15 Cafes in Kyoto Where to Find the Most Delicious Desserts Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Apr 26 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Kyoto Cafe

15 Cafes in Kyoto Where to Find the Most Delicious Desserts

During your sightseeing in Kyoto, why don't you take a break at a cafe and treat yourself to a delicious dessert? The following 15 places are popular among travelers, so take a look at their wide offerings, from matcha-based desserts typical of Kyoto to sweets made in original flavors.

See full listings of Cafe restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. cafe&dining fleur Kyoto (Kyoto)

This easy-to-access cafe & restaurant stands only 1 minute on foot from Kyoto Station. You should definitely order the [Plain (650 JPY)] from their rich dessert menu. It's a totally white fluffy cake made using meringue and not a single egg yolk. Their pancakes are quite popular as well, so make sure you try the [fleur Pancakes (900 JPY)] and be amazed by the genuinely delicious taste of the batter. Despite being a simple flavor, once you try it you'll definitely want more! Another recommended option is the Kyoto limited edition [Kinako Cream Pancakes (1,200 JPY)], topped with kinako (soy flour) cream. You can enrich the pancakes with a black sesame sauce according to your taste.

cafe&dining fleur Kyoto (Kyoto)

Open: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: None *Closed on the Beginning and end of the year (December 31 - January 1)
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 736, Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shichijo-sagaru, Akezu-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

2. PANCAKE ROOM (Kyoto)

Popular for its pancakes, this cafe is located inside Kyoto Tower, one of the city's landmarks. Their multiple original recipes are developed in collaboration with the patissier from a local historical shop called Chez La Mere, which is specialized in western confectionery. The collaboration has made this place a hotspot for locals and tourists with a sweet tooth. The [Kyo Matcha Pancakes] is the flagship dish. These fluffy pancakes are topped with a thick matcha ice cream, offering you the classic taste of Kyoto's patisserie. Also, don't miss the [Classic Pancakes], served with an incredibly delicious Canadian maple syrup.

PANCAKE ROOM (Kyoto)

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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3. Tsujiri Cafe (Kyoto)

The renowned Kyoto Uji Main Branch Tsujiri, a cafe with an over 150-year history in Uji, Kyoto, has opened this cafe inside of Kyoto Tower. Here you'll get to enjoy plenty of desserts and drinks made with traditional matcha from Uji. Their top product right now is the [Tsujiri Soft Kyo Parfait (594 JPY)], a delicacy comprising of all the classics of Japanese desserts. This original dessert consists of a parfait of thick matcha ice cream with lots of toppings like an (red bean jam), shiratama (rice flour dumplings), and brown sugar syrup. Try the [Kyo Latte Matcha ICE] as well, which is a drink made with Tsujiri's Uji Matcha and fluffy whipped milk, resulting in a rich flavor and aroma.

Tsujiri Cafe (Kyoto)

Open: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 500 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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4. Malebranch Kyoto Tower Sando Branch (Kyoto)

Malebranch is a western confectionery store, well-known for its sweets made with premium selected Uji tea. In the Kyoto Tower branch, you can choose from a wide variety of matcha-based desserts, from classics to new creations. You have to try at least once the [Okoicha Langue de Chat "Cha no Ka" (5 pieces from 681 JPY)], a popular product representative of this store. These langue de chat cookies, made with plenty of premium Uji Matcha, have become a classic of Kyoto's patisserie. Another highly appreciated item is the [Nama Cha no Ka Ice Bar (270 JPY)], made with abundant Uji koicha (thick green tea).

Malebranch Kyoto Tower Sando Branch (Kyoto)

Open: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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5. Tapioca Belize (Kyoto)

Have desserts made with matcha stocked from a historical shop in Kyoto together with domestic tapioca at this popular cafe. Along with the [Kyo Matcha Handmade Milk Tea (Regular 280 JPY, Large 320 JPY)], you should order the [Kogashi Cheese Waffles], freshly made plain waffles topped with natural cheese and then grilled. A must-eat for cheese fanatics! Alternatively, try the popular [Oreo Ichigo Vanilla (420 JPY)] crepe, filled with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, strawberries, and crushed Oreos: you can't resist its hidden flavor of bittersweet cocoa!

Tapioca Belize (Kyoto)

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 320 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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6. nicotto & mam (Kyoto)

At this specialist store, you can have egg-free healthy doughnuts. Order the classic [Plain (170 JPY)] to enjoy the soft and springy texture created by natural yeast. Healthy ingredients like wheat germ and light brown sugar truly bring out a rich flavor. If you order the [Tamba Black Bean Kinako (190 JPY)], you'll be served a plain doughnut sprinkled with kinako from Hyogo Prefecture. The first-class flavor of kinako enhances the taste of the doughnuts even more. One of their popular items is the [Tsubu-tsubu Ichigo (200 JPY)], characterized by a sweet and sour strawberry taste.

nicotto & mam (Kyoto)

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 800 JPY
Access: In Kyoto Tower, 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station
Address: 721-1-B1F, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto (Map)
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7. Yaoiso Karasuma Branch (Imadegawa)

A full 149 years have passed since the establishment of the historical fruit store Yaoiso in Kyoto. North of Doshisha University, Yaoiso has a cafe where you can enjoy desserts made with their top quality fruit, to make the most of their tradition and expertise. So, if you're in the mood for super fresh fruit, the [Fruit Kudzu Arare (525 JPY)] and the [Fruit Rainbow (525 JPY)] come highly recommended. If you're a little hungrier, maybe you should opt for the [Special Fruit Sandwich Set (a) (1,050 JPY)]. The big chunks of fruit and the slightly sweetened whipped cream make it a delicious treat not to be missed!

Yaoiso Karasuma Branch (Imadegawa)

Open: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: 800 JPY
Address: 104-1, Gosho Hachiman-cho, Kamidachiuri-noboru, Karasuma-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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8. Saryo Suisen Kyoto Gion (Kawaramachi)

In the interior of this popular cafe, designed with a harmonious mix of Japanese and modern styles typical of Kyoto, you can have a large variety of desserts. Above all, you can't miss their [Matcha Hon Warabi-mochi with Osencha (1,080 JPY)], made with hon warabi (real bracken starch), said to be illusory. The mochi (rice cakes) in this luxurious delicacy are 100% made with this rare bracken starch, produced in Japan. It is served with Uji Match from Kyoto, selected by a tea artisan, making this dish a first-rate treat. Plus, it is accompanied by a small pot of sencha (a type of green tea). Also, the [Matcha Suisen Parfait (980 JPY)] contains 4 types of matcha-based sweets, and it's even available for takeout!

Saryo Suisen Kyoto Gion (Kawaramachi)

Open: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 600 JPY
Address: 7F, Food Hall, Sumitomo Fudosan Kyoto Bldg., 68, Shin-cho, Kawara-machi Higashi-iru, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

9. Nishiki Ichiha (Kawaramachi)

A cafe with a Japanese atmosphere located in the popular sightseeing spot of Kyoto Nishiki Market (Kyoto Nishiki-ichiba). As typical of Kyoto, it is beautifully and elegantly designed, and it offers a relaxing space where you can enjoy meals, desserts, and tea. Among all the sweet options, you may want to try their [Special Ichiha Parfait (1,200 JPY)]. This deeply flavored parfait contains a large amount of carefully selected premium quality Uji Matcha, and it has an incredible balance between sweetness and bitterness, and even some sourness. Also, don't miss their unique [Pop Soft (602 JPY)], that allows you to mix your favorite pop corn with soft serve ice cream as you like

Nishiki Ichiha (Kawaramachi)

Open: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 1,500 JPY
Address: 210, Kajiya-cho, Goko-machi Nishi-iru, Nishiki Koji-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

10. CAFE RESTAURANT Yayoi (Gion-shijo)

Primarily popular for its dishes made with chirimen sansho (dried young sardines cooked with sansho pepper and shoyu (soy sauce)) and tsukudani (preserved food boiled in shoyu and sugar), this restaurant is also suitable for travelers passing by to take a dessert break. Their top product is the [Ousu Sansho Cake (830 JPY)], made with matcha stocked from a renowned store in Kyoto called Ippodo. Along with the fragrant and rich flavor of matcha, the spicy touch of sansho gives this pound cake a mellow taste. As another option, the [Chacha Jelly Parfait (720 JPY)] is a luxurious dessert consisting of matcha and hojicha (roasted green tea) jelly served with an abundance of fruit and a delicious matcha liqueur sauce.

CAFE RESTAURANT Yayoi (Gion-shijo)

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Gion Bus Stop of the Municipal Bus.
Address: 481, Gion Shimogawara Kiyoi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto (Map)
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11.Salon de KANBAYASHI / Kanbayashi Shunsho Main Branch (Gion-shijo)

Kanbayashi Shunsho is a historical tea store founded in the Edo period (1603 - 1867), and this is a Japanese style cafe that serves Japanese tea from the long-established store. Built in what used to be the cellar of a 90-year-old mansion, the modern Japanese interior offers a laid back atmosphere. Their top dessert is called [Oboro-zuki (600 JPY)] - a zenzai (sweet red bean and sugar soup) with matcha shiratama and chestnuts. Another great zenzai option is the [Biwa no Shiro]. With its fragrant matcha, this dish is the perfect example of Kyoto's patisserie expressing the essence of Japan. Enjoy it with a cup of [Sencha (from 700 JPY)] or a sencha called [Gyokuro (from 900 JPY)] and other first-class sencha.

Salon de KANBAYASHI / Kanbayashi Shunsho Main Branch (Gion-shijo)

Open: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Tuesday *Irregular on Saturday and Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 1,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: Inside Akagane Resort Kyoto Higashiyama 1925, 400-1, Kinen-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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12. ORENO PAN Gion Branch (Gion-shijo)

There is a restaurant called Gion Okumura, famous for its Kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese course with tea), served in a French style. They manage ORENO PAN Gion Branch, a bakery with a rich menu of breads, delicatessen, and desserts, which are popular. Their signature dessert is named [Hohoemi (500 JPY)], which consists of delicious pain perdu (French toast) topped with maple syrup and whipped cream. They use a special bread baked specifically for this recipe. The fluffy and springy texture matches divinely with the syrup and cream.

ORENO PAN Gion Branch (Gion-shijo)

Open: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Kamogawa Bldg., 200, Nakano-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

13. Yaoiso Shijo Omiya Branch (Shijo Omiya)

This fruit parlor is located on the 2nd floor of Yaoiso Shijo Omiya Branch, a long-established store known for selling fruit. It attracts hordes of customers hungry for juice and desserts made with super fresh fruit that you can only find in a fruit shop. Their most popular dessert is the [Special Fruit Sandwich Set (a) (1,050 JPY)]. The fresh sweetness of whipped cream and the thickly cut fruit create an extraordinary flavor. If you came to sample their fresh fruit, order the [Fruit Kudzu Arare (525 JPY)] or the [Fruit Rainbow (525 JPY)].

Yaoiso Shijo Omiya Branch (Shijo Omiya)

Open: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:45 pm)
Closed: Irregular *Closed at the beginning and end of the year
Average price: 800 JPY
Address: 488, Tatsunaka-cho, Omiya Higashi-iru, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map)
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14. Kokyuan (Ochadokoro Rikyu) (Gojo-dori Area)

A Japanese style cafe with a cozy and relaxing atmosphere typical of Kyoto. Their top item, the [Garasha Set (650 JPY)], is a masterpiece comprising of sponge cake and coffee arranged on a white plate decorated with matcha. The bitter flavor of coffee takes the sweetness of the sponge cake to a whole new level. If you prefer traditional matcha, which is green tea leaves finely ground using a stone mortar, order the [Rikyu Set (800 JPY)]. The faint bitterness of matcha is a perfect match for sponge cake!

Kokyuan (Ochadokoro Rikyu) (Gojo-dori Area)

Open: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:50 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: 750 JPY
Address: 1F, Kyoto Excel Human Bldg., 830, Hongakujimae-cho, Kawara-machi Nishi-iru, Gojo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

15. TO-FU CAFE FUJINO (Kyoto City Bus Kitano Tenmangu-mae)

Tofu is a traditional Japanese food made from the liquid of squeezed soybeans. This cafe is directly managed by a renowned tofu store, and is located in the surroundings of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. In the bright and casual space inside, you can taste a lot of different tofu-based desserts. Their best creation is the dessert set called [Otofu Shiratama Anmitsu]. Thanks to its moderate sweetness and healthiness, it is a favorite among their customers. You may also like the thick taste of matcha and soy milk in their [Tonyu Smoothie Matcha].

TO-FU CAFE FUJINO (Kyoto City Bus Kitano Tenmangu-mae)

Open: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (L.O. 6:30 pm) *May vary according to the season
Closed: None
Address: Onmae-dori Nishi-iru, Imakoji-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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These were 15 cafes in Kyoto with the most delicious desserts. What do you think? As you can see, Kyoto, the ancient capital with a history of a thousand years, offers a huge variety of dessert options, even more than these 15! While visiting its famous historical sites, have fun looking for your ideal cafe in Kyoto!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.