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About
Café Chikoro
Welcome to Café Chikoro, an enchanting culinary gem tucked away on a serene side street in Kyoto, at 78 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward. This charming café, situated in a beautifully preserved 100-year-old house, evokes a sense of comfort and warmth that will make you feel right at home.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere draws you in with its traditional and cozy design, creating a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The sound of wind chimes fills the air, infusing a tranquil ambiance that complements the delightful experience you are about to have.
Café Chikoro is not just notable for its setting but also for its commitment to serving authentic Japanese cuisine made from the freshest, organic ingredients. With produce sourced directly from their garden and local farmers, the menu highlights the flavors of Kyoto. The star of the show? The miso broth, which has garnered rave reviews for its comforting and heartwarming qualities. Each spoonful resonates with the care and passion imbued by the owner, who has a rich background in culinary arts from her time in Boston. Her fluency in English ensures that international guests can enjoy this experience without the worry of language barriers.
Your visit wouldn't be complete without trying their freshly squeezed carrot juice and the acclaimed apple cake—served with all the love one would expect from a grandmother's kitchen. Guests have described the apple cake as a taste of pure love, the perfect ending to a meal that feels like a nourishing embrace.
Café Chikoro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary for the soul. The friendly staff is dedicated to making your experience unforgettable. Even when faced with a temporary shortage of side dishes, their commitment to quality and service ensured that patrons left with joy and a small discount—true hospitality that speaks volumes.
If you find yourself near the iconic Gingakuji Temple, do not miss the opportunity to step into the haven that is Café Chikoro. With its delicious offerings and soulful atmosphere, it promises to be a moment you will cherish long after your visit. It is a must-stop destination for anyone in search of a heartfelt meal in Kyoto.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Cafe Chikoro is a homey, authentic Japanese restaurant in a beautiful and traditional 100 year-old house. It's a new restaurant and is a bit hidden away on a side street, which is why there aren't that many reviews - but it's truly amazing. The food is fresh, comforting, and delicious, and it uses organic vegetables grown directly in the garden and by local Kyoto farmers. Get the freshly squeezed carrot juice and apple cake! The owner worked in Boston and speaks really good English, so foreign visitors can enjoy the service without a language barriers. I can’t recommend Cafe Chikoro highly enough. It’s a must-stop if you’re near Gingakuji Temple. ”
“ The house, the food and the people are all warming to the soul. The miso broth is fantastic. Wind blown chimes pierced through Clamour! Their song brought peace and Comfort to stressed days. ”
“ Wish I could give more stars, the staff were sooooooooooooooooooo lovely and sweet, would recommend to ANYONE. The atmosphere was traditional, cosy, and very zen. The cafe was set back from the street which elliminated all other distractions. The only lunch option is a set meal, but was absolutely delicious, when we went there they were sold out temporarily of some of the side dishes because we arrived late, this resulted in a discount. Overall amazing cafe on the edge of Kyoto. ”
“ We had an amazing lunch in this beautiful location. The hosting speaks perfectly english and was very nice with us. The food was really special, the best lunch in kyoto! ”
“ A haven of healthy, heartwarming food! The owner, a gentle soul, poured her heart into every dish, creating the most memorable lunch of our four-week Japanese journey. We had the set lunch, complete with a drink and dessert, and the apple cake was simply the best we've ever tasted. It was like tasting pure love, straight from a grandmother's kitchen. The authentic ambiance was simply perfect, and it was a surreal experience to be the only ones there. This restaurant is a treasure that deserves to be shared. ”
“ The restaurant owner was a very sweet lady. It was a traditional Japanese experience. There was nothing vegetarian on the menu but as soon as we told her that we are vegetarian, she prepared a fresh vegetarian meal for us. It was a vegetarian miso soup with vegetables and Inari sushi with tea. There was ambient music being played which made us feel more relaxed. ”
“ I stumbled across this cafe by chance and it quickly became the best part of my day. Lunch was delicious and fresh, traditional homestyle cooking that is simple yet flavourful. I tried the red shiso and ume drink which had a unique and memorable taste. The atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful as the cafe is located in a 100-year-old house off a small alley near the Silver Pavilion. The hostess was so kind and attentive, and fluent in English. I had an absolutely lovely experience and look forward to visiting again. ”
“ Such a sweet owner and delicious food and tea. The cakes were fresh and the tea was authentic by the subtle taste. Me and my fiancé went in November and it was a lovely break from outside. ”