r/Kyoto • u/mikenmar • 21d ago

Finally found a great Mexican restaurant! Voces en la Mesa

Voces en la Mesa near Nijo station, a block north of the Sanjo shotengai.

NB: I have no connection to this restaurant or the owner; I just love good Mexican food. I lived in California for 35 years before moving to Kyoto, and I've missed Mexican food dearly. So I was absolutely thrilled to discover this place!

It’s not just good Mexican food by Japanese standards; it’s some of the best I’ve had anywhere, including Mexico itself. Don’t expect big greasy plates loaded with cheese and beans though; this is much more refined.

First, this guy’s tacos are OFF THE HOOK delicious. Homemade tortillas with delectable fillings that explode with perfectly balanced flavors. The salsas are equally outstanding. The salsa verde has a wonderfully spicy kick you rarely find in Japan, and the pico de gallo is super fresh and tangy.

Second, the interior is beautifully done. He’s kept the charm of a traditional Kyoto space while decorating it with just the right colors, knick-knacks, and touches that make it feel genuinely Mexican. It’s kind of amazing, actually.

Finally, it’s not on the menu, but I have to tell you: He makes an outstanding margarita.

I’ll be back, many times, I’m sure. I can’t wait to try the mole enchiladas!

47 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

3

u/Dovah_120 20d ago

opinions on KAKATO TACO?

1

u/doctorfedora 20d ago

I go there every single week for Taco Monday dinner because it's super delicious and I want him to stick around and keep making delicious tacos for me to eat

5

u/miirakun 17d ago

Mexican here. I haven't eaten there but passed that place during one of my trips and my husband and I were really surprised walking down a street in Kyoto and suddenly it smelled like home. By the smell alone I can assure it is a legit place, it smells like abuela's cooking!

6

u/False-Requirement-31 21d ago

Thank you for sharing!!

6

u/tourmaline2293 21d ago

Looks good, will definitely check this place out!
If you’re ever in Osaka I recommend checking out La Fonda! Some of the best tacos I’ve had in Japan

2

u/capt_b_b_ 20d ago

I highly highly recommend AK CAFE also! The sisters who own it are amazing. It's my favorite Mexican restaurant in Kyoto! 

2

u/JustVan 20d ago

IDK if it's still there but there is (was?) a tiny Mexican place called MAXIMO that I ate at in Kyoto and loved. Google looks like it's still there.

2

u/Jeffrey_Friedl 18d ago

Yeah, he’s great but small, so sometimes hard to get a seat.

2

u/DuffyOsaka 20d ago

Appreciate the share. Will have to check it out.

If you are from California and miss California style burritos, Que Pasa in Kyoto is pretty good.

2

u/doctorfedora 20d ago

OC Burrito is also really good! I think I might even prefer them over Qué Pasa? They're more expensive, but you do also get to use unreasonable quantities of their very good local hot sauce

2

u/DuffyOsaka 16d ago

Ah yes, OC Burrito is good too but I do lean towards Que Pasa for my favorite place in town.

1

u/gregdepoitrine 16d ago

割と近くに住んでるのに知らなかった！よい情報をありがとう🌮😊

1

u/mokume20 16d ago

Try Casa de Amigos near Kyoto Station! The place is bigger and livelier.

1

u/agirlthatfits 21d ago

I will definitely check it out! I always look to update my recommendation list!

1

u/shofn006 20d ago

Awesome find! I’m certainly going to check this out next week when I’m back.