Otte

Nestled in the outskirts of Kyoto, just a short walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line – Rakusaiguchi Station, you’ll discover the charming cafe “ Otte .” Housed in a former farming toolshed, this hidden gem has been lovingly transformed into a rustic Italian-style cafe. Run by a friendly husband and wife with a passion for both food and Italy the cafe opened it’s doors on 16 April 2023.

Otte is tucked away at the end of a narrow street that runs alongside a small farmfield. There’s a tiny sign with the word “Otte” that discreetly marks its location. As you approach the end of the road, you’ll come across what initially appears to be an ordinary driveway in front of a house. However, this unassuming spot is actually the entrance to Otte, complete with bicycle parking on the left and space for two cars.

You’ll be instantly captivated by Otte’s charm when you see the building. It boasts a predominantly Japanese design, complete with a typical tsushinikai, combined with a renovated ground floor featuring an Italian brick wall extension at the front, which serves as the kitchen. While some sections of the building have been renovated, Otte takes great care to preserve most of the original elements, including the mud walls, wooden framework, and the second floor of the shed, complete with its tools and a narrow wooden ladder. The cafe has two seating areas, while the front of the cafe exudes a distinctive retro Japanese style, the rear part undergoes a complete transformation into a purely Italian interior. Here, you’ll find Italian stucco, lofty ceilings, and sturdy hardwood furniture that contribute to the establishment’s rustic ambiance. It’s as if you’re transported through a portal from Japan directly into Italy. Notably, an arch-shaped window in the corner enhances the Italian atmosphere, treating visitors to a picturesque view of an Italian-style garden. From the typical Italian stucco, carefully selected tableware including original order made mugs to the delicious menu, this cafe pays homage to the flavors and aesthetics of Italy.

At Otte, the menu showcases an array of beverages, from espresso and americano to iced café latte and cappuccino. Tea lovers will find a selection of options, and there’s the choice of organic bergamot soda or Sicilian orange juice for a refreshing twist. For those inclined towards something stronger, Otte offers a taste of Italy with their selection of Italian beer and wine.

However, the real star of the show at Otte is their exquisite homemade pizzas and Italian desserts. Indulge in delightful treats like tiramisu, cannoli, coconut cake, ricotta cake, or pistachio ice cream from Bronte, Sicily. Additionally, Otte also offers baked sweets and their exclusive Otte blend coffee beans for those looking to take a piece of this Italian-Japanese fusion experience home with them. As for pizzas, Otte offers three base flavors which are named after colors, rosso(red), bianca(white) and then verde(green) as well as a seasonal pizza. The pizza uses fresh ingredients and it’s size is perfect and will keep you for craving more.

A visit to “Otte” is not only a chance to savor their delicious treats but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of Japanese history and Italian charm, all while relishing the warm hospitality of the friendly owners, making it a must-visit destination.