shojin riori cuisine, it was well worth the wait.
Read moreNo reservations, only seats 7, get there early.
Pros: The food, The compassionate mission statement, The setting
Cons: Too small, Popular, and a long wait
Guest
Momosmum🐈
Points +56
Best Miso Ever - Edit
We had the hotpot for lunch and the miso was the best I've ever tasted. Both chefs were incredibly friendly and the good was delicious. Definitely a must visit for Kyoto.
Read moreGuest
Kitao
Points +21
Exceptionnel - Edit
Le meilleur restaurant que nous ayons testé au Japon !
Read moreUn restaurant tout petit, 7-8 couverts je crois, mais quel délice ! Nous avons attendu 15min pour rentrer et nous avons bien fait !
On voit les deux cuisinières préparer tout devant nous sans jamais s'arrêter. L'expérience est autant intéressante à vivre que les plats à déguster. On recommande de prendre le plus gros menu pour tout goûter, il est un peu cher (environ 5000Y) mais cela les vaut largement. On a eu l'impression d'un repas découverte gastronomique pour 35€/pers.
Allez-y les yeux fermés, même s'il vous faut patienter un peu dehors. 👍🏻👍🏻
Updated from previous review on 2025-02-27
Guest
Greggco
Points +2406
Amazing - Edit
Great little izakaya, only 8 seats inside. Everything was really good, the vegan yakitori were by far the best vegan meat I ever had anywhere. Highly recommended 👍
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-02-26
Guest
happyvegan2422
Points +13
Great food, lovely staff - Edit
We came here on Valentine's day with zero expectations on what kind of food this is. Only knew that it's vegan.
Read moreWe were blown away by the service. They have been trying a new hot pot menu for lunch and us being new to hot pot, they took their time to explain how to go about things.
The owners and staff were very sweet, the miso sauce was impeccable. It was one of the best broths that we have tasted. It is a small shop and we got very lucky that we found a table immediately.
I highly recommend coming here during lunch and trying out their hotpot. Dinner is always famous here and you will not regret it.
Pros: Hotpot, Dessert, Atmosphere
Guest
LazSwart
Points +25
Amazing Amazing Amazing! - Edit
Amazing VEGAN food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere! 100% Would recommend!
Read moreGuest
gertrudisveg
Points +52
Wonderful place - Edit
The food was wonderful! Great experience
Read morePros: Loved the cozy place
Guest
GraceDuan
Points +84
Great special space with good food - Edit
Had the set menu, the space is small but it’s a great atmosphere. The food was incredible. I got there early (on opening time) so no wait.
Read moreGuest
anaellel
Points +694
Nice and cozy - Edit
Very small place. The food is good (especially the fake meat). We had a nice time.
Read moreGuest
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