Fold your umbrella and choose from three meals inside the underground mall and station building
When it rains, the criteria for choosing a restaurant change. Rather than walking far in search of a single famous place, I want to fold my wet umbrella and sit down before warm food. At Kyoto Station, the choice becomes simpler if you first think of the underground mall in front of the station and the Isetan restaurant floor.
Days when you crave a richly sauced hamburger steak, days when you need warm broth, and days when you want to eat pasta are all different. These are spots where you can choose among three distinct flavors while cutting down the burden of venturing outside.
Grill Capital Toyotei Portaグリルキャピタル東洋亭 ポルタ店
On a rainy day, opening the foil packet to meet piping-hot hamburger steak is all the more welcoming.
Rich sauce that was waiting inside the foil
As I opened the puffed foil, rich beef stew sauce appeared over the hamburger steak. The warm meat paired so well with the sauce that, bite by bite, I found myself wanting bread on the side to enjoy every last drop.
The baked potato placed beside it was no mere garnish either. It was fluffy inside, making it great to alternate with the hamburger steak. Opening the foil is fun, but watch out for the hot steam first.
A whole tomato that changes the rhythm of the meal
The whole tomato served was more than just a visually distinctive salad. Eaten together with the tuna and sauce underneath, it became a refreshing bite between rich meat dishes. Alternating between the chilled tomato and the warm hamburger steak made for a wonderful combination.
Although you can check your spot in the queue inside Porta, there have been times when I encountered a long wait on weekends. Being an indoor spot sheltered from the rain should be kept separate from the expectation of getting a seat right away.
Location Kyoto Porta, the underground shopping mall in front of Kyoto Station. It is listed as about a 1-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station.
Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan · Kyoto Porta underground shopping mall in front of Kyoto Station · Search on Map
Mimiu Kyoto Isetan美々卯 京都伊勢丹店
A place to fill a rainy day’s meal with udon, yuba, and warm broth.
Yuba udon that makes you want to start with the broth
The udon generously topped with yuba felt comforting from the very first spoonful of broth. The tender yuba and noodles absorbed the broth together, making the meal feel thoroughly satisfying without needing strong seasonings.
The fragrance of yuzu peel and the soft texture of the shiitake mushroom also lingered in my memory. It was a flavor suited for days when, rather than hurriedly choosing among many dishes, you just want to sit before a single warm bowl.
Down to the last drop of hot pot broth if you have plenty of time
Udonsuki offered the fun of slowly eating while adding and cooking the ingredients. As the flavors of yuba, chicken, and vegetables blended in, the broth grew deeper, prompting me to ladle more even after finishing the noodles.
A hot pot that generously takes over the table appeals more on days when you want to sit back and rest rather than rush along. It was great that even within the same udon restaurant, you could choose between a single bowl and a hot pot depending on how much time you had that day.
Location 11th floor restaurant area of JR Kyoto Isetan, connected to Kyoto Station.
Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan · 11th floor restaurant area of JR Kyoto Isetan, connected to Kyoto Station · Search on Map
Daniel’s Portaダニエルズ ポルタ店
An Italian spot in the underground mall where you can enjoy chewy pasta and light sides.
Chewy noodles coated in cheese and tomato
With the all’Amatriciana, the chewiness of the noodles caught my attention right away. The tomato sauce was layered with the savory richness of pork and the sweetness of onion, while the aroma of cheese brought the dish together richly at the end.
While the pronounced cheese aroma is appealing, it might not strike everyone as an advantage. If intense cheese feels overwhelming, this is a pasta dish worth choosing with your dining companion’s preferences in mind as well.
A meal accompanied by salad and small plates
Pairing pasta with salad and antipasti offered a different kind of pleasure than eating just a single dish. Eating a little pasta and returning to the small sides opened up more options for days when sharing between two or eating lightly.
The space is cozy, leaning more toward enjoying one or two plates briefly rather than lingering leisurely over an extended course. I would pick this place on days when I want to enjoy pasta and small sides without traveling far from the station.
Location Basement 1st floor of Kyoto Porta, the underground shopping mall in front of Kyoto Station.
Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan · Basement 1st floor of Kyoto Porta, the underground shopping mall in front of Kyoto Station · Search on Map
When craving the deep flavor of hamburger steak, I lean toward Toyotei; when looking to warm up with broth, Mimiu; and when in the mood for pasta and small sides, Daniel’s. After folding your umbrella, choosing the most welcome flavor for that day matters just as much as cutting down walking distance.