Yamamoto Menzo

Cuisine: 9
Service: 9
Décor: 8
Value: 8
Overall: 9
I am not a udon fan, but being in Japan, I had to try one of their best offerings to know for certain. Well, if all udon tasted like this, then call me a convert. It is like no udon I have ever experienced … … so damn delicious! I’m sure you have already read about the likely hour long wait. Don’t let that detour you from possibly the best udon in the world (at least in my book lol).
What’s so different you ask? The noodles are bouncier, the broth is more intense, and the toppings are super awesome. Definitely order their special noodles with the original dipping broth (cold), that was amazing. The hot udon in pork curry broth was out of this world as well. Lastly, a side of chicken tempura will round out this crazy good meal that’s well worth the wait.
As for service, we sat at the bar watching all the staff and chef interact. It was busy, but never chaotic. The chef is handling the cooking of the udon noodles and rinsing them in ice cold water to ensure proper consistency, while the servers were just insanely friendly. Can’t express how much I loved this place.
One last thing, go early since they close when they sell out of udon. On the week night we were there, they shut the door around 7:30pm. You really don’t want to miss the opportunity to try what really great udon taste like in Japan.

The waiting was killing. Literally waited for 2 hours. My friend finished the beef udon with the whole soup. The sticky rice cake in the soup is amazing and the udon is also fabulous!!!
Just the waiting time was killing me…

Well worth the wait! Got there an hour before opening and was one of the first served. Chicken tempura udon was sublime! Juicy chicken, broth full of good bonito flavor and delicious udon… heaven

We arrived at Yamamoto Menzo right after it opened and stood in line for an hour for this very popular udon joint in Kyoto. There were only about 20 seats in the house. And I can tell you that it’s totally worth the wait. It is hands down the best udon noodle soup I’ve had in my life. The tempura were served on the side and prepared to perfection. Everything tasted absolutely amazing. A must try if you’re in Kyoto!

Despite the ridiculous long queue, I find myself coming back every single time I come to Kyoto and will continue to do so in all my future visits. (3^rd time and counting) My first visit dates back to October 2012 (before it got insanely popular) and everything else was history.
It’s cliché but the udon did had me at hello. I was mesmerized by the dedication of the chef who washes every single batch of the udon in ice water. (His hands were all red from the cold.) His hard work paid off — the udon remained one of the bounciest I have ever tried. Hence, I always ordered the cold udon — regardless of the weather outside.
I also love their tempura burdock, which comes with a curry powder dip. Because of the long wait time, I always justify myself to order a side order of the tempura vegetables /​chicken. Both of which were very good and I would get both if there is more room in my stomach.
Just a word of advise, don’t come with a big group. There are only about 20 seats inside.