Tabelog ratingYamamoto Menzou (山元麺蔵) has earned its reputation as one of Kyoto's premier udon destinations, primarily for the singular quality of its noodles. They are exceptionally thick and long, with a firm, chewy texture that guests describe as unlike any other udon, holding its bite even in hot broth. Scissors are provided at the table to help manage their length. These noodles are often paired with the shop's signature tempura: crisp, earthy burdock root (土ごぼう天, tsuchi-gobō-ten) and juicy chicken tenders (鶏ささみ天, tori-sasami-ten), served with flavored salts like curry salt.
Diners consistently praise the remarkable noodle texture, the quality of the tempura, and the well-balanced hot and cold broths. Portions are known to be generous, and many reviews highlight the attentive service from the staff and owner, as well as a complimentary almond tofu (annindofu) dessert. The consensus is that the quality and portion sizes offer excellent value, even as some note prices have risen over time.
The main point of criticism is practical: without a reservation, you will likely be directed to a separate takeout building next door. While you can eat there, the food is served in takeaway packaging, which some found disappointing. A few diners have also found certain dishes, particularly curry-based ones, to be on the salty side. An isolated report mentioned an unclean kitchen, but this is not a recurring complaint.
Lunch typically costs between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,050–¥1,400 for the burdock tempura zaru udon (土ごぼう天ざる) and approximately ¥1,400 for the chicken tender tempura zaru udon (鶏ささみ天ざる).
- Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended to secure a seat in the main dining room. Same-day phone bookings open at 9:00 AM, and online slots are popular. Walking in without a booking usually means being sent to the adjacent takeout shop.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Getting There: It's an 11-minute walk from Higashiyama Station (Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line, Exit 1), or a 2-minute walk from the "Okazaki Park Zoo-mae" bus stop.
- Seating: The restaurant has 18 seats, including 10 at the counter and two tables for four.
- Children: Children are welcome, and children's bowls and cutlery are available.
- Parking: Three dedicated parking spaces are available nearby.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
