Where can I get the best salads In Kyoto, Japan? It’s surprisingly difficult to find hearty salads that aren’t just cabbage.
While there are many types of Japanese-style salads that are readily available in Japan, one of the first things that I truly missed are San Francisco-style salads. In the bay area, you can easily obtain enormous, customizable salads with nuts, protein, vegetables, fruits, and even grains.
After settling into life in Kyoto and trying all the delectable traditional dishes, I began to crave the kind of salads that I could easily obtain anywhere in San Francisco. As such, I began searching for the most affordable, high quality, and delicious salads that I could find.
Enjoy this list of the top 3 salads in Kyoto!
1. Meat & Wine Bar Yamamoto
The Meat Salad
A delectable salad with deli meats, eggs, a side of soup, and 2 bread rolls for only ¥680, or ¥730 with tax.
A quaint restaurant with a homey feel, this place is perfect for those who can speak a little bit of Japanese, and would like to converse with an extremely warm, elderly Japanese woman. Normally, Japanese people never hug you, as touching or hugging is considered to be an invasion of one’s personal space.
So you can imagine my surprise, when this elderly Japanese woman gave me such a warm, generous, and uninhibited hug! In fact, it was one of the best hugs I have ever received. Believe me, when I say she’s got a lot of love for newcomers.
Name: Meat & Wine Bar Yamamoto
Website: N/A
Menu: See picture.
Location: Google Maps link to the area
Hours: 11:30-15:00 (Lunch) & 17:30-21:30 (Dinner)
Closed Days: N/A
Strengths: Inexpensive. High-quality and scrumptious salad. Amazing elderly waitress. And great service!
Weaknesses: Dark interior. No English speakers or menu, but they are willing to help you understand!
Note: Unfortunately, it’s not listed on Google Maps, so I had to provide a link to the general area. But I’m sure you will have no trouble finding it with the helpful pictures.
2. Café Very Berry
The Ham & Avocado Salad
Basically, a simple ham and avocado salad for ¥890 + Tax. For an additional ¥200, you can get a side of garlic bread.
While the service is mediocre, this place is definitely worth a visit, if you are craving a very unique experience. Adorned in American-style knickknacks, this place is decked from floor to ceiling with captivating decor. For example, every inch of the wall is covered in popular American symbols such as miniature Homer Simpsons. Definitely the owner got some inspiration from California and Hawaii, as it exudes a surfer vibe.
Name: Café Very Berry
Website: Link
Full Menu: Link
Hours: 11:30-24:00
Location: Google Maps link
Closed Days: N/A
Strengths: Large portion sizes. Absolutely captivating decor. And they have an English menu.
Weaknesses: Poor service (understaffed).
3. RH (Ron Herman) Cafe at BAL 6th Floor
The Chicken Salad
A hearty and filling salad with a huge piece of chicken, sunny side up egg, potatoes, and tomatoes for a mere ¥1,400. For an extra ¥200, you can order a side of western-style bread, meaning that it’s hard and toasted.
This is now my favorite cafe in Kyoto, as I love the ambiance of the BAL mall, the decor, the beautiful bathrooms, and the friendly staff.
Name: Ron Herman Cafe or RH Cafe
Website: Link
Menu: Link
Facebook Page: Link
Instagram: Link
Hours: 11:00-20:00（L.O.19:00）
Location: Google Maps link
Closed Days: N/A
Strengths: Amazing high-quality food. Modern and stylish decor. Good service. And an English menu. Staff are extremely friendly, and write nice notes on my takeout boxes.
Weaknesses: Sometimes on the weekends, it’s super crowded. Or, sometimes it’s closed for parties.
Thanks so much for reading this article. Check out my public Google Maps list of the top salad restaurants in Kyoto as well.