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.
- 1 min read
Kyoto's Cafe Opal
A unique dining spot near Gion
![Sandra Isaka Sandra Isaka](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1055/240x240!/565e87c967ba810c868b6207.jpg)
By Sandra Isaka
Community writer
![If Kyoto is crowded with tourists, this is a great 'hidden' place to escape to.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96097/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96097.jpg)
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).](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96093/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96093.jpg)
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.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96094/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96094.jpg)
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.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96095/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96095.jpg)
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).](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96096/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96096.jpg)
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](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96099/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96099.jpg)
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.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96100/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96100.jpg)
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.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96101/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96101.jpg)
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.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96102/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96102.jpg)
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.](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/16192-96103/1000/kyoto-kyoto-s-cafe-opal-96103.jpg)
When the weather is nice, there is a fun, cozy outdoor space to hang out in.
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Caroline Imelda
9 years ago
noted to my "places have to visit at Kyoto" long list :)
1 comment in total
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