ItalGabon

435 Tawarayacho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0871, Japan
+81 75-255-9053
$$$ cafe
(147 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Welcome to ItalGabon, a charming café nestled in the heart of Kyoto’s Kamigyo Ward at 435 Tawarayacho, 602-0871. This hidden gem is the perfect escape for coffee aficionados and casual diners alike, offering a delightful blend of Italian culinary tradition and a peaceful ambiance.

Step inside and you'll immediately feel the warmth of the inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a thoughtfully curated selection of books and soft piano music that harmonizes with the gentle clinking of ceramic cups. ItalGabon is not just a café; it is a sanctuary for those who appreciate quality coffee and delectable Italian dishes. The café boasts a notable reputation for its remarkable espresso drinks, particularly the Espresso Romano—an innovative twist on the classic espresso served with a refreshing piece of lemon peel. Antonio De Felice raves about it as the “best espresso I tried in Kyoto,” setting the tone for your own visit.

But the coffee doesn’t stop there! Dive into an array of other expertly crafted beverages. Customers have shared glowing experiences about the rich and indulgent cappuccinos, delightful café mochas, and refreshing shakeratos with vanilla that showcase the quality of beans sourced from a renowned local roaster. It’s easy to get lost in the flavors, each sip is a testament to the café’s commitment to excellence.

For those seeking more than just coffee, ItalGabon offers a selection of scrumptious dishes including mouthwatering Italian pasta and delightful pastries, like the perfectly balanced Gateau Chocolat that surprises with its mild sweetness, making it an ultimate companion to your brewing beverage. Fellow patrons have highlighted the savory bacon, avocado, and tomato panini as a delightful lunch option that’s bound to please any palate.

ItalGabon is not just about the food and drink; it’s about the experience. Customers appreciate the cozy, old-school ambiance and the unpretentious service from the friendly staff. Nick Horton describes the café as a place where “every detail matters,” with thoughtful touches that make every visit special. You can enjoy the warmth of a gas stove in winter while sipping on your favorite drink, contributing to a comforting experience that melts one’s worries away.

However, it’s worth noting a few customer experiences that suggest a bit of rigidity in menu flexibility—though consistent quality is assured. Despite this, ItalGabon remains a haven for those looking for a genuine coffee experience, with regular updates on their menu ensuring there’s always something exciting to discover.

In summary, ItalGabon is a must-visit for anyone in Kyoto seeking not just exceptional coffee and hearty meals but a delightful atmosphere where you can relax, read a book, and enjoy great conversations. The enthusiastic testimonials, such as “the best coffee in town” from Mr. T, speak volumes about this establishment. Plan your visit, indulge your senses, and uncover the charming spirit of ItalGabon.

Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 8:00 PM

147 Reviews
Antonio De Felice

04 Oct 2025

Italgabon is a coffee shop which makes also some Italian pasta dish. They have the best espresso I tried in Kyoto. In particular they serve espresso Romano, an espresso with a piece of lemon peel. Delicious. I recommend it, as the place is cool and quiet, the owner is kind, food is good.

Schnitzelchen K

03 Oct 2025

Best espresso beverages in Kyoto! Cozy cafe with lots of books to read. We tried hot cappuccino, cafe mocha and shakerato with vanilla. Perfectly roasted beans from a famous roaster. Gateau chocolat was also delicious, mildly sweetened which goes perfectly with the coffee. Will definitely come back again!

Евгений Волобуев

13 Sep 2025

Food was great as the drinks. The only problem was that they are quite unflexible. I've asked to make filter coffee instead of espresso, but they refused even after I suggested to make coffee from my own drip (and pay full price)

Nick Horton

03 Sep 2025

Relaxing old school atmosphere combined with great attention to detail with modern coffee and service. There are no electrical points, just books and quiet background piano. The gas stove and kettle (see photo) are great in the winter for those wanting to escape the dry air and rehydrate (like me). The latte is great quality and variety and the attention to detail, right down to the coconut cookies and leather bound bill: all a perfect complement to the ambience.

Sunny A.

27 Aug 2025

Walked into this cafe randomly...was pleasantly surprised. Had the caramel mocha and it was really great quality. Later I ordered a bacon, avocado and tomato panini which was also delightful. The menu is a little difficult to navigate if your Japanese isn't good but I think the staff is pretty patient!

Cora C

29 Jul 2025

Delicious food and lovely staff. Great atmosphere and I appreciated that they updated their website regularly. The chocolate tart and cappuccino were particularly good!

Mr. T

28 Jul 2025

Real coffee. Real latte art. Hidden gem worth visiting ! Best coffee in town.

Ryan Cameron

17 Jul 2025

Lovely staff, great food and amazing Espresso! The Espresso Romano is phenomenal! Highly recommend this hidden gem

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