Aoitori — Restaurant in Kyoto

What a wonderful cafe! The photos do not do it justice. I visited on the day of the Toji temple market, after being turned away from two other cafes because they were too busy. If I had realised how good this cafe is, I would have walked straight here - next time I will!

The food was so good, and the service was so friendly. We had the lunch plates, and we were delighted by not only how good the food was but also the cozy ambiance and kind staff.

OH AND THE PUDDING. THE PUDDING! I really love Japanese purin - it is literally my favourite food - and so I have eaten many types from many places, over many years of visiting Japan. However, this is the best I have ever had. The balance of flavours was wonderful, and it was neither too sweet nor too heavy. Actually, the next day I visited a more expensive restaurant and ordered their purin, but I found myself missing the one from Aoitori... I wonder if someone at the cafe loves it too, it tastes like it was made by someone who cares about purin :)

Can't wait to...

In modern society, people are often moved by monetary means. Wealth is at the center point of society, it drives our actions, our thoughts and our lives.

So, when you find something that is done out of pure love, it serves as a reminder of who we are supposed to be. And I personally found that here.

No flashy menu, no hip over-the-top interior, no loud music. But something done out of pure love. It feels as if you're sitting directly in their house, while they prepare your food. No high prices, because I feel like it is done because the owners truly want to nourish and feed the neighborhood. It's places like these that remind me of how beautiful life can be.

The sandwiches are good, the curry is good, and especially the french toast is good. The coffee is...

It’s a small little shop close to Kyoto Station. My biggest regret is not trying this cafe earlier. I dropped by on my second to last day and visited again before I left. I would have stopped by every day if I went on my first day.

Please get the pudding!!! I almost asked for the recipe because it was so good. It was perfectly soft and goes so well with the bittersweet caramel sauce.

As for the other dishes, they tasted homemade in a wonderful way. Nothing mind-blowing but felt thoughtfully made. I’ll be getting a hotel nearby this cafe again next time so I can...