Ikkon Uru-Uru — Restaurant in Kyoto

5 stars x 3, for coffee time. This izakaya opens from 17:00, and apparently is liked for its food as well as its sake list. But if you're not into izakaya or sake, I still recommend you go - in the afternoon. Unlike what is shown on Google Maps and on their website, the place is open in the afternoon, in weekends, to serve coffee and sweets.

Food: the sweets are very delicate, and quite special (see photo). The matcha cheesecake is accompanied by something made from sake rice, and has a clear sake taste!

Service: the lady (co-) owner was very sweet, and super considerate of our menu choices. She allowed us to admire the the 2nd floor guest space as well, and told us about the history of the place. It housed a gold leaf trader until the 2010s, when they converted it to this izakaya. The place dates from before WWII. The big block in the middle of the shop, now used as seating for guests at the bar, is a bomb shelter! During the conversion, all original details were respected. Showa era single pane windows, etc. etc.

Atmosphere: when we were there, they played CD's of 60s/70s guitar rock. Not too loud, and not too rough. Not my type of music, but it was really enjoyable. Even better was the whole room. The lighting, the decorations, the seating (take off your shoes at the genkan, then pass the tatami, then use slippers for the space in the back with chairs and tables), the kyomachi architecture, all of it. 10 out of 10, if you like this...

Ikkon Uru-Uru is a cozy izakaya near Gojo Station in Kyoto, offering a charming retro ambiance and traditional Japanese decor. Specializing in Japanese sake and obanzai, the restaurant features a variety of Kyoto-style small dishes thoughtfully prepared to complement their sake selection. The food is excellent, with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors that highlight Kyoto’s culinary traditions.

The staff are exceptionally helpful, making sure guests get exactly what they want. Their warm and hospitable nature adds a personal touch to the dining experience, making visitors feel genuinely welcome. While the menu is only available in Japanese, the staff go out of their way to assist, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience even for those not fluent in the language.

For a heartfelt and authentic Kyoto dining experience with delicious food and outstanding service, Ikkon Uru-Uru is highly...

This was the best meal we had in japan, possibly also the best meal we have ever had. Every dish was so delicious and thoughtfully presented, with flavour combinations that were incredibly unique. The timing and order with which they served each dish was also perfect and thought out. We were recommended an excellent sake to go with our meal. We sat at the counter tatami-style and enjoyed watching the (only one!) chef at work. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, softly lit with jazz music in the background. Menus come in old record covers (no english menu, so use a translate app) and the food/same served in a collection of eclectic ceramic ware. Highly recommend the caesar salad (comes with a roasty sesame dressing), crab-miso butter with baguette, daikon and spare rib stew, cold tofu, and the fried chicken (probably the best fried chicken...