N7 Kyoto

Opened on 29 September 2023 is ‘N7’ instagram.com/n7kyoto , a cozy kyomachiya cafe located in the Umekoji neighborhood in Kyoto, on a 9 minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station. N7 is a sistershop of the flagship N7 located in New Orleans and serves as a French style bistro, offering coffees, teas and natural wines. It’s name stands for Nationale 7, a major route in France that leads from Paris to the border of Italy and is run by an American filmmaker from New Orleans and his Japanese wife. The cafe sits near Kyoto’s aquarium and Kyoto’s railway museum which makes it ideal to visit in combination with an outing.

The café is housed in an authentic kyomachiya located on the corner of a quiet neighborhood. It stands out with its unique exterior, blending traditional design elements with dark teal-colored tiles adorning the bottom of its façade.

As you enter the café through the wooden sliding door with frosted glass window, you’ll step into a welcoming small and cozy interior. N7 boasts a retro-style ambiance characterized by abundant dark wood elements sourced from the original framework of the building and the dark hardwood flooring. The kitchen counter walls and backsplash are adorned with intricate tilework, accentuating the charm of the space. Don’t overlook the delightful retro sink, adorned with equally beautiful tiles and a vintage faucet. Throughout the interior, an eclectic collection of antiques, some paying homage to the Nationale 7, adds to the atmosphere. Above the entrance, a small atrium with a large window allows ample natural light, enhancing the café’s cozy ambiance.

“The menu offers a variety of drinks, including coffee options such as café latte (500 yen) and americano, as well as affogato. Tea enthusiasts can choose from matcha latte or mariage freres, and there is also a refreshing juice selection. On the food menu, customers can enjoy a range of dishes, including daily soup, toast, quiche, omelette française, chicken liver pâté, salmon croque monsieur, tarte flambée, and an assortment of delicious homemade sweets.

N7 Kyoto is a lovely kyomachiya cafe and must visit for its cozy ambiance and its delicious food.