Spanish Cafe & Bar La Barraca — Restaurant in Kyoto

Yesterday I found a cafe-restaurant whose bright yellow sign caught my eye. As a vegetarian I hadn’t had much luck in the neighborhood until I found Cafe Barraca.

Though “modesty” best describes this restaurant and its owner Kinoshita Kiyotaka, the food was gourmet. I began with grilled eggplant with a tangy vinaigrette sauce combined with crunchy small cubes of cucumber and red pepper. I then tried the mushroom and brown rice croquettes which had a heavenly soft texture. The main course followed: an elegant vegetable paella with a kaleidoscope of tastes. Kiyotaka later told me he developed his recipes after a three-year culinary learning experience in Spain. He brought them to Kyoto because he found striking similarities between Spanish and Japanese food, especially the use of rice, vegetables and savoury tastes. The meaI was accompanied by a surprisingly refreshing glass of Fruto Moble white wine.

Later Kiyotaka and I talked about music (he played guitarist Carlos Montoya from vinyl records thoughout the meal). The food, wine and music transported me …I then saw a transparent box inviting visitors to donate to “Noto”. I asked him who Noto was and he reminded me that Japan sufferered a devastating earthquake last January. He revealed that he had visited the community regularly with huge pans of paella, enough to feed 1000 people. The community eating together was part of the healing process as they would not be suffering alone. I was deeply moved.

So if you visit Kyoto and seek top quality vegitatarian food at reasonable prices, I recommend visiting Cafe Barraca. You might even be treated to a story or two from Kiyotaka who seems never to lose his smile and his...

Visited on a Friday afternoon for late lunch. After reading the menu with great selection and varieties, hungry as I was, I picked few dishes. The gentleman there suggested it might be a bit too much for myself, provided few alternative recommendations instead. I took his advice, indeed paella portion is generous :)

Both shrimp paella and basque cake taste great! Their bread is certainly another highlight! Will definitely try the sandwich next time. They do have vegetarian option as well. Besides, deco is cute and cozy, in this residential part of the town.

Thank you very much for this great experience and your warm hospitality. :) see...

【2025/02 平日 遅いランチ】 先客なし 大寒波の京都。一秒も外にいたくないほど底冷えする午後⛄️ 近くにマツエクに来た後、お迎えがくるまで時間があったのとお昼を食べ損ねていたので前から気になっていたこちらへ。

✔︎CASH...