An Indonesian restaurant located in Kyoto's Gion district, known for its friendly staff, pleasant atmosphere, and diverse menu including vegan, vegetarian, and halal choices.
Running chef
The restaurant is operated by a friendly team, described in reviews as a husband and wife, or a kind Japanese man who loves Indonesia. No specific chef names are provided.
Insights
Local ModernVegetarian Vegan FocusSoutheast AsianHalalVegan-friendlyBudgetDinnerLunchCasual
Last updated: 8/5/2026, 5:15:35 AM
Key Information
Bali Bali Indonesia is a hidden gem in Kyoto, offering authentic and affordably priced Indonesian cuisine. Known for its cozy, laid-back, and quirky ambiance, the restaurant is run by a friendly team, possibly a husband and wife or a Japanese owner passionate about Indonesian culture. Guests access the restaurant via an elevator to the third floor, and a unique feature is the use of a gamelan gong to summon staff. It's a popular choice for those seeking a break from Japanese food.
Customers consistently praise Bali Bali Indonesia for its delicious, authentic, and affordable Indonesian food, particularly highlighting dishes like Soto Ayam and Nasi Goreng. The friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and accommodating dietary options (halal, vegan) are frequently mentioned positives. The main challenge reported by customers is the difficulty in finding the entrance, which is a small sign leading to a third-floor elevator.
Additional Details
The restaurant operates on a cash-only basis and serves alcohol. A prayer room is available on the 5th floor for Muslim guests. Customers can use a traditional gamelan gong to call for service, adding to the unique experience.
The restaurant is a good option for dinner, especially for those looking for a change from Japanese cuisine. While no specific peak times are mentioned, be aware that finding the entrance can be challenging, particularly at night or on weekends.
Google
5
Absolute hidden gem!! We came here two nights in a row and would have come a third if our Kyoto itinerary allowed it. There is a frog statue with a menu at the entry and you need to take the elevator to the third floor where the restaurant is located. The atmosphere is cozy and laid back. The service is very friendly. The food is SO delicious, tasty and affordably priced! Each dish on average is under 1000 yen. Highly recommend the Soto Ayam and Nasi Goreng. Best Indonesian food we’ve had. Everything about this place just felt wholesome and welcoming.
For the other Muslim travellers the dishes are fully halal and there is no pork on the menu. Just note they do serve alcohol. Also note cash only.
Highly recommend this place - we LOVED it!!!
The food was very delicious and authentic flavour of Indonesian food. The service was a bit slow; but that was understandable, because it was only the husband and the wife that were running the restaurant that evening. He was very apologetic about the slow service that night and said sorry multiple times, which was much appreciated. Nice gesture.
The entrance was very very difficult to find at night on a very busy area though (especially on the weekend). Especially for us tourists that are not familiar with the area. Apparently it was just a little board sign at the front, and then you will have to take an elevator up to level 3F. It's tucked in somewhere. Literally hidden gem.
Although they have pinned their location, but the entrance was on the opposite side of the road for some reason. We were struggling to find the entrance for a good 10-15 mins. We asked some people who work in the area, but they didn't know where is this restaurant. It was so frustrating to find the entrance.
Oh, we got some takeaway and he gave us two forks and two spoons; another nice gesture and so thoughtful. Any other restaurants have never been this thoughtful to us.
However, our experience was good. We enjoyed our meals. It was so worth it after all. You wouldn't regret it if you come here.
Loved this place! Such a quirky vibe, the food was so good, the service was amazing and they are so friendly. It was nice to have a few vegan options. Prices were really good. Would definitely go back again!
the foods are affordable and all halal, love the ambience!!! there also a prayer room in the 5th floor 🫶🫶🫶 it's a new experience for me to hit the gamelan before ordering the food.
The group wanted a break from japanese food so opted for this place. We walked in as a group of 8 and were divided into two tables of 4, one table was seated on the lower table with pillow cushions on the floor as seats. We were greeted by a very kind Japanese man who, and he explained to us he loved Indonesia hence why he operated this restaurant. He gave us a gong to use to summon him, something both boys in our group fought over. We ordered 4 items, and the women in our group also ordered 4 items (see enclosed image). We were thoroughly impressed by the flavor of the rice and the chicken, everyone loved their meal. Highly recommend this cute spot for solid halal Indonesian food at a great price- paid nearly 8600 Y for the meal (~$62).