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Japanese
Beer/Wine
Kyoto restaurant inside Nishiki market (錦市場). Look for the half open glass door next to the sweet shop stall, approx. 4 stalls before you reach Fuyacho -dori, at 京都府京都市中京区東魚屋町198-1, 〒604-8055. Previously listed as Oasi @ Hale, rebrand and change to vegetarian reported in Sep 2019. Opening hours are reported to be unreliable. Open Tue-Wed 11:30am-3:00pm, Thu 11:30am-2:00pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-3:00pm, Fri 6:00pm-9:00pm, Sat-Sun 6:00pm-10:00pm.
69 Reviews
First Review by ahimsa333
Spencerino
Points +16
Fantastic Lunch - Edit
Just off the market this lovely little resturant was a real gem. Beautiful food and a unique and tranquil atmosphere.
Read moreGuest
EmmaCebuliak
Points +1890
A Rare Gem - Edit
This atmospheric and traditional establishment is truly a treat to visit - I was really impressed with both the food and the space. They were quite busy at the end of lunch hour and also politely asked us not to take photos; but otherwise it was a lovely experience.
Read morePros: High quality food, Unique space
Cons: Seemed a bit flustered
Guest
Xanato5
Points +76
Excellent in every way - Edit
I loved it here. First off is the atmosphere, this is in what looks like a very old well-maintained historical house hidden behind the chaotic insanity of the Nishiki market. Second is the fact that this place is very quiet and peaceful which seems impossible considering the location - what a welcomed refuge! Then there is of course the food. Delicious seasonal dishes, perfectly prepared and served with excellent service. The tempura maitake mushrooms were my favorite. A must for vegans in Kyoto.
Read morePros: Atmosphere and location, High quality food, Hidden peaceful refuge
Cons: Slippery texture of some dishes may be off putting
Guest
IanTucker
Points +23
An oasis - Edit
After the noise and pace of the market, you enter an oasis of old school Japanese calm. The set meal was beautiful and the staff were lovely.
Read morePros: great food and service
Guest
Mauriciohe
Points +30
No kids allowed - Edit
They don’t accept kids! We where not allowed to enter.
Read moreGuest
gbsn17
Points +78
Great oasis of calm in a busy (meaty!) market - Edit
I spent a few minutes looking for this place. But I was so glad I persisted. It was a wonderful little quiet spot in the middle of an exciting part of Osaka. The two women working there were both really friendly and the food was delicious. I had the lunch set menu which was made up of lots of little delicious and very fresh dishes. A wonderful experience and I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the area!
Read morePros: yummy food , lovely setting
Cons: blink and you could miss it. but don't give up!
Guest
IrenaHarrison
Points +90
Fantastic! - Edit
This place was about to close when I arrived (I did not realise until I sat down) but they still accommodated me without saying a word. It is tucked in behind the market and it is so quiet. Merely finding this secret paradise was exhilarating! The food was very authenticly Japanese and I had the place to myself. It's a hidden gem.
Read moreGuest
bvanwassenhove
Points +149
Great experience - Edit
Wonderful, beautifully presented vegan food in an elegant, quiet atmosphere. Very good value too in a city in which vegan dining can be rather expensive at times.
Read morePros: Wonderful food, Beautiful presentation, Elegant, quiet atmosphere
Cons: None
Guest
gentakuminami
Points +32
Delightful - Edit
Everything about this restaurant is great - good food, friendly staff, beautiful shop, and it's right on Nishiki. I always go home happy and fully satisfied after having lunch at Hale. One of my favourite spots.
Read moreGuest
jellyfishsocks
Points +43
Not amazing, but Japanese - Edit
This place was okay. Set menu--not even several set menus to choose from; you just order "lunch" and that's what you get. Kind of tricky to find--watch the signs hanging above the market, and go down the narrow hall to the end.
Read morePros: Convenient, Cozy, Authentic Japanese
Cons: No options, Minimal English
Guest
Nachopath
Points +58
Delicious and atmospheric - Edit
If you're after some authentic Japanese cuisine without the fish stock, come on down. The yuba is particularly lip-smacking.
Read moreGuest
CherryFlamingo
Points +403
Mon coup de coeur à Kyoto - Edit
Hale est un petit restaurant avec deux grandes tables qui peuvent accueillir jusqu'à 12 personnes.
Read moreL'ambiance est sombre, les meubles en bois, il y a des bouteilles de Sake sur le comptoir et l'accueil est excellent. C'est tout à fait l'idée que je me faisais d'un restaurant typique Japonais. Les plats étaient délicieux (le plat de riz était servi avec de délicieux champignons). Je vous recommande vivement ce restaurant!
Pros: Très bon, Prix correct, Bon emplacement
Guest
ChloéBr
Points +67
Un peu difficile à trouver mais vaut le coup! - Edit
Après quelques difficultés à trouver l'endroit (pas facile avec le marché bondé) nous avons découvert une ambiance somptueuse. Un seul choix possible mais avec beaucoup de petits plats. Très bon rapport qualité prix (1500 yens). Le jus du jour était merveilleux. Seul bémol : le plat dit "principal" composé de riz et de champignons était très salé. Si vous n'avez pas de problèmes avec le sel (mon cas) aucun soucis mais ma mère (qui ne sale pas) n'a pas pu le terminer.
Read morePros: Atmosphere, Diversity
Cons: Salt
Guest
hdervish
Points +62
stunning - Edit
The ambience is what I imagine to be traditional Japan. Dark wood panelling and tables. A cosy and intimate environment. The food was plentiful, varied and delicious.
Read moreGuest
MaxwellMillick
Points +34
Great find - Edit
Cool restaurant with great and authentic atmosphere. Food is fresh and delicious, and wait staff is helpful. Bathroom is clean but strange for foreigners (it's a squatty-potty), and seating is limited.
Read morePros: Food is all vegan
Cons: Just one set menu choice for lunch
Guest
symbiosis
Points +460
Not as reasonably priced as expected, but still nice - Edit
The location of Hale was nice and overall it was a nice experience. I did not find the price as "affordable" as many other reviewers, it's not outrageous, but I wouldn't give the impression it was "cheap" or a steal. There was one set meal, locale was very beautiful. I did notice when paying there was also a offer for a beer set for 1200 which personally I would have preferred, and wished the lady told me about it. The set came in courses, which considering the style of food, my partner and I found not the most ideal, the courses didn't seem to complete eachother, and go from heavy to light to heavy to light. I wish they just brought a few dishes at once, in a bit more like a bento style. Overall nice, but really we were shocked that this was listed as a 'cheap" option when it was one of the priciest places we went to on the trip.
Read morePros: nice locale, Sensible japanese food
Cons: Price, No advertisement for any other offers
Guest
freezer966
Points +176
Nice ambience! - Edit
The restaurant is beautiful. Very japanese and very relaxing. We ordered a set meal. Interesting flavours and textures :) Definitly a japanese experience and worth the price.
Read morePros: local food, reasonable priced
Guest
Toobin
Points +29
An Oasis - Edit
Perfect! A sanctuary of calm in a chaotic market. Quite tricky to find but well worth it. Great food, great ambiance, great service, very authentic.
Read moreGuest
Ajolote
Points +1777
simple, tasty food - Edit
This is a nice respite in the middle of Nishiki market. The food was simple, but it was nice to sit down in a quiet place after strolling the awesome, but crowded market
Read moreGuest
TiphaineBF
Points +33
Very nice vegan bar restaurant - Edit
We had a good dinner at Hale although it was a bit difficult to find the place!
Read moreThe food is japanese style with very nice dishes, plates have sufficient size.
It is a bit expensive, but it is worthwhile.
Pros: Excellent food, Friendly, Nice room (japanese-style)
Cons: A bit expensive
Guest
sathya1709
Points +73
Nice food - Edit
Visited for lunch. Had nearly missed it as the restaurant is on the cramped Nishiki market and the name was not directly visible, although it is written on the glass door, as the door is kept open.
Read moreYou enter the door and through a short passage to the restaurant at the back. Relatively small place and can accommodate ~15 persons at a time. Limited options.
1000JPY for rice bowl with a type of vegetable broth, 1250 for the same with additional vegetables, tsukemono etc., i.e., washoku set and 1950 for extra large set (Has an additional vegetable set).
Food was delicious. Quiet place. But lighting and ambiance could have been better. Slightly expensive compared to some other places for lunch, but still, good quality.
Pros: Good food, Location
Cons: Not cheap. Moderate
Guest
Tbms1992
Points +131
Very expensive! - Edit
My partner and I found no trouble finding the place but we're not expecting to pay so much! The food was very healthy and not quite our cup of tea. At one put we were given just steamed vegetables including a whole half of onion with the skin as well, we understand vegetables are expensive but found this a bit strange. We were expecting it to be quite cheap but for the dinner set meal itself was 2500 yen, plus a table charge (500 yen per person) plus you needed to buy a drink (650 yen) as well as tax which quickly added to a large bill! Would not go back.
Read morePros: very healthy food, nicely presented and cosy atmos
Cons: Very expensive, a lot of extras added to the price
speedy1893
you went to a traditional Japanese restaurant. 2500 yen for a dinner set is NOT expensive in Kyoto if you want to eat decent food. they used to charge 250 yen table charge but they’ve done away with that. drinks start around 500 yen and is not required but preferred bc so many cheapskates come and order one set for several people. considering you don’t tip in Japan, a drink is not such a big deal.
Read moreGuest
MyVeganJoy
Points +583
Delicious Macrobiotic Vegan Lunches - Edit
Hale is located in a shopping alley in Kyoto behind a narrow glass door that says "Hale". Peaceful, Japanese style, small, with lots of wooden interior and traditional feel. It's only 100% vegan during lunchtime... The owners/chef is a local, sweet lady, and the food is delicious. It's Japanese style with Yuba Tofu and lots of small plates - with various okazu. Menu was in both Japanese and English. I recommend it, and I will go back again. Please only go there is you are a respectful and considerate person. This is NOT a kind of a cafe where loud obnoxious behavior would be a ok ... only mellow respectful behavior.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Monday August 31, 2015
Pros: Unique, Delicious, Organic
Guest
frecklesarein
Points +182
INCREDIBLE restaurant! - Edit
I went to Hale when I was in Kyoto November 2013. I still tell people about this restaurant.
Read moreIt's relatively hard to find -- in the fish market behind an unmarked glass door -- but the food is wonderful and very creative. I ordered the chefs menu and sat at the bar. From here I could watch the one and only person in the kitchen put together the dishes. And WOW what delicious food! All the ingredients were super fresh, and although it was a bunch of courses I wasn't too full by the end. If I'm ever in Kyoto again, I will definitely come back.
Guest
selena
Points +410
Pretty, traditional-ish restaurant - Edit
This spot is well-located, a bit old-fashioned, and tasty. Traditional-ish Japanese food so good if you're looking for that. I went a couple of months ago, but I know they're still open - I called yesterday.
Read morePros: pretty, good location, beautiful presentation
Guest
Mashta
Points +55
Lovely well-prepared food, sweet cosy atmosphere - Edit
Absolutely amazing food, loved the quiet environment, it's a small place perhaps seating 12 max so book in advance. Located in Nishiki market. We went for dinner and had set meal, and drinks, it was one of the more expensive meals we had but well worth it. As usual in Japan, stunning attention to detail and umami tastes!
Read moreWith all respect to the other reviewer I can see why perhaps this is not a family restaurant, the environment is quite reserved and careful.
Would certainly go again.
Pros: Delicious food, Charming and happy chef, Beautiful presentation
Cons: Slightly moody waitress!, Price on the high side
Guest
joeyfalconetti
Points +100
Nice restaurant in a good location - Edit
The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and a neat location in the Nishiki market area. It can be difficult to find, especially if the door marked with the name is open. If you look up at the lighted signs that line the street, it is one of the few with English lettering.
Read moreThe dinner options were not inexpensive, with a table charge, a one drink minimum and the set menu running around 2400 yen. The drinks were not cheap, but they were very good. Our food was fairly good. We enjoyed mushroom rice bowls and some steamed vegetables. Our favorite dish was the fried seitan which was drizzled with a delicious sauce. It was closed when we first attempted to go there on a Monday evening and we noticed that it is also closed on Thursdays.
Pros: Nice atmosphere, Good drinks
Cons: Difficult to find, Closed often
Guest
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