nota Dorayaki & Black Tea — Restaurant in Kyoto

Hidden in a peaceful alleyway of Kyoto, they offered a calm, almost sacred atmosphere where tea and sweets were elevated to art. The Hōjicha Dorayaki was a modern twist on a classic — each layer of the dorayaki was infused with the earthy, roasted aroma of Hōjicha, delicately powdered on top like cocoa. The pancake layers were soft yet structured, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of bitterness that lingered beautifully. The garnish of berries and crushed nuts around the plate added color, texture, and a subtle tart contrast.

Served alongside was a pot of black tea in rustic, artisanal pottery that enhanced the tactile experience. The tea had a gentle aroma and smooth finish, rounding out the dessert with elegance and warmth. Everything from the setting to the plating showed thoughtful craftsmanship. It’s not just a dessert, it’s a quiet...

Stumbled upon this cafe after lunch next door at Rokujuan, formerly the residence of Japanese painter, Imao Keinen, preserved for a century.

This cafe used to be his storehouse but it was later converted into a cafe that serves only dorayaki and black tea. There are two levels but i chose level one as it was more quiet and allowed me to watch the staff prepare the food and drinks.

Thankful for Katarina who spoke some English and prepared the dorayaki, and to Imagawa who prepared the tea. It was like watching a slow performance, the space was relaxing and offered a nice contrast from the bustle of Nishiki Market where i was earlier in the morning.

Google maps brought me there quite easily but you had to walk through a long and dim corridor to get to the cafe at the back, had a nice hole-in-the-wall feel. Managed to get in without reservation on a...

Such a beautiful experience. We had the seasonal Sakura doryaki (4-layer pancakes) and a specialty tea. The food is prepared impeccably, almost like artwork, and the tea preparation is equally meticulous. The taste was exceptional. The cafe is in a registered historic building which adds to the atmosphere. Look out for the sign, walk down the covered pathway, follow the stone path to the door and...