Kyoto, Japan｜Tsuchifuku Kawaramachi

Still stuck halfway on Japan time and halfway on Seattle time during my trip I was walking around looking for dinner a little early. A lot of the places in this neighborhood close after lunch and then reopen for dinner, and many of them were just getting up and running again or were yet to open. I stumbled on this place on my walk back after having nearly given up, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip so far. I had seen what I wanted outside on the sign so I did have an idea going in, but was warmly greeted and offered an English menu when I came inside which, had I not known what I wanted, was a delightful welcome as some of the other places in the area did not feel as warm. The food was phenomenal. The price was amazing. The tea was great. I honestly can't believe how good this place was for the price. I went with the set menu Japanese omelette to expand my horizons to new Japanese foods, and it did not disappoint. I left full, satisfied, and very happy. Will gladly go again.

Our fortuitous encounter with this hidden gem turned a challenging dinner quest into a delightful culinary adventure. Nestled discreetly, the restaurant proved to be a haven for those seeking not just a meal but an experience. The English-speaking staff and thoughtfully provided English menu eased our ordering process, eliminating any language barriers. The menu, primarily centered around soba, offers a diverse array of set meals. Opting for the 中華ざる天ぷら定食 was a journey through flavors, featuring soba with a cold dipping soy sauce, flavored rice, 6 pieces of delectable tempura, cold original tofu in soy sauce topped with ginger paste and chopped green onion, a bowl brimming with cooked bamboo shoots, carrot, egg roll, chili, and fish cake, and a small plate of pickles. Each element tastefully maintained the original flavors of its ingredients, creating a symphony of satisfying tastes. The drink selection, ranging from sake and wine to whiskey, juice, and soft drinks, added a delightful touch to the culinary experience. The restaurant's calm ambiance provided a serene backdrop, yet it was pleasantly surprising to see young patrons relishing good company, engaged in lively conversations and enjoying drinks. The option for traditional Japanese seating and the availability of manga books for perusal while awaiting your meal contribute to the overall charm of the place. In conclusion, our overall experience was nothing short of exceptional. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience, particularly those intrigued by the world of soba set meals. From the diverse menu to the tranquil ambiance and cultural touches, it's a culinary journey that deserves to be savored.

We found this restaurant by pure accident. We were on our way to different one but we were already tired and decided to dine here. And it was great decision! The restaurant is small but has nice and calming ambience. The lady spoke englisch so it was no problem to order even though we tried speaking with our broken japanese :D The meal set was really tasty and cheap! The menu is big enough to choose from many different meals.