We love this casual izakaya-style restaurant in downtown Kyoto for the varied menu of toothsome favorites, cool atmosphere and ease of ordering (via smartphone). It’s the perfect place for a nice dinner and drinks in the heart of the city.

Pochi interior – © Chris Rowthorn
Located down a narrow alley in a restored traditional Japanese house, Meshi Dokoro Pochi (“food place Pochi”) has is a nice balance between elegance and casual style. There are counter seats downstairs and tables upstairs. We like the counter so we can watch the chefs at work and ask them questions if necessary.

Pochi exterior – © Chris Rowthorn
Ordering is via smartphone: you visit their site then (if necessary) use your phone’s translation function to view the menu in English (or another language) and order via your phone. It seems fiddly but it works very well and orders come fast.

Tempura chicken with tartar sauce – © Chris Rowthorn
Pochi attracts mostly local diners, but the food seems designed to please foreign diners: there are lots of Japanese classics interpreted to up the savory factor. We like the local chicken tempura topped with house-made tartar sauce. They also serve a nice sashimi plate and a tasty monkfish liver with ponzu sauce (the so-called “foie gras of the sea”).

Monkfish liver – © Chris Rowthorn
You can wash it all down with a variety of interesting drinks including sake, local beer and tea/soft drinks. So, if you’re casting around for a mid-range restaurant that serves a wide variety of dishes, definitely give Pochi a try.

Alley leading to Pochi – © Chris Rowthorn
Name in English:
Meshi Dokoro Pochi
Name in Japanese:
めし処 ぽち
English address:
221-3 Takazaimokucho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8082
Japanese address:
〒600-8022 京都府京都市下京区高材木町221-3
Opening hours:
Open Wednesday to Monday: 5:00pm-10.30pm
Closed Tuesday
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5-minute walk from Shijo-Karasuma Station (218 meters)
Telephone: 075-351-2288
Website: N/A
Near To Here:
Meshi Dokoro Pochi is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help