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Classic dishes, teas & local sake served in a simple eatery featuring a terrace with mountain views.
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Reviews — 8
Otowa Saryo - A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Nestled in a serene corner, Otowa Saryo exudes a charm that captivates even before you step inside. This traditional Japanese restaurant is renowned for its exceptional food and authentic atmosphere, and it's easy to see why there’s always a long queue outside. After a 75-minute wait, facilitated by a convenient ticket machine and an online queue tracking system, our anticipation was well rewarded.
Upon entering, we were seated by a window, offering a picturesque view that perfectly complemented the dining experience. The ambiance was calm and inviting, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable meal.
The food at Otowa Saryo is nothing short of exceptional. Each dish is a testament to authentic Japanese culinary artistry. The flavors were rich and balanced, showcasing the freshness and quality of the ingredients. A special mention must go to the tea, which was a delightful accompaniment to the meal, enhancing the overall experience.
One of the highlights of our visit was the shaved ice cream. It was a revelation – light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
It’s important to note that Otowa Saryo’s lunch service ends at 3:30 PM, and after that time, only desserts are available. To fully enjoy the dining experience, I highly recommend arriving early. The restaurant closes around 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid any disappointment.
In summary, Otowa Saryo is a gem of a restaurant that delivers on every front. From the exceptional food and tea to the serene ambiance and efficient queue system, every detail is thoughtfully curated to provide a perfect dining experience. If you appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine, this is a must-visit destination.
Nestled in a serene corner, Otowa Saryo exudes a charm that captivates even before you step inside. This traditional Japanese restaurant is renowned for its exceptional food and authentic atmosphere, and it's easy to see why there’s always a long queue outside. After a 75-minute wait, facilitated by a convenient ticket machine and an online queue tracking system, our anticipation was well rewarded.
Upon entering, we were seated by a window, offering a picturesque view that perfectly complemented the dining experience. The ambiance was calm and inviting, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable meal.
The food at Otowa Saryo is nothing short of exceptional. Each dish is a testament to authentic Japanese culinary artistry. The flavors were rich and balanced, showcasing the freshness and quality of the ingredients. A special mention must go to the tea, which was a delightful accompaniment to the meal, enhancing the overall experience.
One of the highlights of our visit was the shaved ice cream. It was a revelation – light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
It’s important to note that Otowa Saryo’s lunch service ends at 3:30 PM, and after that time, only desserts are available. To fully enjoy the dining experience, I highly recommend arriving early. The restaurant closes around 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid any disappointment.
In summary, Otowa Saryo is a gem of a restaurant that delivers on every front. From the exceptional food and tea to the serene ambiance and efficient queue system, every detail is thoughtfully curated to provide a perfect dining experience. If you appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine, this is a must-visit destination.
Okay, to be honest I was planning to skip this restaurant because I believed it was just going to be another tourist trap. But I’m so glad I didn’t. They definitely deliver in both quality and experience. It’s a popular spot so of course they were busy, when you walk in they’ll take down your name and then will call you in order.
The service was so nice too! They gave us the seats with the beautiful view, bless😭
The food is very fresh. The tempura is nice and crispy, none of that soggy nonsense you get back in the states. Miso soup that comes with it also hits the spot. The soba noodles had a smooth consistent texture, which was very refreshing. And top it off with a gorgeous nature view, my gosh absolutely delightful.
The service was so nice too! They gave us the seats with the beautiful view, bless😭
The food is very fresh. The tempura is nice and crispy, none of that soggy nonsense you get back in the states. Miso soup that comes with it also hits the spot. The soba noodles had a smooth consistent texture, which was very refreshing. And top it off with a gorgeous nature view, my gosh absolutely delightful.
This place is worth the wait and worth it to make a trip even without going to anything else in the area. The view is great and even if you don't get a view of downtown Kyoto the ambience in itself is so calming. I got the soba set. Tempura is beyond amazing. Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. The soba is perfect. The squishy tofu is an interesting in taste. Much umami with a slight hint of sweet.
Warabi mochi is fantastic. So fluffy. Soft. And the powder coatings... heaven in the mouth. The servers are fantastic.
Warabi mochi is fantastic. So fluffy. Soft. And the powder coatings... heaven in the mouth. The servers are fantastic.
Amazing food, view and staff! We came early when they just opened at 10am but lunch only starts at 11am. So we ordered drinks and sat outside, and by 10.30am the staff called us to sit inside & order.
We got the cozy table facing the window. We asked if they have any halal-friendly food and the staff advised that we can get the soba/udon with tempura and they’ll swap the soy sauce to one without mirin/alcohol, which was very accommodating.
The food was amazing, the tempura was one of the best of the few I had in Japan. The amazake was warm and comforting too.
We got the cozy table facing the window. We asked if they have any halal-friendly food and the staff advised that we can get the soba/udon with tempura and they’ll swap the soy sauce to one without mirin/alcohol, which was very accommodating.
The food was amazing, the tempura was one of the best of the few I had in Japan. The amazake was warm and comforting too.
After visiting Kiyomizu-dera on May 11, 2024, we had a fantastic time at Otowa Saryo, enjoying the delectable delicacies. We recommend our favourite orders: (1) Warabimochi and (2) Macha Zenzai. The tea house features many glass panels and an open terrace where you can appreciate the surrounding countryside and town. The tea house's tranquilly and pleasant setting provided a fitting end to our tour to Kiyomizu-dera.
Tasty food, delicately made and good quality. Price isn’t expensive. Nice seating and environment, quiet and ideal for lunch! Hope to be back for the Sukiyaki next time as it was sold out when I reached. Suggest to come earlier next time.
Had this on my lists since we planned for the trip half a year ago. Lovely atmosphere, but too bad the outside seats were full. Food was great and service impeccable. One of the more peaceful meals we had in japan, where you can really unwind and enjoy the food and scenery
