Alt — Restaurant in Kyoto

The owner is a nice, friendly young lady. The shop is small and a bit cluttered but that’s not uncommon in Japan due to small spaces. The coffee was presented beautifully in a different style cup than I have seen before BUT it disappoints a bit - not anywhere does it say that it is a vegan coffee shop.

When I went to this shop with my boyfriend, we were really excited to have a cup of coffee. He usually gets a cappuccino and I am americano. When we ordered the drinks and they arrived at the table, my boyfriends drink visibly looked different and of course tasted different. When we asked the barista, she said it was made with oat milk. It kind of baffled us because no where in the cafe or on the menu does it say that the standard milk used for drinks is non dairy.

I have no problem with non dairy alternatives but since it’s not the industry standard, it should be notated somewhere. We were a bit disappointed with the experience. My americano also had a very weak flavor to it.

I would not go out of my way to go to this coffee shop again unfortunately, even if you like non dairy alternatives…it’s just not any better than a cup of coffee from a chain...

Tucked away in a quiet corner, Alt Coffee Roasters is one of those rare finds that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. The space is tiny—just a few seats—but that’s part of its charm. It’s cozy, warm, and has a calm, minimalist vibe that invites you to slow down.

The coffee is excellent—clearly crafted with care, from thoughtfully sourced beans to expert brewing. Whether you’re into pour-overs or espresso, the flavors are clean and balanced. The baristas are friendly and passionate, adding to the welcoming feel of the place.

Perfect for a quiet moment alone or a quick catch-up with a friend—Alt might be small, but it leaves a...

We ordered a double espresso, which unfortunately was rather disappointing. There was no choice of beans, and the coffee had a stale taste with a roast that was far too dark for our liking.

The staff was friendly but not particularly welcoming or memorable.

The atmosphere inside felt quite crowded and reminded us more of a museum souvenir shop than a cozy café.

The café itself was clean, though busy, and it’s worth noting that it’s cash only.

We didn’t try any food or pastries this time. No Wi-Fi or power outlets...