Elephant Factory Coffee — Restaurant in Kyoto

Kyoto is very friendly almost everywhere. But this cafe gave the rudest experience in Kyoto! Not friendly to non-Japanese speaking people. Overpriced. 750yen for a coffee that is average at best. Very slow service 30mins just to get water, arrived only with reminders . Smoking allowed in a cramp space. Don't come here! Unless you enjoy very rude service !! I was asked to move 3 times by just pointing, every time new customer arrived ! No apologies! No すみません！Took my sugar without apologizing!

When I first walked in, the owner & staff seem like deers caught in headlights. No usual Japanese welcome. Just point to instruct where to sit. Seems like I had interrupted the owner's animated conversations with his lady customers.

When I was walking towards the counter to pay, I waved my hand signalling the intention to the staff. Usually, in Japan, they will say thank you. But instead, the staff gave an angry look towards me and point me to the counter without saying a word, as if I don't know I need to pay at the counter. But I was already walking towards the counter before waving my hand!!

The service was so rude that it was comical. I don't know if the staff was angry because he was the only left at the cafe to serve everyone (including making the coffee) on a busy night (the owner...

In short, get the cheese cake!!!

A small, cosy coffee place tucked in a quiet alley and a great rest stop shielded from the buzz and crowd in the Nishiki Market. They have quite a few blends and we tried the medium roast Tanzania and Cafe Au Lait. The former was not bad and the latter was exceptional. Had a slice of their homemade cheese cake as well and it was AMAZING. Bite size and 450yen per slice, but it was fantastic. Bear in mind that a cup of coffee cost 650-750yen and a cup of tea costs 900yen here.l, and patrons are expected to order minimally one drink per person. They do have an English menu but it's at the counter so you might need to request for it (the lady passed it to us as she shows us our seats). The service was great as well, although the male owner did look a little stern. Nonetheless absolutely no anti-foreigner sentiments here as claimed by other reviews, at least none that we have...

Alright people, here’s the deal;

ONLY come here if you are into high-end/expensive hipster coffee. If you are a pitiful person like me who gets their caffeine fix in Starbucks or any other sad cafe then it’s best to head somewhere else.

I ordered ”Medium Roasted Blends EF Coffee 8” (¥750) and it was quite bitter.. Hurt my wallet too.

On the other hand, I absolutely LOVED their cheese cake! So small and expensive (¥450) yet so rich and melts in your mouth. I have never eaten anything similar.

Also, this place is better suited for lone customers. Not suited for groups, there is simply no seatings except counter and the place is pretty silent and dark.

Don’t bring children! The shops allows smoking , wasn’t very...