La Esquina is an eclectic neighborhood spot in Kyoto offering a mix of cuisines with a standout focus on Indian food and several vegan choices. Patrons enjoy flavorful curries, delicious cheese breads and housemade coconut-mango ice cream, along with fair pricing and memorable decor. The staff are praised for their warmth and quick service, making this cozy, cash-friendly venue a favorite among locals and visitors seeking variety and welcoming hospitality.
Amy Shafer
3 weeks agoThis spot was close to our hotel and we loved our lunch there! I know some people don't like that the restaurant name doesn't match their expectations and I hear what they are saying. Still, I think it's neat they offer a lot of different cuisines in one place. I found more than one vegan option and my friend found something he enjoyed too. Great service. Pricing is fair. Cash only but that's pretty normal in Kyoto. Also, we loved looking at all the decor. I hope I can go back someday!
peliroja spaeth
8 months agoI did not read the review that explained that this is not Mexican food. The Spanish name and the Spanish language music is as Mexican as it gets. However, the Indian food it has is fantastic...it is always disappointing to go in to satiate a despite for one food and have to change your mind for another one. I did not see the sign inside the door which said that they could not do credit cards this day, but Since I work nearby, I can return. What was truly unexpected was writing my own order for the charge and having to add it myself because the excellent chef who was there alone did not seem to be able to do it. Excellent Indian food, for sure!
Pat Cullen
10 months agoHere's the thing, this is not a Mexican restaurant. It is mostly Indian with Indonesian influences. They do have a chicken taco that was actually very good, but not traditional Mexican. I was honestly expecting and craving for mexican from the name and appearance, so it was a bit of a surprise. Our meal was actually very tasty. The service was great from both the chef and server (owner?). If I was craving Indian, I would go again. But for mexican I will look elsewhere.
John Kunkel
5 months agoI had read an excellent review about this restaurant and we decided to give it a try when we were over by the castle. We were not sure about whether to order Indian or Mexican but the Indian food smelled so good. We ordered 2 Indian entrees, lemon onion rice, and the cheese bread. It was flavorful and fantastic. The people were incredibly friendly and the food arrived quickly. My coconut and mango ice cream were excellent quality and the perfect ending. If we were staying in Kyoto longer, I would definitely go back.
Robert Cain
2 months agoWalked out after what was a below average meal feeling robbed of my money. Restaurant promises and markets itself as a Mexican however it's more of an Indian restaurant. My partner ordered the chicken tacos and nachos. Now I don't know how you can make nachos inedible but this kitchen did serving a wet sloggy canned tomato filled slop. Next was there speciality dish the chicken tacos which was clearly a supermarket bought marinade on chicken with store bought salad mix and from the toughness of the chicken I imagine this was microwaved. I had the chicken breyani which was a lazy combination of curry powder and microwaved vegetables. With two drinks our bill was 6500 yen. Well over priced for food that you could make at home in 15 minute only better. Overall this is the most scammed I've ever felt when walking out of a so called restaurant that takes advantage of joyful trusting tourist.