Just south of Ginkaku-ji, this is one of the best places to stop for an inexpensive home-style lunch before proceeding down the old canal—the walkway beneath the cherry trees known as the Path of Philosophy—on the way to Nanzen-ji. Omen is also the name of the house specialty: thick white noodles brought to your table in a basket with a bowl of hot broth and a platter of seasonal, organic vegetables, which are added to the broth a little at a time and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds. Another famed Kyoto dish, saba (salted mackerel) sushi is also served. The monthly set menu costs ¥2,700. Like the food, the restaurant is country style, with a choice of counter stools, tables and chairs, or tatami mats. The waiters dress in happi coats and headbands; the atmosphere is lively and comfortable. Reservations are accepted only on weekdays.
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