Cafe January — Restaurant in Kyoto

Was really happy to find a quaint cafe in the area where we were staying and had high hopes becos of the google ratings. The space was nicely done up.

However the host who greeted us wasn’t very welcoming, which is very surprising in Japan.

We came as 2 adults and 2 kids and wanted to order 3 breakfast sets instead of 4 sets so that the kids can share 1 set of the larger set. We were told we must order at least 1 set per person including the kids.

So I asked if we can just take the 1300yen set for the two kids instead of 2 sets of 700 yen (which monetary would be about the same right?) The host firmly insisted no and we MUST take 1 set each regardless of value.

It is very strange.. since most places in Japan are very accommodating to children. Or they have kids set if they want to insist parents to order for kids.

And this policy also makes me feel very perplexed. So does it mean if someone wants to just come in for a coffee — they are not allowed to unless they order a breakfast set?

It is a pity. Cos the space is really nice and the breakfast was nothing fancy but passable. Cappuccino needs more work..as you can see from the pic, it is more like a foamy milk rather than a cappuccino..

2 stars for the space and decent enough breakfast. Service just spoilt the mood, definitely not what we expected from the...

We had a similar uncomfortable experience to others before us as well after reading some reviews. We have a group of 7, and came in quietly to the venue. However, they stated our group is too large, even when we split into 2 separate groups. In addition, he told us that it would take 1.5 hours to make 7 breakfast sets and that our group would be too loud? I'm not sure what gave the impression, possibly simply that we are a large group. There were only a couple customers in the place at the time.

The atmosphere looked nice when we entered. Wished we could've eaten the food there based on some reviews. However, recommend to those with more than 3, to not waste time walking here as you will be turned away sadly.

As for the service, we do recognize they have the right to refuse service and we left respectfully. The feeling we were left with was uncomfortable and embarrassing, walking out under the assumption we are a loud group (we were on a family trip, no small children). Also had to continue wandering to find another breakfast place and hope we aren't kicked out because of our "big" family.

Recommend to go to Bread & Coffee Hirarinto :) they were more accepting, delicious and affordable, served by locals. Service is a bit slow, but not...

A racist cafe!!!

A very rude man who was at the counter and served us. I don’t think he likes tourists like us. Firstly he speak little English, and he becomes grumpy when I asked him what is the blend coffee which he couldn’t explain. Ok I get it that people don’t always speak English. However on the entrance there is a sign clearly said each customer must order something, and instructions of seating time. As such, it gives me the understanding of someone speaks English and the cafe must be inviting to the foreigners. Turned out that was so wrong, I swear I would not want to spend the money on someone who is rude to us to keep the story short. We are very foodies and normally order a lots at a cafe/(restaurant) for 2 people at least 2 drinks + 3 dishes of foods and sometimes plus pastries depending on how interesting the pastries and the cafe vibes is, but at that time we just had coffees and left. Japanese people are generally very polite and respectful but this man who I assume is the owner is very rude. If you’re rude and racist, why would you run the business?

Atmosphere: I felt somewhat pressured. I had to whisper to my husband and there wasn’t any music.

⚠️ I would recommend the readers to skip this cafe and have enjoyable time...