Tabelog ratingRadio Bagel (レディオベーグル) is a small-batch bakery in northern Kyoto that has earned a loyal following for one thing: its signature bagel texture. Described by local fans with the onomatopoeia mugyutto, the bagels here are dense and satisfyingly chewy, a world away from lighter, fluffier versions. The focus is on a simple, well-executed ritual of baking fresh throughout the morning.
The menu is straightforward: choose a bagel and a filling to create your own sandwich. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the dough, whether it's a plain bagel used for a classic lox and cream cheese sandwich or a more unique base like spinach or walnut for a bacon and egg combo. Fruit-infused doughs like fig or cinnamon-raisin are also popular. Guests recently paid around ¥620 for sandwiches like bacon and egg, while individual bagels cost between ¥220 (plain) and ¥260 (walnut). With a typical spend for a light lunch around ¥1,000–¥1,999, most find it offers good value for the quality.
The main drawbacks are practical ones. The shop is very small, with only a couple of tables, so most customers opt for takeaway. Its popularity means that popular items often sell out by late morning. A few visitors have also noted that the bagels are smaller than typical American-style ones, though still filling when part of a sandwich.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-ordering bagels via the shop's website (by 3:00 PM the day before) is highly recommended as they sell out quickly. Note that there may be a limit on the number of bagels per person.
- Getting There: The shop is an 8-minute walk from Kitayama Station on the Karasuma Line, or a 1-minute walk from the "Mizoroike" city bus stop.
- Seating: Seating is extremely limited to just three seats at two small tables; it is primarily a takeaway venue.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), electronic money (transportation IC cards, iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, d Barai) are all accepted.
- Parking: One parking space is available in front of the shop.
- Family: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
