Cafe Roji-Usagi — Restaurant in Kyoto

Found this hidden gem along the outskirts of the Gion district – great way to escape the crowds.

Originally, this restaurant was on my list to try their Japanese style breakfast. However, we were in the area so stopped by for lunch. During lunch time it’s a fixed set menu, 2 options: the grilled mackerel (fish) or the karaage (fried chicken). We both ordered 1 of each (1200 Yen each) I love having variety when I eat so I absolutely loved having a lot of sides, not to mention the presentation was just beautiful. Along with the main came a bowl of rice, miso soup, a side of pickled vegetables, a side of cooked vegetables, and small bowl of mixed ingredients (lotus, chicken, potatoes and oden). We had a lot of karaage on our trip but this was definitely one of the best ones. Crispy outside, but tender and juicy inside – not to mention it was flavourful. Didn’t taste like it was deep fried, could have fooled me if you said it was baked. The mackerel was grilled perfectly – super delicious and had a nice char taste on the outer pieces. It was salted already so adding more soya sauce was probably a mistake. All the sides were marinated with flavor - tasty.

The place was run by 2 people so it was a bit of a wait on the food but there were lots of books/magazines to keep you company (if you can read Japanese). Regardless the food was well worth the wait. So glad we came here and was able to experience lunch in a quiet place with a Japanese...

Review about the breakfast 8:30-10:30am !!!CASH ONLY!!!! There are plenty of ATMs at any convenience store nearby.

Food: 5/5 This is an amazing place to go for traditional Japanese style breakfast which includes grilled and salted salmon or mackerel, rice, miso soup, and side dishes including an assortment of pickled vegetables. The salmon was crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, salted to perfection. They have options to upgrade or order more of any side dishes. My husband who does not enjoy the traditional Japanese breakfast loved his curry rice 😅 they do charge 300 yen to anyone that doesn’t order a set meal that sits down at the restaurant, which is fair because the restaurant is small and can only sit about 4 parties 10-12 people) at a time.

Service: 5/5 Extremely kind, quick and clean

Ambience: 5/5 Quaint, truly a hidden local gem. The only other people in the cafe were two local Japanese. It is a very quiet and peaceful setting. You sit at a traditional low table on a cushion, so this might be uncomfortable for older folks or people with joint or...

Very cute restaurant in Kyoto offering good home-made breakfast. Unfortunately one star goes down for not the best customer experience. I called them and asked if we can come for breakfast, they said sure, we are not full. We were there in 15 minutes, but the shop assistant without saying a word run back and then returned with a paper in her hand saying "Sorry, we are full!" Not sure if she did not connect my normal foreigner face with my normal Japanese or just was not sure about us. In any case, after I explained in Japanese that we called she run back in the shop again and them returned again finally letting us in. The breakfast didn't taste as delicious at it could after this unnecessary intermezzo. Btw. the shop was not full...