Ponto

Ponto is a traditional Japanese restaurant set on the touristy Pontocho Alley in Kyoto. It is quite small, with outdoor tables overlooking the river, indoor tables and seats at the bar. There is both a set menu and an a la carte menu. You must order a drink with the set menu. There are some vegetari...an and fish options. The food was OK but nothing special. The staff speak a limited amount of English - just about enough to get by. It can get busy and, at busy periods, you to wait for a table, especially if you want to sit outside. It is cash only - no credit cards.

Visited May 2026

Stumbled on this in Pontocho Alley. Had the set menu which was only 2600 yen per person. Sat on the floor in a traditional room upstairs looking out on to the river. Loved everything about it. The food was delicious, the staff were gorgeous and friendly, the view was fantastic, we had a private room.... So lucky to have found it.

Visited October 2024

A tourist spot really, outside terrace overlooking the river, if you want. And at a price I think. Some rules to stop tourists from just having a beer and just staying. But all that was OK, we just wanted a beer and some food. Lots of choice in the menu, bit tapas like. We enjoyed all the option...s we ordered. Not much was open at late afternoon when we wanted to eat.

Visited May 2024

A nice little Izakaya on Pontocho Alley. The food is good and reasonable, and the service is great. They charge an extra fee if you want to sit at a table facing the Kamo River. I can't remember exactly how much, but it was like 300 yen per person. It was a perfectly OK place but it didn't feel ver...y authentic as I was the only one who spoke Japanese. The rest were all foreign tourists. Nothing wrong with that but I prefer more of a local place. Visiting once was OK but I'll probably never go back.

Visited March 2024

Walked in here not knowing they will have vegetarian/vegan food. And oh man! Was a in for a surprise. Their tofu salad was out of the world. I have never had tofu like this. Soft and melts in your mouth. I’m so glad I came to this place. The tempura was very good. We also got the Ava dashi tofu with...out the dashi(broth) because it had bonito flakes. But fried to perfection and ate it with soy sauce and some green onion. The drinks were top-notch! And service was so good, very kind and welcoming people. Must come here if you want to try tofu/ vegan snacks with drinks!

Visited March 2024