Yudofu Takemura — Restaurant in Kyoto

Check out other tofu restaurants. This is not a sincere restaurant and does not offer good bang for your buck. Food is ok but overpriced. Details as below:

I do NOT recommend getting the most expensive Sakura set - it’s 1000 yen more expensive than the second most expensive set, and the only difference is ‘seasonal dessert’. And by that, today they gave us one of these little sweet snack that’s red bean paste wrapped by triangular glutinous skin. They basically opened the package of something that’s 100-200 yen and put it in a plate and charge you 1000. They said they did not make it and just got it outside (these are sold everywhere in Kyoto, usually 800-1000 yen per box of 8-10 pieces).

We also prob had some communication issues - we ordered a Sakura set and another set without dessert. The owner came in asking if we want fruit (grapes) or the ‘cake’ (which includes 2 pieces she said) as dessert. We said cake, and got two of the triangular things that are sold everywhere. The owner charged us an extra 600 yen for the second tiny snack. We were never asked if we wanted to add dessert to our second set. We were told to pay 1600 yen for the two pieces of tiny prepackaged cake that’s 200-400 yen total. HEFTY. The owner recognized the issue when we were paying and instead of solving the issue she just gave us a random pen and a random postcard and still charged us the extra…

Additionally, we made a reservation for 6pm, and at that time, they didn’t tell us there would be a 200 yen charge for anyone eating after 6pm. Beware. They had credit card sign, and after we started eating they said their machine was broken and we had to pay by cash (on the contrary where we had lunch nearby they had a notice of machine issues on the door so everyone walking in sees). With all the random extras, we ended up paying ~10k yen for the meal (one most expensive set and one cheapest).

The tofu dishes were not bad though nothing special, and if you don’t order dessert you should be ok. But this store is in the most touristy street in the area and is definitely overpriced for what it offers. There are lots of tofu restaurants in the area. Some have better ratings and would be more bang for your bucks with just slightly further walk. We found out about them after we made reservation here and really wish we hadn’t made the...

What a nice find. Sometimes you find a restaurant that opens your eyes to a new way to enjoy a food you have known for years. Yudofu Takemura was such a place for us. We are guilty of finding ways to cook tofu that enhance its blank canvas flavor but her we learned how to enjoy tofu simply boiled and accompanied with garnishes and sauce. In addition there was Goma dofu (sesame tofu which is not really tofu but flavorful), fired tofu and vegetable ball, a small plate of tempura and more. For us most dishes were a delight and one or two, less so. As a whole the meal was a winner, both in quality and pace. Service was patchy but pleasant. The dishes coming out as they were prepared paced the meal out perfectly.

We were lucky and found Yodofu Takemura on a Sunday evening as most places were closed or full with the weekend visitors gone. We had no reservation (early May) and were seated right away. The floor seating was intimidating for my 6'3", mostly legs, frame but they assisted me with a floor chair.

It seemed like service was inconsistent but in hindsight this was do to that they brought is out as completed and did not wait for all to be assembled before bringing the meal out at once.

We loved our meal and give it a solid 4 and send thanks for a nice time and...

It’s a real authentic experience in the gastronomy and importance of tofu in the culture and this place does not disappoint with giving you that experience. From the dining area being with a tatama, you take off your shoes, and sit down on the floor. Ideal for 1-2 persons to larger groups up to maybe 4 persons.

The staff was really nice even with limited English. If you are interested in the vegan option just indicate to them “vegan” and they will accommodate dish accordingly.

This is a 5+ course meal, starting with the customer boiling the tofu, to enjoying it with toppings options such as green onions, soy sauce, pickled ginger, etc. portions are small but this is authentic and also satisfying by the end of it.

If you are new or foreign to tofu and feeling adventurous, come enjoy an authentic experience here!

I...