MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto Kawaramachi — Restaurant in Kyoto

Don't be baited by the Tiktoks and Instagram reels about this place. Came here after walking through Kyoto and someone in our group really wanted to give it a go. Had to wait about an hour lining up in 36° heat outside next to a bus stop with staff being unhelpful about wait times, menus etc. Instead they just stand inside talking to each other with one person preparing drinks/ food which explains the depressing wait times once you do get to order.

When we finally got in we ordered a parfait, drinks and a matcha and hojicha tiramisu. The parfait was ok but nothing special and for the price I'm sure there's better in Kyoto. The tiramisu was nice for both and the price is ok. But the drinks were terrible. For a place revolving around matcha you'd expect better. We ordered 2 hot drinks and cold drinks. The cold ones were ok but nothing you can't get for cheaper elsewhere or even make yourself with some matcha powder. However the hot drinks were tragic. We ordered the 2 more expensive ones to try the difference however when they were brought out (this is after a 20+ minute after wait after ordering btw) we asked which one was which. The staff then named the two cheaper options on the menu and even then was guessing which one was which. When we commented that those weren't what we ordered, she checked the receipt and changed her mind, saying that's what they were, once again pointing at them acting like she knew which was which. While there was a definite difference between the two it's a shame we will never know what they actually were. Beyond this, the serving size is depressing. Surely for a place called the "Maccha House" you can give more than a shot glass worth of matcha in a big bowl when you're charging up to 900 yen.

Overall, definitely wouldn't come back. If you do come then give the tiramisu a go but keep your expectations low for...

I’ve been travelling around Japan and this is by far the most unaccommodating, unwelcoming and rudest cafe i’ve come across. Which is a shame and does not reflect the Japanese culture at all.

The queuing system is a little bizarre. Lots of people with menus but unable to actually order as they have limited seats and a limited take out menu.

My experience:

I arrived shortly after a busy period with lots of people leaving (With takeaways, empty handed and returning dirty trays). My boyfriend nipped up to sit down whilst I order something as I’m now front of the queue. When I get to the till I’m told I can’t order to sit in as they are full so I inform that I have a table upstairs. A member of staff goes up to ask my boyfriend to leave as he has skipped the queue - there was no one in front of me when he went up - he was backed up by other groups that he didn’t skip them, everyone was content he was sat there minding his own business waiting for me. A few moments later the same member of staff came back down to validate that all was good and that I would be able to order so I place my order for one tiramisu.

I’m then told I have to order two items as I have two seats in the seating area. My boyfriend is lactose intolerant so could not have anything from the menu so I explain this and I’m met with stone cold silence and then a few awkward seconds later the line “but you have to order one item each” is delivered. At this point, I was made to feel uncomfortable and that I was creating a problem. Due to the inflexibility or understand we decided to leave.

Top tip for success in eating here: order one item each, don’t dare to take a seat until after you order and don’t be...

My wife and I came here for the very popular matcha tiramisu! There was a long line to order but it goes by quickly. The challenge is finding a seat since it’s first come first grab of seats. I would recommend having someone look for a seat while the other person is on line to order. Or you can leave your belonging on a table.

Food: we got the Matcha Tiramisu, Matcha with chocolate (Ice), Matcha parfait, and just normal hot matcha. We came here wanting to try everything! The matcha tiramisu is really good! It comes with what you expect from a tiramisu but replacing the espresso shot with matcha. Kyoto has the best matcha so you can really taste the freshness! It goes all with the chocolate matcha which is essentially whip cream with chocolate syrup. The chocolate balance out the already bitter taste that you get from matcha. The hot matcha was great for the rainy and cold day. We both love the matcha parfait! It comes with so much toppings and layers, it was definitely our favorite out of everything that we got. I would highly recommend it if you love sweets or sharing it! It’s pretty big.

Service: the people working at the cashier is very nice and patient for us non-Japanese speakers! They give you a receipt and the order number. They call your number on the side.

Overall it was a great experience! The seating can be tricky but there is two floors so I would suggest checking both floors. We find better luck on the first floor and that’s where the bathroom is if you need to be closer to the bathroom. It is gender specific. But honestly you can go to any since it’s just a...