
Cafe Restaurant BELL
A charming, family-run eatery in Nikko offering authentic Japanese home-style cooking with a focus on vegetarian and local yuba dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Cafe Restaurant BELL

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, family-run eatery in Nikko offering authentic Japanese home-style cooking with a focus on vegetarian and local yuba dishes.
"Feel like you're dining at your grandma's home with delicious, comforting, and authentic Japanese meals."
Cash Only
This is a cash-only establishment. Be sure to bring enough cash with you to cover your meal.
Patience is a Virtue
Service can be slow as it's family-run. Not ideal if you're in a hurry, but worth the wait for home-cooked meals.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 288-53-2843
Address
6-39 Yasukawacho, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1432, Japan
Website
cafe-bell.com/about/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grandma's Home Cooking
Experience a charming atmosphere reminiscent of dining at your grandmother's home. Enjoy authentic, homemade Japanese dishes with a warm, familial feel.

Unique Vegetarian & Yuba Dishes
Savor unique dishes like the 'monk's diet' vegetarian set, featuring exquisite yuba (soy milk skin) and seasonal vegetable tempura.

Authentic Japanese Kissaten Experience
Step into a classic Japanese kissaten, offering delicious coffee and light meals like pilaf and beef curry in a nostalgic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash Only
This is a cash-only establishment. Be sure to bring enough cash with you to cover your meal.
Patience is a Virtue
Service can be slow as it's family-run. Not ideal if you're in a hurry, but worth the wait for home-cooked meals.
Vegetarian Haven
A great option for vegans and vegetarians, offering several plant-based choices in an area with limited options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash Only
This is a cash-only establishment. Be sure to bring enough cash with you to cover your meal.
Patience is a Virtue
Service can be slow as it's family-run. Not ideal if you're in a hurry, but worth the wait for home-cooked meals.
Vegetarian Haven
A great option for vegans and vegetarians, offering several plant-based choices in an area with limited options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise Cafe Restaurant BELL for its charming, grandmotherly atmosphere and delicious homemade food, particularly its vegetarian options and yuba dishes. While some find the food bland, many appreciate the comforting, authentic flavors and warm service. It's recommended for those seeking a relaxed, home-style meal.
"My partner and I ended up at Cafe Bell as our hotel couldn’t accommodate our dietary requirements. They turned a not-so-great evening into a lovely one. The owners had such a warm, bubbly energy and we absolutely loved our food. They were very helpful in ordering us a taxi back to our hotel as well. Thank you so much!"
Caitlin Paroczai
"You really do feel like you are in someone's grandmother's home. We picked this place because it was near our hotel and it was one of the few places open when we got into town. Fortunately we enjoyed the food! We ordered a set meal focused on using the yuba tofu, which is supposed to be a local specialty, and a bowl of hot soba noodles. The orders took some time since it seemed to be family run and there was only one person working when we arrived, but 2 more showed up later. It was worth the wait. I know some reviewers noted that it was bland or just meh, but tofu is not meant to be a big punch in flavor. It was subtle, but silky and good. The bowl of hot noodles really hit the spot for me after a long day of traveling. It was comforting, like the atmosphere of the restaurant. Come for a simple home cooked meal."
Angela T
"This restaurant gets 5 stars from me. It is a perfect simple family restaurant. Nothing fancy here the the service was nice and the food was good.
We had the Yuba noodles gratin, the spaghetti and the hot Soba noodle set and all the dishes were well done and reasonably priced.
The lady doing the service doesn’t speak much English but either a bit of goodwill from both sides it was entirely manageable.
Do keep in mind that it is cash only."
Joël T.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cafe Restaurant BELL is a cash-only establishment. Please be prepared to pay with cash.
They offer a highly recommended 'monk's diet' vegetarian set featuring yuba, tempura, and pilaf, making it a great choice for plant-based diners.
Service can be slow as the restaurant is family-run, so it's not ideal if you are in a rush.
Yuba is a Japanese delicacy made from soy milk skin, known for being high in protein and low in cholesterol. It's a local specialty in Nikko.
Information about parking is not explicitly provided, but it is located near tourist attractions.
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24 Hours in Nikko
A short stroll back down to the valley will take you to Cafe Restaurant BELL, a quaint food stop you’d never know existed unless you’ve been told. If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience which you won’t find in the guidebooks, this is the place to come. The traditional Yuba (famous in Nikko) Monk’s Set seemed like the obvious choice after visiting those ancient temples, and being served straight from an obasan's kitchen is the kind of experience everyone deserves to have at least once.
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