Kikunoi Mugesambo

Tucked next to renowned ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) Kikunoi is its sister cafe, Kikunoi Mugesambo — also known as Salon de Muge — that has become an atmospheric afternoon spot offering a quiet break during the day. It’s a teahouse-inspired sanctuary with stunning blue-green tiles, sukiya-style architecture and a single-lined counter that offers unobstructed views of the moss garden. This charming cafe in Kyoto opened in 2017 and continues to build its own reputation with picture-perfect desserts. The warabimochi has been a year-round popular item, freshly made and served alongside soybean flour and brown sugar syrup, but the lavish parfait is just as unmissable — think a mountainous pile of glossy strawberry and time-limited Mont Blanc. During lunchtime, the menu includes traditional appetizers and dishes you might see in a kaiseki progression: tsukuri, nimono soup and beautifully plated side dishes. Only lunchtime reservations for the Shigure Bento Box are available. Michelin Guide accolade 2024 - Bib Gourmand