The Yellow Deli

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, a city more known for its traditional Japanese cuisine than Jewish delis, I discovered a culinary gem that transported my taste buds straight to the bustling streets of New York. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the salad and Reuben sandwich, served with the most delectably fresh sourdough bread.

The salad was a vibrant medley of fresh, crisp vegetables, each bite bursting with natural flavors and dressed in a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that accentuated rather than overwhelmed. It was a refreshing start, setting the stage for the showstopper - the Reuben sandwich.

The Reuben was nothing short of a masterpiece. The corned beef was tender and flavorful, melding harmoniously with the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. But the real star was the sourdough bread - homemade, fresh, with just the right amount of tanginess and a delightful crunch. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, making it clear why this place could give any New York deli a run for its money.

Adding to the experience was the warm and friendly staff, who made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. Their attentive service and genuine smiles were as refreshing as the food.

The ambiance of the deli further enhanced our dining experience. The blend of traditional Japanese decor with subtle New York deli vibes created a unique and welcoming atmosphere. And the Irish fiddle music playing in the background was an unexpected yet delightful touch, adding a lively and upbeat rhythm to our meal.

In summary, this hidden gem in Kyoto is a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic deli experience. The combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a great vibe makes it a standout. Whether you're a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and stop by for a meal that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

This cafe has a welcoming country cabin atmosphere.The overall decor is very warm and cozy. We felt like we were in a cottage. The country music, the international staff, the dim lights and the wooden based theme all came together SO well.

We came here as a large group of 8 and readily got seats in two booths. We ordered blend coffee and smoothies.The coffee was deep and rich and came with free refills! Both the mango and strawberry smoothies were thick and creamy. They came in generous sizes. The staff were friendly and attentive: they even gave us some delicious raisin bread on the house.

However, we were caught unaware and felt awkward when we received our smoothies in plastic cups that one might see at a university cafeteria with water. We all agreed that the smoothies would have looked much more appealing if they were served in mason jars, clear glasses, or even steel cups. The coffee was served in a bright Yellow Deli mug which was a nice touch.

Overall, we had a delightful time and will certainly visit Yellow Deli again. It's ideal for all: singles, families, or couples on a romantic date! We're looking forward to having sandwiches and certainly more coffee!

We stumbled upon this place during a bike ride to the Otagi Nenbutsuji shrine and were pleasantly surprised. The place had a very cottage-like feel with wooden walls and furnishings. All the beautiful baked goods lined the entrance and gentle nursery rhyme music played in the background, it was very unique and memorable in a place like Kyoto.
The staff were incredibly friendly, they took the time to answer all our questions, and even taught us a few phrases in Japanese.
The menu was hand drawn and very detailed. We ordered the Deli Rose and Smoked Chicken sandwiches - both were delicious and came with a side of potato chips and a sour pickle. The combination of fresh bread and sauce made the sandwiches extra juicy, but not soggy. If we didn’t have a long bike ride to go, we definitely would have ordered more!