TAREL — Restaurant in Kyoto

Tucked away in a quiet Kyoto laneway, Tarel is a soulful, effortlessly cool natural wine bar that feels like a secret you’re lucky to stumble upon. With its understated charm, thoughtful curation, and warm hospitality, it offers a refreshing break from the city’s temples and teahouses.

The wine list leans heavily (and beautifully) into natural and low-intervention labels, many from small, passionate producers across Japan and beyond. Whether you're well-versed in pét-nats or just dipping your toes into the cloudy-glass world of orange wine, the team at Tarel will gently guide you with genuine enthusiasm and zero pretension. I've you're unsure what to drink, they're happy to recommend a wine. Just ask "おすすめは何ですか - osusume wa nandesuka?

The food menu, while small, is purposeful...snacks designed to complement the wine rather than compete with it. The interior is excellent, seating just 4 with a standing bar that runs along the length of the space. Think low lighting, natural textures, and a soundtrack that sets the mood just right...the kind of place where conversations stretch long into the night. A warm night invites you to take a seat outside!

Whether you're a natural wine aficionado or a curious traveller looking for an intimate, authentic Kyoto experience, Tarel is the kind of place that lingers in your memory. It's not just a bar. It's a vibe, a philosophy, and a quiet celebration...

We visited a natural wine bar that had been recommended online. As a group of three, we were eager to try a variety of natural wines. Upon entering, we asked the staff at the counter about the available options. They informed us that there was only one type of white wine available by the glass, so we ordered two glasses of it and one gin and tonic.

I stepped outside to inform my friend, who was waiting at the door, that they only offered a single white wine by the glass, similar to a "house wine." However, a staff member immediately responded with a disapproving look and tone, stating, "No! This is not house wine."

This response certainly called into question the definition of "house wine." Shortly after, we noticed a local customer ordering and enjoying at least two different types of white wine by the glass. Based on this experience, I found the bar to be not particularly welcoming to foreigners and wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to visit.

(We didn’t order food, so to be fair, we’ll give...

Go for coffee (our best so far in Japan, pour over unreal), then go hang out around the city. Come back for wine before they close.

Attention to detail is amazing in their design. It’s all amazing, you should definitely check it out just for that.

He makes his own sourdough and it’s amazing. In a tiny oven, inside a...