Yamamoto Menzou
Table of Contents
Kyoto Okazaki: The Culinary Dedication of Yamamoto Menzouu
While traveling in Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, you can notice a udon restaurant called “Yamamoto Menzouu” next to Okazaki Park. This popular spot located in Okazaki Minamigoshomachi not only leaves a lasting impression but is also a must-visit for many food critics and gourmet enthusiasts. The udon here is not just an ordinary bowl found in tourist areas; it is a place that brings the concept of “chewiness” to its utmost perfection.
Upon entering Yamamoto Menzouu, you will be drawn to the unique machiya architecture. It preserves the ancient atmosphere of Kyoto while maintaining modern comfort. Yamamoto Menzouu does not just serve delicious udon; it is a place filled with stories. This was originally the home of the owner’s grandmother, who once ran an udon shop here, continuing the family’s emotional connection to udon. Although the shop officially opened in 2006, the family’s history and traditions are deeply infused into every bowl of noodles and every drop of broth. There is a variety of seating: four-person tables suitable for friends or family gatherings, and counter seats facing the kitchen, allowing you to observe the chef’s cooking process while enjoying your meal.
This shop earned the honor of being a 2024 Tabelog Udon WEST Top One Hundred Restaurants, with a rating consistently maintained around 3.98, over two thousand eight hundred reviews, and has been listed as a Michelin Bib Gourmand for many consecutive years.
The menu at Yamamoto Menzouu is certainly not simple. The most iconic dish here is the “Akai Menzou Special.” A seemingly simple bowl of udon, it blends a variety of rich flavors. From chili peppers to kombu and various fish flakes, the broth has distinct layers, bringing a surprise with every bite.
The owner was once a volleyball player, and his persistence and athletic spirit are infused into every dish. In particular, using a pressure cooker to prepare the udon makes the noodles both chewy and smooth. This cooking method not only enhances the flavor of the udon but also allows it to better absorb the essence of the soup base. In addition to the udon, this dish has other attractive toppings, including fried mochi, egg, and green onions. Don’t forget the specially paired burdock tempura on the side; dipped in the shop’s homemade curry salt, one bite reveals the sweetness of the burdock and the crispness of the tempura batter, without feeling greasy.
The signature is the thick, long, high-hydration noodle. The noodles are so thick that they need to be cut with scissors to a length suitable for eating. The texture is springy, yet unlike some hard-style udon that is difficult to swallow, it has a smooth throat feel and the aroma of wheat. The noodles are cooked evenly inside and out; the surface is not mushy, and the core retains its chewiness. This is a unique texture that “cannot be found anywhere else.”
The most popular dish is burdock tempura cold udon noodles. The burdock tempura is different from the usual, as the burdock is cut into thin strips, coated in light flour, and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft interior, exuding the aroma and sweetness of burdock. The cold noodles are paired with a clear yet rich dipping sauce (made from Rishiri kelp and various bonito flakes), along with a plate of burdock, making it a classic combination in the restaurant. The hot soup series includes chicken breast tempura udon, beef and burdock udon, Kyoto-style curry udon, and the slightly spicy ‘Akai Menzou Special.’ Dipping noodles can also be chosen as cold or hot. Prices range from 1,000 to 1,900 yen, with generous portions, making it a rare high-value udon option in Kyoto.
The reason for Yamamoto Menzouu’s popularity is not just the deliciousness of the udon and tempura. The staff’s kindness and extraordinary service are also keys to their success. They arrange seating for guests and greet those who arrive before opening with a smile as they guide them inside. You must check in at your reserved time upon arrival; even with a reservation, there may still be a wait of 20 to 30 minutes on-site. They also serve foreign guests in English, and the staff in the shop are very friendly and patient with questions. During the meal, the owner, Mr. Yamamoto, personally asks every guest for their feedback on the udon. The shop also offers almond tofu as an à la carte item. This kind attitude and warm service make one feel valued and cherished. In short, Yamamoto Menzouu is not just a place to eat noodles. Here, you can truly experience ‘Japanese cuisine,’ tasting not only udon but also a variety of local specialty snacks. You will not only enjoy Japanese food but also feel the authentic Japanese culture and tradition.
This udon restaurant is extremely popular. It is recommended to book via the official TableCheck website at 00:00 three days before your meal, or call between 09:00 and 11:00 on the day of. It is suggested to plan your itinerary around your reservation time and use the gaps to visit the nearby Tsutaya Bookstore, Starbucks, Heian Shrine, Okazaki Park, Okazaki Shrine, Kyocera Museum of Art, or the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art.
Yamamoto Menzouu Video Introduction
Practical Restaurant Japanese
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Excuse me
Menu, please!
Order, please
This one, please
Thank you for the meal
Water, please
How do I eat this?
A small plate, please
May I take a photo?
Excuse me, please change the grill net.
Check, please
Where do I pay?
How much is it?
Can I use a credit card?
I will pay in cash
May I have the receipt, please?
Photos of the interior and some dishes are taken fromYamamoto Menzouu Official Website. Meals are subject to daily availability
A small reminder: clicking the Japanese text plays audio!!
Chicken Tenderloin Tempura Udon
鶏ささみ天うどん
Burdock Tempura Udon
土ゴボウ天うどん
Vegetable Tempura Udon
野菜天うどん
Chicken Tenderloin Tempura Zaru Udon
鶏ささみ天ざる
Burdock Tempura Zaru Udon
土ゴボウ天ざる
Yamamoto Menzouu special udon served with burdock tempura, fried mochi, and egg; spice levels can be adjusted. The beef and burdock udon features shredded burdock, while the Kyoto-style curry udon is spicy and also adjustable. Meat miso can be stirred into the broth, and abura-toji is an egg-drop udon topped with tempura flakes.
Menzou Special Spicy Udon
赤い麺蔵スペシャル
Beef and Burdock Udon
牛と土ゴボウのおうどん
Pork Udon
豚うどん
Kyoto-style Curry Udon
京カレーうどん
Chicken Tenderloin Tempura Udon
鶏ささみ天うどん
Burdock Tempura Udon
土ゴボウ天うどん
Vegetable Tempura Udon
野菜天うどん
Meat Miso Udon
肉味噌うどん
Fried Mochi Udon
揚げ餅うどん
Fried Tofu Udon
きつねうどん
Thickened Broth Udon
あんかけうどん
Tempura Crumbs and Egg Udon
油とじうどん
Egg in Thickened Dashi Udon
けいらんうどん
Egg Drop Udon
玉子とじうどん
Tsukimi Udon (Raw Egg)
月見うどん
Kake Udon (Hot broth udon)
かけうどん
The aromatic oil is infused with garlic, ginger, and green onion.
Aromatic Oil Menzou Special Spicy Udon
香味油の赤い麺蔵スペシャル
Aromatic Oil Pork Udon
香味油の豚うどん
Aromatic Oil Beef and Burdock Udon
香味油の牛と土ゴボウのおうどん
Aromatic Oil Fried Mochi Udon
香味油の揚げ餅うどん
Dipping udon can be served cold or warm with a hot dipping broth; the Kyoto-style curry dipping udon is only available cold. The beef and burdock dipping udon uses shredded burdock.
Cold Udon
冷たい麺
Hot Udon
温かい麺
Beef and Burdock Dipping Udon
牛と土ゴボウのつけ麺
Beef Offal Dipping Udon
牛のホルモンのつけ麺
Kyoto-style Curry Dipping Udon (Cold noodles only)
京カレーのつけ麺（冷たい麺のみ）
Pork Dipping Udon
豚肉のつけ麺
Aromatic Oil Beef and Burdock Dipping Udon
香味油の牛と土ゴボウのつけ麺
Pork Tsukemen with Aromatic Oil
香味油の豚肉のつけ麺
Scallion and Sesame Tsukemen with Aromatic Oil
香味油の葱とゴマのつけ麺
Cold udon is served with a dipping sauce.
Chicken Tenderloin Tempura Zaru Udon
鶏ささみ天ざる
Vegetable Tempura Zaru Udon
野菜天ざる
Burdock Tempura Zaru Udon
土ゴボウ天ざる
Zaru Udon
ざるうどん
Burdock Tempura
土ゴボウ天ぷら
Chicken Tenderloin Tempura
鶏ささみ天ぷら
Vegetable Tempura
野菜天ぷら
Minced Meat Miso
肉味噌
Fried mochi, egg, egg yolk, and meat miso can be added to soup udon.
Fried Mochi
揚げ餅
Egg
玉子
Egg Yolk
卵黄
Minced Meat Miso
肉味噌
Spicy Miso
辛味噌
Takikomi gohan (seasoned rice) is only sold at the takeout shop.
Small Chicken Tenderloin Tempura Bowl (with egg yolk)
ちょっと小さな鶏ささみ天丼（卵黄入り）
Small Burdock Tempura Bowl (with egg yolk)
ちょっと小さな土ゴボウ天丼（卵黄入り）
Seasoned Mixed Rice (Sold at takeout store only)
炊き込みご飯（テイクアウト店にて販売）
Rice
ご飯
Bottled Beer (Large)
瓶ビール（大）
Bottled Beer (Small)
瓶ビール（小）
Orange Juice
オレンジジュース
Almond Tofu
杏仁豆腐
Yamamoto Menzouu Location
Yamamoto Menzouu Information
- Address：34 Okazaki Minamigosho-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
- Access: Walk about 11 minutes from Exit 1 of Higashiyama Station on the Subway Tozai Line; walk about 2 minutes from the Okazaki Park Zoo-mae bus stop.
- Phone：075-751-0677
- Business Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 10:00–16:00 last order; Wednesday 10:00–15:30 last order; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 10:00–17:00 last order. Noodles may sell out and end early.
- Closed：Thursdays and irregular holidays; please check the restaurant’s monthly announcements.
- Reservations：TableCheck Official Reservations Reservations open at 00:00 Japan time three days before your visit. Same-day phone reservations are accepted from 09:00–11:00; please use same-day phone reservations for the 11:00–13:45 time slot. The reservation time is for your arrival at the restaurant, and you may still wait 20–30 minutes.
- Payment and Cancellation: The restaurant only accepts cash. Online reservations require a credit card for cancellation guarantee; cancellations within 12 hours before dining incur a charge of 1,000 yen per person.
- Ordering and Seating: Each person must order one serving of noodles, except for children. There are 18 seats: 10 at the counter and two groups of 4-person tables, with no smoking allowed throughout the premises.
