Kyoto

Oct 22, 2014 - 1 min read

Kyoto's Cafe Opal

A unique dining spot near Gion

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

If Kyoto is crowded with tourists, this is a great 'hidden' place to escape to.

The narrow alley that leads to the cafe.  The cafe is open from 12:00 to 21:00 (last order).

It is very easy to miss the entrance to the cafe.  Keep an eye out for the small English signs.

The cafe is closed on Tuesdays, unless it falls on a holiday.  It is also closed on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

I ordered a very reasonable 'set' dinner - it came with this appetizer plate and a salad (not pictured).

The cafe's phone number is 075-525-7117.  The website is in Japanese, but if you go to the menu page, there is a link to an English menu.   cafeopal.com

The 'set' included a choice of main dish.  This one was delicious!  Bread was also included.

Many people come just to sit, read, listen to the music, and drink a tasty cup of coffee.

The 'set' ended with a plate containing a variety of desserts and fruit.  Cafe Opal's desserts are all handmade.

When the weather is nice, there is a fun, cozy outdoor space to hang out in.

Between two famous Maiko/Geiko districts (Gion & Miyagawacho), down a long, narrow alley, is the Cafe Opal. The lovely couple who run the cafe have renovated an 80 year old traditional Japanese home in a very unique manner. They are friendly, speak some English, and play great music. And, their food is very tasty and reasonable. Although I recommend the cafe to everyone, as a single traveler, this is a good place to go to feel comfortable eating by yourself. Stop in for lunch, dinner, dessert, a beer, or just a cup of coffee.

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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Caroline Imelda

Caroline Imelda 10 years ago

noted to my "places have to visit at Kyoto" long list :)

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