Roti Chicken&Jackie Tacos Karasumatakatsuji — Restaurant in Kyoto

Not recommended, especially not for cocktails. We went in and had the “luck” of barside seats. This allowed us to witness how cocktails are made here, and they pour mostly without measuring. Now, that’s ok, but then the bartender mixes with a spoon and tastes if it is ok or not. The next cocktail, same spoon, same procedure…. Kind of grossed us out before eating. We stuck to canned and bottled drinks. Glad I couldn’t see in the kitchen I guess.

As for the food, everything comes when it’s ready, so do not expect to dine together, the chicken came 10 minutes after the rest. We had french fries, but they were actually semi raw fries, very soft, not thoroughly fried. The quesadillas were also very greasy, probably due to too low temperature while cooking? We also ordered fried chicken wings, and they took longer, but that is because these were cooked. Unfortunately, they forgot to mention the used spices on the menu (just “fried chicken wings”), and to my negative surprise they were very sour. I cannot fault the cooking on these, but the menu could use a note on this.

Maybe we should’ve sticked to the taco’s or rotisserie chicken - which we wanted -, but we changed because the chicken comes without any side dishes like rice or fries.

On the positive side, friendly staff, spoke little English (and translation app works well) and he even waved us goodbye when we left.

But bottomline, would not recommend...

THIS PLACE WAS FANTASTIC - we had the hard and soft shell tacos, ceviche, the creamiest guacamole ever, and rice with jerk sauce ending with a dulce Kevre dessert. Oh did I mention they do DELIGHTFUL PINA COLADAS and FULL ROASTED CHICKEN?. My only regret is that I didn’t take photos of anything because my friends and I swallowed everything too quickly. All the more reason to go again I suppose.

I’d like to add that the staff here were incredibly warm and friendly. I don’t just mean the usual polite - i mean they were so welcoming that I wanted to give this trio of heroes feeding us comfort a giant hug at the end of the night but they’re also very conscious of safety during these times which made me all the more appreciative. The ambience indoors is bright cozy (again, like the staff) and feels authentic - sometimes decor of ‘ethnic’ food restraints can be a little tacky and orientalist (eg Hawaiian restaurants that have tiki stuff everywhere #why) but this restaurant felt like a restaurant where the owners have a deep respect and understanding of the country...

They have some of the best tacos I’ve ever had! It is absolutely a hidden gem and I can’t recommend them enough! We couldn’t even wait to take photos of the other things we got. We ordered the fried fish taco, a taco pastor shrimp tostada, two cheese quesadillas, a half order of the taco rice, chips and guac, the half chicken with tortillas and toppings, and chili con carne and chips. Also had four margaritas and a corona with lime! It was all made fresh. Normal portion sizes for Japan. But very filling!

We had a group of 5 and they could easily seat us. With two children. The staff is incredibly friendly.

It is well worth a visit if you...