-
Yagura
Across from Minami-za kabuki theatre, this noodle specialist somehow reminds us of an American diner, with a row of wooden booths and mamas running the show. We recommend the nishin soba (around 1000 ). Yagura is located between a rāmen joint and a Japanese gift shop - look for the bowls of noodles in the window.
-
Yatai
This yatai (tent) pops up along Imadegawa-dōri every evening and serves a variety of food to accompany beer and sake, such as yakitori, oden and meatballs. It's fun but don't expect English to be spoken (pointing at what you want is the easiest way to go).
-
Yōshūji
Yōshūji serves superb shōjin ryōri in a delightful old Japanese farmhouse with an irori (open hearth). The house special, a sumptuous selection of vegetarian dishes served in red lacquered bowls, is called kurama-yama shōn zen (around ¥2500 ). If you're just wanting a quick bite, try the uzu-soba ( soba topped with mountain vegetables; around ¥1050 ). It's halfway up the steps leading to the main gate of Kurama-dera ; look for the orange lanterns out the front.
-
Zu Zu
This Pontochō izakaya is a fun place to eat. The best bet when ordering is to ask the waiter for a recommendation. The fare is sort of nouveau-Japanese, with menu items such as shrimp with tofu and chicken with plum sauce. Look for the white stucco exterior and black bars on the windows.
