The Yellow Deli — Restaurant in Kyoto

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, a city more known for its traditional Japanese cuisine than Jewish delis, I discovered a culinary gem that transported my taste buds straight to the bustling streets of New York. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the salad and Reuben sandwich, served with the most delectably fresh sourdough bread.

The salad was a vibrant medley of fresh, crisp vegetables, each bite bursting with natural flavors and dressed in a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that accentuated rather than overwhelmed. It was a refreshing start, setting the stage for the showstopper - the Reuben sandwich.

The Reuben was nothing short of a masterpiece. The corned beef was tender and flavorful, melding harmoniously with the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. But the real star was the sourdough bread - homemade, fresh, with just the right amount of tanginess and a delightful crunch. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, making it clear why this place could give any New York deli a run for its money.

Adding to the experience was the warm and friendly staff, who made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. Their attentive service and genuine smiles were as refreshing as the food.

The ambiance of the deli further enhanced our dining experience. The blend of traditional Japanese decor with subtle New York deli vibes created a unique and welcoming atmosphere. And the Irish fiddle music playing in the background was an unexpected yet delightful touch, adding a lively and upbeat rhythm to our meal.

In summary, this hidden gem in Kyoto is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic deli experience. The combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a great vibe makes it a standout. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and stop by for a meal that will leave your taste buds...

Update March 2024 - I finally made it into the restaurant, and was pleasantly surprised as my expectations were exceeded. The food, atmosphere, and extremely friendly service were all highlights of my experience at the Yellow Deli. The location itself is very relaxing, and the items available are more than what you would see and cheaper than what you would see on Uber eats, which is nice. I ordered two sandwiches and chose a few bakery items as takeout, and was really happy spending my time there, talking with the hosts of the deli. Their English is very good, and their character is very kind and friendly so it’s easy to feel relaxed. I will absolutely be back again in the future and would recommend to anyone in the neighborhood to stop by and grab a bite to eat and have a friendly conversation.

Original Review April 2023 - Ordered dinner through Uber Eats from here a few days ago, and wasn’t disappointed! We ordered two sandwiches, (Ruben and chicken & pastrami) as well as a salad and two cakes (carrot and cream cheese / lime). Everything tasted great and the portions were very nice. I just moved to Japan from Manhattan NYC so it was very nice to get a taste of the city even in Kyoto. The Deli looks nice in the pictures so I’ll have to pay a visit in person sometime. I would defiantly...

This cafe has a welcoming country cabin atmosphere.The overall decor is very warm and cozy. We felt like we were in a cottage. The country music, the international staff, the dim lights and the wooden based theme all came together SO well.

We came here as a large group of 8 and readily got seats in two booths. We ordered blend coffee and smoothies.The coffee was deep and rich and came with free refills! Both the mango and strawberry smoothies were thick and creamy. They came in generous sizes. The staff were friendly and attentive: they even gave us some delicious raisin bread on the house.

However, we were caught unaware and felt awkward when we received our smoothies in plastic cups that one might see at a university cafeteria with water. We all agreed that the smoothies would have looked much more appealing if they were served in mason jars, clear glasses, or even steel cups. The coffee was served in a bright Yellow Deli mug which was a nice touch.

Overall, we had a delightful time and will certainly visit Yellow Deli again. It's ideal for all: singles, families, or couples on a romantic date! We're looking forward to having sandwiches and certainly...