TU CASA — Restaurant in Kyoto

I wish I could take this place back home with me! :( By far my favorite place in Kyoto that I got to dine it. It wasn’t just the food, but the care and genuine strive for bettering the world behind it! I ended up spending the better part of 2 hours here just talking with Mini-San who started this restaurant with her husband! Not only is it vegan but it’s zero waste, when I walked in I was already entranced by the trinkets, the coasters, the soap, the straws, the art, and the many little things recycled from reusable materials or things for lessening individual waste!

And now the food… I haven’t even gotten started on it but it was just impeccable. I ordered the seasonal summer strawberry soda drink (I can’t remember the name!!) and saw Mini pull out the handmade strawberry sauce/puree, already that looked delicious but it exceeded my expectations. Then I ordered the seasonal summer cold soup/noodles (also don’t know the name, ahhh!) and I was beyond blown away by how delicious, refreshing, nutty, and perfect the combination of all the components of this dish was. UGH! I wish I could make it myself at home, or literally take this place back with me! I kept conversing away with Mini because we share like minds about wanting to do anything to better this world, in fact when I asked why she had started this place she said because there were no vegan and zero waste places like this in Kyoto, so she thought, well, I better do it myself then. What empathy! That’s why I was happy to support as much as I could by buying two coasters made out of recycled coffee bags/newspapers, two reusable metal straws, a loofah :) ha!, and a bamboo toothbrush! And by leaving this review… And by ordering dessert! The hazelnut chocolate cake was the perfect ending to it all

A Hidden Gem with Heartwarming Hospitality

If you're looking for a place where every bite feels like a lovingly prepared gift and the atmosphere makes you feel right at home, then this is the spot. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted not just with a smile, but with a genuine sense of warmth and care from the owners. The service is humble, kind, and attentive — you can tell they truly love what they do.

Now, the food. Wow. Every dish is a masterpiece in its own right, but it's the little details that really stand out. You can taste the love and craftsmanship in every bite. From the perfectly balanced spices to the beautifully plated presentations, it’s clear that nothing here is rushed. Every single element, from the sauces to the garnishes, is made in-house with thoughtful attention.

The ambience? Simply put, it’s superb. The decor is cozy yet elegant, with touches of personality and charm that make the space feel both intimate and welcoming. There’s a level of care put into everything, from the lighting to the music, creating a perfect backdrop to enjoy a meal that’s as much about the experience as it is about the food.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates excellent cuisine paired with genuine, heartfelt service. You can tell they put their soul into every detail, and that’s what makes this place truly special. Will definitely be coming...

This is my first time writing a review, but wow they derserve it. The whole restaurant is designed thoughtfully and full of plants and lovely self-made furniture. A big part of the ambiente and overall vibe is the extreme extend to which the "no-waste"-policy is followed. This ranges from the menu being handwritten on self-made paper to a full package-free shop containing goods for the kitchen and even oxygen-bleach and laundry powder. The food itself was incredible, sushi and noodles were amazing and the chocolate cake might just be the best cake I have ever had. While being only two people, those running the restaurant were super nice and seemed to really love what they do. Altough being situated in a tourist-flooded area in a fast-pace city, this restaurant still managed to feel like a timeless safe space where one can just relax and leave the troubles of life behind. Thank you for this incredible...