Hello dear
Welcome To Wakana
Wakana is an enchanting Japanese café nestled in the heart of Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward. Just a 13-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, this charming spot offers a delightful array of traditional dishes, including their signature A5 grade wagyu roast beef bowls, which have left diners raving about their exquisite flavor and presentation. Indulge in their signature Mitarashi Dango, known for its unique texture—crisp on the outside and fluffy within. Their summer menu features refreshing Hojicha shaved ice, a perfect respite from the heat. With a cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff, Wakana promises a memorable culinary experience for all.
About
Wakana
Welcome to Wakana, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward. Just a short 13-minute stroll from Gion-Shijo Station, this charming café offers an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine that goes beyond mere sustenance. Wakana is a sanctuary for food lovers, where every bite tells a story, and every dish is a masterpiece.
At the core of Wakana’s philosophy is the commitment to quality. Their lunch menu, served from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, features an array of delectable options showcasing top-tier ingredients, including A5 grade wagyu beef. One of the crown jewels of the menu is the 肉薔薇ローストビーフ丼 (Roast Beef Bowl), adorned with thinly sliced, marbled beef that captivates the eye and tantalizes the palate. The exquisite presentation, complete with a charming rose-shaped arrangement of beef, brings a touch of elegance to your dining experience.
Moreover, Wakana makes indulgence accessible with their exclusive lunch special — the 国産牛 (Domestic Beef) comparison platter, which allows guests to savor three varieties of their succulent beef bowls in one sitting. It is a culinary adventure that delights both the taste buds and the senses, embodying the essence of Japanese hospitality.
For those seeking a sweet respite, the café’s signature みたらし団子 (Mitarashi Dango) is a must-try. Customers rave about the unique texture — crispy on the outside yet fluffy within — making it a delightful snack that can only be fully appreciated fresh and warm. Your experience is further complemented by their seasonal かき氷 (shaved ice), especially the Hojicha flavor, providing a refreshing escape from the heat of the day.
Wakana is more than just a café; it’s a sanctuary for culinary enthusiasts and an exploration of local flavors. Patrons describe the atmosphere as cozy and inviting, perfect for leisurely afternoons spent over a cup of matcha latte or refreshing iced coffee. The friendly staff, fluent in English, ensures that every visit feels warm and welcoming, making it a standout choice for tourists and locals alike.
In a city famed for its exquisite cuisine and cultural heritage, Wakana encapsulates the true spirit of Kyoto's dining scene. If you're looking for a blend of tradition and innovation, tantalizing flavors, and a place to unwind, make sure to visit Wakana — your taste buds will thank you.
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“ Enjoyed the roasted beef bowl using A5 grade wagyu beef. This surprised me. The taste delicious meanwhile look so nice. I enjoyed a satisfying lunch here. ”
“ It was a good respite from the heat, and we got to taste local specialties. Ordered Hojicha shaved ice and it was good, helped to cool down. Hojicha supposed to have less caffeine. Also ordered set of 3 flavours of dango (1 skewer savoury and 2 skewers are sweets) with matcha latte. It was a nice tea break and experience. Small seating capacity. ”
“ The best Mitarashi Dango I've ever had hands down. It's been some time between visits we hope to indulge again soon! ”
“ Everything was delicious, staff super friendly, a great experience and really cozy and clean place. We totally recommend this for your Kyoto adventure. ”
“ Kyoto lunch around Gion district. tried Braised beef and Roast beef, both were excellent! I regret only ordering small portion. I think I can eat about 3 bowls of this Staff are really friendly and can speak well english. ”
“ This restaurant is conveniently located near the busy tourist area but tucked away on its own quiet street, offering a calm escape from the crowds. We visited on a Sunday without a reservation and waited about 20 minutes. The restaurant is English and Chinese friendly, though the free Wi-Fi was too slow to place an order, so the staff kindly handled it offline for us. We tried both the trio menu and the main meal. The vegetarian dish had an interesting flavor—hard for me to say whether it was good or bad, just different. The highlight was the meat dish with egg, which had a nice portion and satisfying flavors. Like many rice bowls in Japan, expect plenty of rice with minimal vegetables and meat. Overall, it’s a good spot for a quick and reasonably priced meal in a calm setting. Follow IG @No.Fluff.Just.Flavor for real eats, honest bites, travel tips & foodie gems around the world. Tasting the world one bite at a time. ”
“ This place seems to be popular spot among locals and it is kinda hidden away from the crowded streets, making it a great spot to have lunch before explore the nearby areas. We tried both the A5 grade wagyu sirloin and the braised beef don and they were both amazing! Portion looks small but it is quite filling. The houjicha latte tasted really creamy and i highly recommend to try that. For dango, we prefer the one with sweet soy sauce as it is chewy and slightly charred ”
“ The trio sample was perfect to have a taste the set offered. Elegant presentation and staff were very friendly and helpful, even pulling the chair for me to seat down. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience in Gion district. ”