Houzan — Local services in Kyoto

Service is terribly slow and very inefficient. So if you can’t wait beyond 1 hour, you have to give this a miss.

I came alone, and requested to share a seat w 3 people at 4-seat table since the queue was sooo long. But I got rejected for my suggestion. Later, they gave me a seat at a 4-seat table all by myself while there’s 3 people waiting behind me. The logic of their table-customers allocation is terrible. I actually decided to move myself to a 2-seat table later on, so the people waiting after me can sit. No initiative to be smart about moving the service line fast.

Food is pretty decent, the soba is tangy and broth is light and sweet. Tempura’s batter is great too, very crispy and light in flavour.

Still, the wait and service are way too agonising that it just eats into the overall experience at this restaurant. I waited for 1 hour 45 min, including for my food to arrive. Even if the food is that great, it’s just too painful to...

Houzan, Kyoto

Tucked away just a short walk from the monkey park, Houzan feels like a soft exhale after the climb. The kind of place you stumble into and quietly thank the universe for.

Their soba—chilled, clean, just the right bite—pairs effortlessly with tempura so crisp it almost melts. Nothing overdone, nothing trying to impress, just quiet confidence on a plate.

The space itself is gentle, with low wooden beams and a window that opens onto a peaceful garden. You feel time slowing down without asking. Staff speak softly, smile easily, and even with the language gap, make you feel at home.

It’s not flashy, not loud. Just warm food, kind people, and a moment of stillness. One of those places you carry with you after...

We stayed at a place very close to this restaurant (less than a minute). We were greeted and seated right away. Cold green tea was served right away and menus provided. We ordered a salad with cold soba, hot soba with mini tempura bow, and the beef set. All came with small sides. I prefer the hot soba over the cold but the cold one had a nice texture as a salad. The beef bowl had so much flavor and the meat was delicious. The tempura was crispy and so good! The server was very attentive and kept checking on us, making sure we didn't need anything and refilling our tea. There's counter seating in the back facing a beautiful patio. The view is spectacular! Give this...