Tabelog ratingKamoryori Marimo Honten (かも料理 まりも本店) operates as two different restaurants in one. At lunch, it's a bustling, no-reservations spot famous for a single dish: Hakata-style seafood sara udon. For dinner, it transforms into a reservation-only establishment dedicated to sophisticated multi-course duck menus.
The lunchtime sara udon is the main draw for many. Unlike crispier versions, its thick noodles are lightly grilled, giving them a distinctive chewy texture that soaks up the rich dashi, which is infused with duck and seafood flavours. Reviewers consistently praise the generous portions of clams, squid, and scallops in the dish. A variety of tabletop condiments, including vinegar soy sauce, yuzu kosho, and chili oil, allow you to customize the taste as you eat. The dinner service is a more tranquil affair, showcasing premium duck breeds like Kawachi, Kyo, and Barbary through various preparations such as tataki (seared), teppanyaki (grill), and shabu-shabu.
The main drawbacks are practical ones. Expect long queues for lunch, and since the service window is short, the sara udon can sell out. The chewy texture of the noodles is a signature, but it does divide opinion, with some visitors preferring a crispier style. While lunch is considered great value, a few felt the wait wasn't justified after recent price increases.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥1,000–¥1,100 for a standard portion of sara udon at lunch. Dinner courses featuring multiple duck breeds cost between ¥9,000 and ¥12,000, with many paying around ¥12,000 for a full tasting menu. Lunch is excellent value, while dinner is a worthwhile splurge for duck connoisseurs.
- Booking: Lunch is walk-in only and often has long queues; it is not possible to book. Dinner is by reservation only and must be booked at least three days in advance.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Gofukumachi subway station or the Gofukumachi bus stop.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted.
- Seating: There are 20 seats, a mix of tables and counter seating.
- Smoking: A designated area for heated tobacco products is available.
- Practicalities: A service charge is added to the bill. There are no private rooms. Parking is not available.
