メキシコ料理＆バー BALMIL — Restaurant in Kyoto

(NOTE: Australian couple travelling in Kyoto, owners spoke amazing English).

Tucked away in the heart of Kyoto, this gem of a bar/ lrestaurant turned out to be one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip. From the moment we stepped in, we were met with a warm, intimate atmosphere that set the tone for what would become a truly exceptional evening.

The food was nothing short of spectacular—every dish was absolutely amazing. We started with a 5 course set but could’ve easily ordered the entire menu.

But what truly elevated our night was the bar experience. The bartender was nothing less than extraordinary—charming, personable, and clearly in love with his craft. He took the time to chat with us, understand our tastes, and then crafted personalized cocktails that were as stunning as they were delicious. Each drink told its own story, and his ability to mix ingredients with flair and intention was remarkable. Watching him work was like watching an artist—precise, joyful, and full of character.

His enthusiasm was infectious, and the care he poured (literally and figuratively) into each drink made the experience feel personal and one-of-a-kind. By the end of the night, we weren’t just patrons; we felt like welcomed guests.

This experience didn’t just make for a great dinner—it became a highlight of our entire trip to Kyoto. If you’re looking for a place where awesome Mexican food meets heartfelt hospitality, look no further. We’ll be talking about that night, and those cocktails, for a long...

Tacos bring joy, and so does Bal Mil. Like many other reviewers, we saw the tacos sign while walking aimlessly and decided to try something different. The owner and staff were among the kindest and most personable hosts in a city known for hospitality. The owner’s goal is to bring the comforting and fun concept of tacos to the Asian palate. He also plays Celtic style music in the restaurant because he believes it brings a joyful headspace. The irony of Celtic music in a Japanese taco bar is not lost on him; it is a deliberate stroke to foster good moods and happy vibes.

Some reviews complain that the tacos are unauthentic, but I think this perspective misses the point. First, Bal Mil aims to appreciate, not replicate, an underrepresented foreign comfort food in Japan. He succeeds at this goal. Second, keep in mind, this is Japan, not Mexico or San Diego. It is equally rare to find, and equally unfair to demand, authentic Japanese food in the U.S., where Benihana’s and yum yum sauce rein as a Japanese night out. Third, the Bal Mil offers a Japanese take on tacos, which makes sense because, again, this is Japan. I think reviews complaining about taco authenticity should lay off the hot sauce and simply enjoy the good times and joyfulness Bal Mil brings.

Overall, good times, good food, good drinks, and good people, and a lot of taco joy. What else could...

Another fantatic evening in Kyoto, this time fantastic BalMil bar/restaurant. You’re all missing out if you skip by this hidden gem!

The Carne Asada fries and Beef Tacos were absolutely amazing, served with a few different sauces to spice things up. The guacamole was fresh, and I loved how the green habanero pepper sauce and wasabi powder gave a unique accent. On top of that, the customized cocktails the bartender made based on my taste were fantastic!

The bartender/owner speaks excellent English and was such a pleasure to talk with—we chatted about video games, Japanese and American movies and Japanese culture and differences. He even gave me his top 5 recommendations of places to visit in Kyoto. His staff member was also very cute and kind lady, and busy cooking up delicious Mexican food in the kitchen, but also came by a few times to have a nice chat.

The restaurant is a bit small (like many spots in Kyoto) and a little hard to notice from the outside since it’s on the second floor. But once inside, it’s cozy, relaxing, and filled with great food, drinks, and conversations.

A truly great place—highly recommended, for those who like to try a nice cocktail or...