Cafe & Bar Maru ＠恵花 Gluten free

The food here is all gf which is awesome, however it was a bit pricey for the quality. We have had a lot more flavourful meals costing way less in Japan. We shared the wagyu salad, pork cutlets and bread. There was nothing wrong with any of the dishes just slightly underwhelming, especially for the price.

We also wanted to try the fried chicken as I saw from other reviews it was really nice, but unfortunately they were out the night we went.

Service was incredibly slow too, but overall it was a okay meal.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Great food (all GF), friendly service, good location. Fried chicken was really good as was everything else. A must do stop on your GF food search in Kyoto. We would go again but have to leave Kyoto today.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The fried chicken is really good. However, they force you to consume a minimum of one drink per person and (for example) the price of one glass of wine is 1500 jpy when it normally costs 600 jpy. In addition, while we were eating, the owner came to ask us to follow him on Instagram and he didn't move until we did.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

The whole menu is gluten free. The tonkatsu and the curry are very good. They also have a lot of special cocktails that are very good too. Nice ambiance too! The menu says that the ingredients may be contaminated by the manufacturer but I ordered anyways.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great dedicated GF yōshoku (Japanese-style western food) cafe and bar. The karaage (fried chicken) is great as is everything else

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

A bit overrated…

They claimed their foods are gluten-free but our celiac family members had upset stomach after eating here… (We ordered fried chicken, pork katsu, curry, Hamburg steak, French fries and some drinks.)

Sadly we wouldn’t recommend this place to gluten-intolerant people.

The taste was fine but the portion is relatively small given the price.$$$

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good selection of healthy options

Great experience here, Japanese owner but uses English to Japanese translation device to communicate effectively so no worries at all. Had gluten free tonkatsu here with gluten free beer! And I didn't get sick so big plus!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

First time trying tonkatsu- the crunch was amazing. My favourite dish was the karaage chicken, it tasted just like I remember pre-diagnosis. The restaurant itself was really pretty and had a lovely fancy bar type of ambiance

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Absolutely lovely little place. Owners don't speak much English but he had a translator, and we worked our way through a conversation via Google translate. Super friendly. All gluten free, and most things are or can be made vegan. I had the chicken curry which was just the right amount of spicy, and the tonkatsu (which my boyfriend had) looked crispy and perfect. Absolutely wonderful!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Was happy to find a place with GF tonkatsu! 100% gluten free

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

We couldn’t find this place the first time we looked as Google Maps takes you one street over closer to the river. It’s up on the 3rd floor one block further away from the river. As a result we didn’t eat here but I went upstairs to check it out another evening (tip:use lift - stairs were blocked off by cleaning trolleys etc) and the menu looked good. It was 5pm and they didn’t open until 6. The drinks menu did look quite expensive compared to other places in Kyoto.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

This place is great- yummy fried chicken and fully gf. I had a great gf beer too. A little hard to find- Google took us a street over. Use the lift, not the stairs.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

WOW! A charming gluten free dedicated cafe and bar in Kyoto. The Katsu was incredible - especially since you aren’t really able to find it GF in Japan. Aaron, the bar tender, was lovely and very personable. 10/10

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Food was very good! Limited options, but both very tastful. Only remark was that rice or any other side dish was not included in the price (making it quite expensive).

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

5/10 Not a great options in the menu, not a great food, and overpriced If you have no choice go there but be ready for an ok experience and nothing more

But the waitress who is from France (if I remember correctly) was super nice!!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Great ambiance and not very busy when we were there. Limited food options, large list of alcoholic beverage options though. Our food was tasty and I would go back.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner

Cafe & Bar Maru is all Gluten Free. I am a coeliac and had no issues. It’s a nice new fit out, and the food was good. It’s very healthy.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Gluten free chicken karaage and French dessert, plus other yummy dishes. Also I had wanted to find a place with a sake flight, and ended up trying the sake on offer at this swanky bar. Local sake is the best I've ever had. More modern, and spacious, plus up on the 3rd floor, this place would be easy to miss. If you are gluten free, this is a must stop in the evening for light bar snacks and drinks. Daytime, it is a good cafe. I didn't end up trying the GF beer because the sake was so delicious. The English menu is a disservice to the actual quality of the food. Though the menu is not extensive (large for a bar, small for dinner), there are traditional Kyoto dishes that may not be as well known but are authentic. As well as bar bites to complement whatever you're drinking.The native English speaking bartender made the place fantastic. He said there are other English speakers besides him. The place is 100% gluten free, as the owner has Celiac. My dessert was made to order and delicious, allowing me time to savor a different glass of sake. Though the chef didn't speak English, she was warm and attentive. Both tourists and locals frequent this establishment. You never know who might be there on your night. Maybe a geisha? It is close to the pontocho but is more of a relaxing, refined environment, where you could have a conversation. Highly recommend. (It is there, just look around at the small signs to find the building entrance and the elevator.)

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch

It’s gluten free and as a celiac I appreciate that, but it’s over priced for what it is. Service wasn’t great and food was meh. Liked the ambiance.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Loved their fried chicken! Also had the lit curry as well. Great place for food and drinks

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Tasty dishes (8 in total) The place is not very big but the location and the ambience are nice. Service is fast

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Beware this restaurant is on the 3rd floor of a building, so you might not immediately see it. Loved the ambience, the service, and the food. All the options in the menu were gluten-free, and they also had gluten-free beer. We had a very good curry. Recommended!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Only came for dessert here (and some great sake), but the menu looked delicious! Staff are lovely, great vibe in the evening.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Fried chicken is amazing! A must get. Curry was good. Dessert was just ok. Everything is gluten free except for 2 beers.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Pork cutlets were amazing! The potato fries were a bit too small but the place has a great environment and delicious drinks/food.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Had a great experience. Was provided with a gluten free menu and was able to get such a delicious meal and dessert later in the evening after running around trying to find gluten free options.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Such a cute place!! Everything is 100% gluten free so no need to worry about contamination. I ordered the curry and my partner ordered the Hamburg steak, both were delicious, service was incredible.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Dedicated gluten free place. I had a really nice chicken salad. Really nice owner too.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place is hands down the best gluten free (non-sushi) meal I've had in Japan. Even without being gluten free their ingredients are top-notch. Do yourself a favor and check it out for yourself. We're in Kyoto for 4 nights and would happily come back for another meal. All gluten free and they ask about other allergies as well. I'm so glad I found out about it from a gluten free map on google. Take the elevator (not stairs) up. It's on the 3rd floor. Beautiful interior and nice music. Enjoy!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies

All gluten free food here. Safe for celiacs

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

All gluten free place with vegan options.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent