Vegan
Japanese
Beer/Wine
Take-out

Traditional vegan Japanese restaurant, which specialises in chazuke, a simple Japanese dish made by pouring green tea, dashi, or hot water over cooked rice. Accompany dishes may include stewed shiitake mushrooms, housemade nijiya seaweed, and nama-fu, grilled gluten in a vegan dashi stock. Address in Japanese: 中京区南車屋町287 木屋町会館1階. Open Mon-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm.


Venue map for Vegan Izakaya NIJIYA 虹屋
© OpenStreetMap contributors

141 Reviews

First Review by pareman

sDianale

Points +49

Vegetarian
19 Sep 2024

Lecker & schnell

Da ich auf Palmfett allergisch bin, wurde sogar extra beim Inhaber per WhatsApp nachgefragt, ob es hier verwendet wird. Nachdem die Antwort nein war, stand einer Mahlzeit nichts im Wege. 👌

Pros: Atmosphäre, Sortiment, Geschirr

Cons: Die seitlichen Sitzplätze sind eng

mangomania

Points +121

Vegetarian
14 Sep 2024

Delicious set meal

Excellent all around - delicious food, well portioned and paced. Highly recommended!

FruitMonstar

Points +1135

Vegan
14 Sep 2024

A tourist trap

Don’t understand why this place has such a high rating.

Lenvin

Points +66

Vegan
09 Sep 2024

Best dinner we had

We waited for almost 45 minutes, but it was totally worth it. We ordered the Nijiya Course and it was absolutely delicious. Also the staff was really friendly. Overall an amazing experience.

Francis.crl

Points +379

Vegan
09 Sep 2024

I really loved it

It’s a really small place with only 7 or 8 seats but I loved it so much! Everything was so so delicious and I would definitely come again. Can only recommend if you don’t wanna miss out on this experience !

Pros: Everything was super delicious

LaurenC

Points +272

Vegan
31 Aug 2024

An unforgettable dinner

We ordered the set meal and it was some of the best food we’ve ever had, anywhere. The two women running the show were like bees that never stopped moving, and they kept handing us more and more food. Each dish was totally unique and made with real passion.

Yes, it was a small space with limited seating and we had to wait outside (on a beautiful night). It’s not the place for you if you’re in a hurry, can’t stand, or can’t move in a very small space. If you can, though, it’s totally worth the wait and shouldn’t be missed while you’re in Kyoto.

Pros: Amazing food, Charming experience, Great service

Cons: Long wait to get in - but worth it!

MichaelScott!

Points +44

Vegan
20 Aug 2024

Good Food

The staff is friendly and the food was very good!
Be prepared to wait for a long time tho

Pros: Friendly staff, Good food especially the soy meat

Cons: Long waiting time, Some dishes are just okay

DariaRoseK

Points +66

Vegan
17 Aug 2024

Worth the 45min wait

We waited 45mins for a seat. Very very popular (only tourists seem to be their customers no locals) but the lovely Spanish waitress was sure to come out and give us updates on time or who's next etc. they stayed open a bit later so they could fit everyone in. We had great chats with everyone in line and at the table. Vibe was awesome!!
The food was fantastic as was the vibe and service. The lovely Japanese chef and Spanish sous chef/waitress are so welcoming.
Food comes out quite fast considering this only the two of them! And it's made pretty much in front of you.
Yes this place is TINY, so tiny that if the chef or assistant need to clean your table they must exit through a tiny door to loop around to the front. Added a very cool and intimate element to this experience
Lovedd the Yuba & Tofu (omg the yuzu dressing was so fresh), the obanzai 5 different types of veggies, the yakitori and the tangerine plum wine! So fresh and delicious!
Dumplings are bland and almost raw tasting.
We had an amazing time! Well worth it.
When I got home I was sick however, I'm hopeful this is unrelated and more to do with the weather being so hot.
Big recommend but be prepared to wait as they're popular for a reason.

Updated from previous review on 2024-08-17

Pros: Yakitori, Obanzai , Service & Vibe

Cons: Waited 45mins for a seat, Got sick after, Dumplings aren't great

NoahSchneider

Points +65

Vegan
07 Aug 2024

Best vegam food we had till now!

It is really small and you probably have to wait but it IS worth it!

Pros: Amazing

Cons: Only 7 places

ireneshinoda

Points +101

Vegan
29 Jul 2024

Best best best in japan!

We came here twice on our last trip Japan. The food was incredible and so full of love. Venue is very small so get there early, but it was awesome to watch them work and prepare our food. The yakitori in particular was mind blowing!!! Loved everything

Pros: Small izakaya style dining , Authentic Japanese food , Friendly staff

mlmloon

Points +70

Vegan
22 Jul 2024

BEST VEGAN FOOD!!

Absolutely one of the best places we ate in Japan during our trip. It’s tiny so you might have to wait but we were lucky when we arrived (early) and could enjoy the delicious food right away. It’s not cheap but we loved everything they had and even ordered more. Don’t skip this place if you’re in Kyoto!

Pros: All the food, Izakaya experience with multiple courses , Very friendly owners

MLittl11

Points +614

Vegetarian
19 Jul 2024

Good but pricey

We got the Nijiya large course and shared between two. The yakitori was the star of the show but otherwise was just okay and a bit pricey but love what they are doing. We waited for 30 minutes and glad we did but probably wouldn’t again. They were sold out of two items including the chocolate yokan which we really wanted to try. Wish they would open up a stand with the yakitori i would visit multiple times a day. Tangerine plum wine was also exquisite.

Updated from previous review on 2024-07-19

Pros: Yakitori, Tangerine Plum Wine, Yakiniku

Cons: Bit pricey

jadaruss

Points +1833

Vegan
15 Jul 2024

Was just ok to me

Nothing special but it was ok… there was what looked like mold on the ceiling and the chef/ waitress was very overwhelmed the whole time

webbstock

Points +248

Vegan
12 Jul 2024

Popular Vegan Japanese restaurant

Small place, friendly staff, good food and drinks.

Updated from previous review on 2024-07-12

Pros: The Japanese desserts

Cons: A touch overpriced although fits area

CFidalgo

Points +137

Vegetarian
04 Jul 2024

Great but expensive

The vegan yakitori were amazing and the highlight for me. Everything was tasty, but a bit overpriced. They don't take reservations and there are only 7 seats. I recommend you go for an early dinner as most of the clients seem to be foreigners/tourists who prefer to dine late, as that will increase your chances of not standing in line.

SuperChipmunk

Points +392

Vegan
02 Jul 2024

Disappointing

It took me a week before I could write this review as I don’t like giving ratings lower than 3 to vegan restaurants, but I have to be fair.

First of all, I was very susprised as how expensive everything is, considering the the place where you eat it and the service that you get. I can imagine myself eating at a narrow place as I’ve done it before, but paying more than ¥4,000 to such a place, I thought that maybe the food is really great. Then I get to taste the food. I was extremely sad and disappointed. There was nothing special about their obanzais. The vegan yakitori was tasty, but it doesn’t have a “wow” to it. I have tasted better and more sophisticated dishes without having to pay for such a high price (oh, and look at the price of their water, this is not New York City!!!). On top of that, the service was not good. And the worst if it all, the instant give away that it is a tourist trap, is the tip box. It is the first time I’ve seen a tip box at a restaurant in Japan, and I’ve been to plenty of restaurants in Japan even before I went vegan! This is not something considered conventional in Japan which means that they’re obviously targeting tourists!

Whew, there, I said it. It’s probably the worst restaurant I’ve been to in Japan. I’d save my money and go else where (or go to Tokyo). But of course it’s up to you. If you want to fuel this kind of practice, then go ahead.

Updated from previous review on 2024-07-02

Cons: tourist trap, bad service, too expensive for rhe quality

travelnomadic00

Points +137

Vegetarian
12 Jun 2024

TOOK ME TO FLAVORTOWN 🤤

I did quite a bit of research about this izakaya. The website states they do not take reservations, so my travel partner and I walked to it. Luckily, we did not have to wait too long for a seat. I could see how the wait could get long if being a 7 seat restaurant. I was first impressed by the smells, and when the food came, I was an awe.
I chose the Nijiya course (¥3900), which consisted of a little bit of everything. I didn’t expect to be so filling, yet it was. The variety of Asian flavors, put me in a state of bliss, and definitely took me to flavor town.
The music was soulful, songs like Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye. 

Pros: Service/staff, Food Flavors/presentation, Atmosphere

Cons: Limited seating

lisasays73

Points +515

Vegan
10 Jun 2024

A long wait but worth it

It’s very small, there is place for about 7 people, so you might need to wait up to one hour (as we did) – but the food was incredible. We tried the whole menu (I mean it) and shared all of it and I can honestly say it was extremely good – the skewers were to die for! They also make a special chocolate and you have to try it! Well worth the wait, I would say.

Pros: Great food, Lovely and efficient staff

Cons: Small place, A bit pricey

BennyRK

Points +31

Vegetarian
04 Jun 2024

Absolutely stunning

This is absolutely first rate cuisine (vegan or not). I have been to Michelin star restaurants that would struggle to compete with this fine establishment. Cudos to the chefs.

Pros: Everything, Everything, Everything

daenoochrys

Points +452

Vegan
03 Jun 2024

Great food and overall experience

Really great food and atmosphere. The yakitori was one of the best vegan meat dishes we've ever had. The owners were very welcoming too. Definitely recommend. There is limited seating though. We arrived a bit before 5:30 and only had to wait 5 minutes or so.

SandraAnanos

Points +289

Vegan
03 Jun 2024

I don't understand the hype

I arrived right when they opened at 5:30 and waited around an hour to get seated. The food was okay but definitely not worth the long wait. It wasn't particularly memorable, staff was nice and super efficient though

Updated from previous review on 2024-06-03

bandzior

Points +58

Vegan
02 Jun 2024

Very small place, but the food is AMAZING

Each dish was SO full of flavour!

p.skillz

Points +504

Vegan
01 Jun 2024

Superb

This is a fully vegan restaurant that seats only 7 people. We had to queue for about an hour to get in, but it was worth the wait. Absolutely loved the food here.

Dreifuss

Points +28

Mostly Veg
27 May 2024

Delicious menu that saved my Kyoto day

7 seat izakaya, all vegan. Small and personal. Saved my day. Currently does not take reservations, if full there is a queue outside.

Pros: Quality of food, Personal attention, Set menu suitable for a starving cyclist

Cons: There may be a queue to come in

Goggin

Points +172

Vegan
24 May 2024

Holy smokes YESSS try it out

Best Izakaya i have been too not to mention it's all vegan, I would recommend getting there half an hour before them open as there seems to always be a queue

Pros: Fair price , Quick and attentive service , Yummy food

Akari000

Points +479

Vegan
22 May 2024

Luxury Shojin style meal

The place was so popular, we waited for one hour and half to eat in. They have only about 7 seats.

I expected this place is more casual because they are called “Izakaya”, but the menu wasn’t like Izakaya at all, it was more like luxury Shojin place to me.😄(Only Yakitori looks like Izakaya)

Everything was very delicious:)
But I’m not sure if it worth waiting for this long to eat shojin ryori at this place, there are other places which serves vegan shojin ryori without a long que 🙈

Updated from previous review on 2024-05-22

IsaacTull

Points +63

Vegan
22 May 2024

Excellent Experience

The food here is incredible and the atmosphere is so chill and enjoyable. Definitely recommended visiting on your trip. A meal probably takes around 40min to 1 hour, I would say it's worth the wait. Such a great business to support in Kyoto

Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Menu




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