Kyoto has long reigned as a destination for fresh, seasonal and veggie-laden food, making it one of the best cities in the nation for finding plant-based meals. Here are Culture Trip’s picks of the best vegan restaurants in and around the city.
Perched on the scenic Kamo River, the heart of Kyoto City, this airy and inviting restaurant is an excellent introduction to plant-based eating. Veg Out’s menu features dishes prepared with kyōyasai, local heirloom vegetables that have a thousand-year history. Try its famous Buddha Bowl or the tomato coconut curry, and finish with a delicious drip coffee or chai and a baked dessert.
AIN SOPH. Journey is new to Kyoto – it only opened in 2018 – but the venue has long-standing sister restaurants around Japan, including one in Tokyo’s Shinjuku. This restaurant is dedicated to serving vegan food that is accessible to the masses. Featuring mouth-watering vegan beef and chicken burgers, fluffy pancakes topped with fresh fruit, and fusion food like taco rice, the menu is sure to have something to suit every taste. The old-fashioned space can cater to large groups and even wedding parties.
Travellers heading to Arashiyama, one of the area’s most popular attractions featuring a gorgeous bamboo grove and scenic river, will be happy to know a delicious vegan restaurant lies in the middle of the touristy town. Using only locally grown and pesticide-free organic vegetables, Vegan Cooking Arashiyama-kan Tofu and Vegetable serves the bento-style meals for which Kyoto is famous. Its matcha, another Kyoto staple, is a must-try. The owners are exceptionally friendly – they might even give you the lowdown on nearby tourist spots or show you around themselves.
Another Kyoto favourite, Natural Food Village is the oldest vegan joint in the city. The store features a wide selection of foreign foods – curry, pho and pasta are all on the menu – made from vegetables sourced from nearby farms. The comfy cushions, shelves of books and collection of knick-knacks on display create a cosy atmosphere. Natural Food Village provides English menus and is a great place to relax alone with a cup of tea as well as the perfect venue for an evening boogie. Music events and live performances happen regularly.
Little-Heaven is a fine-dining vegan restaurant. Preparing expertly crafted vegan food for only a handful of customers each day, this restaurant provides exquisite cuisine that both looks and tastes incredible. The menu includes vegan burgers, sushi and pizza, though the exact ingredients and side dishes change with the seasons. Each meticulously plated meal features elements such as star-shaped okra and flower petals garnishing plates. This place is truly a mini-heaven on earth for any foodie, not just vegans. Reservations are a must.