Vegan
Japanese
Asian

Vegan ramen restaurant. Also serves sushi, salad and appetizers. Reservations receive priority and are recommended. Open Mon-Tue 12:00pm-9:00pm, Fri-Sun 12:00pm-9:00pm. Closed Wed-Thur.


107 Reviews

First Review by paulpearne

HarleyParfitt

Points +53

Vegetarian
31 Mar 2023

The Menu: Kyoto style

The film ‘the menu’ sprang to mind when being seated. The experience began with a list of rules being presented. After agreeing, we were told to close our eyes and smell organic oils that had been put on our hands.

We entered the room, where existing customers were sat around the large singular tables. As we sat down, the lights above our heads lighted up. Got serious murder mystery/ interview/ ‘the menu’ vibes.

The experience was very memorable and they could have charged an absolute fortune for it. As it was very different and the food was incredible.

The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is that it is a victim of its own success. We arrived 30 mins before opening and there were already 7 people in front of us in the queue. This translated into a 3 hour wait to be seated.

To be honest we also had a funny experience when paying - we were charged for two ice creams, when we only ordered and ate one. All was resolved in the end, but we did get the impression that our waiter tried to convince the person dealing with it that we had ordered (and ate) two. The proof was in the pudding and the number of empty bowls on the table!

My advice: definitely go, arrive 50 mins early or book ahead! Food is amazing!

Pros: Delicious food , Interesting concept, Could have charged an absolute fortune…

Cons: Long wait time/ must plan ahead

rubyr4

Points +66

Vegan
27 Mar 2023

Massive wait times

Book ahead, need to grab a ticket before you go otherwise wait time is 3 hours. Didn’t get a chance to eat here, but it looked amazing

fiu

Points +187

Vegan
15 Mar 2023

How to get in

At first check Happy Cow, Google Maps and their website to be sure it's open.
If you do not have a reservation (made a month in advance) ignore the line waiting before the restaurant. Go straight to the restaurant via long hallway and wait for the staff. Ask them for a queue ticket. Once you have the ticket, there is no need to stay in line. You can simply check when it's your turn by scanning the QR code from the ticket. We were number 41 and I picked up my ticket at 18:52. It was about 25 people in front of us. My turn came at 22:02. The capacity is 16 people.

It was definitely the best ramen that I have during my two weeks trip in Japan. There is no doubt why this restaurant is in Michelin Guide.

There were several people who gave up waiting in line and left (mostly because they were very hungry). If you don't want to go inside frustrated from a long wait in line, time your previous meal. This is meant to be an experience, not just to satisfy hunger.

Pros: Taste, Atmosphere, Staff

Cons: A bit pricey, Long waiting line, Opening hours (days)

Chaitanya91

Points +25

Vegetarian
26 Feb 2023

Cool but maybe overrated?

Everyone said it would be a great experience, and it was to some extent, but I also felt like everyone’s rave reviews were maybe a bit over the top. Food was good, but not as spectacular as everyone made it sound. Plus there is a huge line always so if you don’t have a reservation expect to wait an hour

Outshine5610

Points +12

#Veganuarian
19 Feb 2023

Amazing

Art and vegan food blend perfectly in this plce

Pros: Vegan only

roni27

Points +52

Vegetarian
15 Jan 2023

A must in kyoto

Definitely the best ramen I ate in Japan. I took the seasonal option, which was the mountain herbs, 10/10. The soup was rich and creamy, and the serving and the experience were amazing.
It is expensive, comparing to other Japanese restaurants, and you have to order 1 drink per person, but it is absolutely worth it. Would come again.

Also, the place has a calming vibe, which generally I like, but maybe because of that the waitresses didn't rush to sit you down inside. I waited for around 40 min and half of the restaurant was empty.. so keep that in mind if you are in a hurry.

Hanna3933

Points +1134

Vegan
11 Jan 2023

They made a place that Japanese vegans can be proud of!!

This restaurant is awesome!!

We came this restaurant our a friend suggested. She is not vegan, but she said "This is the best Ramen I’ve ever had in my life!"..

So, we tried them. And been love them.
It was beyond description.
You should visit them too!! Worth it, really!

You should try side menu too! Absolutely fantastic! #Veganuary

Pros: All amazing!!

Cons: Nothing at all !!

Hayden5780

Points +176

Vegan
10 Jan 2023

Delicious

Delicious food and unique experience with the artwork. Only sits 16 so expect to wait if you do not book. Yuba rolls and ramen were amazing. We don't normally return and eat the same food but we had to at this place because the ramen was so delicious!

LeaKüng

Points +17

Vegetarian
23 Sep 2022

Very unique atmosphere!

Delicious vegan japanese food and such a unique experience:) Would definitely go there again if i'd have time.

Yumika777

Points +51

Mostly Veg
24 Jun 2022

Vegan ramen

It has a relaxing atmosphere

itsrinokt_

Points +6425

Vegan
12 Jun 2022

Unique japan experience

everything is super clean. If you’re looking for a quite Japanese ramen place with an amazing atmosphere, this is your place. The ramen is AMAZING. A fantastic experience 10/10 recommend!!

Updated from previous review on 2022-06-12

Atokotias

Points +55

Mostly Veg
12 Jun 2022

Vegan ramen with experience

First time to stay for one hour in ramen shop. One drink and one food order system team labo give us the fresh space.
This place serve not only good quality ramen but also unconventional and unique experience.

michellishuh

Points +50

Vegan
06 Jun 2022

Amazing experience!!

Wow, this place has a concept I've never seen before. And the flavors are so incredibly rich, loaded with umami. You should not miss to see this place while being in Kyoto! They have 4 kinds of Ramen, and as a starter they have pressed Sushi and baked Miso. The dessert ist amazing as well. We just had to try everything there 😄

Pros: 100% vegan, Amazing atmosphere , Amazing taste

Rhythm174

Points +15

Mostly Veg
27 May 2022

Combination of Food & Art

Vegan Ramen Uzu Kyoto is located on a relatively quiet place that is a little bit far from the center of the city.
When you enter into the restaurant, you will see another world. Japanese-style artwork in the dark space came into my eyes and I was just overwhelmed.

“Vegan ramen kokiake” is a soy sauce ramen with tomato boldly floating on the soup.
I was wondering how such a complicated taste of soup is possible without using animal ingredients.
Even non-vegan will I think feel satisfied with its richness of taste.

The drink menu is also interesting as items are mostly what you cannot see at other restaurants, like original fermented juice.

Not just eating but enjoying ramen and art with 5 senses are the experience you can get here.
It became one of the best restaurants to recommend to my friends.

AnitaDollar

Points +5814

Vegan
16 May 2022

So so so good

We just wanted ramen end ended up living the dream! The concept combines food and art and it's a lovely low-stimulus experience. Careful, the Chlorella Ramen are quite spicy!

Pros: Fantastic dining experience

yasmine.emi

Points +51

Vegetarian
04 May 2022

Memorable experience

What a great and memorable experience! Best vegan ramen I’ve had so far in Japan. Definitely go!

Updated from previous review on 2022-05-04

irisheyes317

Points +997

Vegan
01 Jan 2022

A must-visit!

Artistry doesn't just bedeck the dining area: let the photos speak!

Cons: Long wait time for seating

Becky_W

Points +31

Vegetarian
31 Dec 2021

Fun experience

A fun vegan experience! The food was good (we had the spicy ramen) and staff were polite and accommodating. Currently (December 2021) there is no gyoza on the menu which is a shame. Only cons are it’s a little expensive and the digital art did appear to break whilst we were eating!

SusanRoberts

Points +1006

Vegan
11 Apr 2021

Very tasty ramen in a artistic setting

I had the spicy miso ramen and really liked the taste! Gyoza was great, too, especially with the spicy sauce. The art and mirrors, combined with interesting background music, makes for a great overall experience. I very much enjoyed it all!

PlamenIontchev

Points +313

Vegan
20 Mar 2021

Futuristic

Futuristic look but don't expect Startreck messhall with the Neelix cooking. Staff was polite and speak English. Menu is English and Japanese. Food was tasty. Menu was Japanese style mainly: Ramen, Gyoza, Sushi, etc. all vegan. Not so many options but more or less enough. Prices more or less moderate. But very slow service. 50min waiting in a dark narrow corridor to be seated. The chocke point seems to be the kitchen. Nor very optimal arrangement. Hence stripping one star. Unlikely to repeat. Advice - go about 8:30-8:40pm. The queue is almost gone but you may hit the LO call at 9pm.

Pros: Quite popular among youngsters. Work until 10pm.

Cons: Very slow service.

ALinOsaka

Points +162

Vegan
30 Dec 2020

Something different

Very interesting place, combining Japanese tradition and food in a modern way.
Ramen was good, but the gyoza and especially sushi were outstanding.

Pros: Great atmosphere and design, tasty food, Very friendly and polite staff

Cons: A few more side dishes would be nice

寺田和弘

Points +18

Vegan
24 Nov 2020

Amazing

The ramen at this restaurant is amazingly delicious.
Immersive digital art is also wonderful.

GrayHorwitz

Points +2390

Vegan
25 Sep 2020

Great Unique Dining Experience

I'm surprised by some of the other reviews here; the staff were extremely friendly, in both Japanese and English, and yes, the experience is different than "wooden table" ramen, but it is interesting and different. I recommend this place if you want a dining experience—a nice spot for a date. The tsukemen was very nice, and after we finished the noodles, we were given broth to mix and drink with the remaining tsukemen. It is a more high end restaurant, and a futuristic feel, so if you want something more traditional you should look elsewhere, but if you want a fun, novel experience with good ramen, this is a great choice.

Pros: Thick Tasty Tsukemen, Novel and interesting

CCloud

Points +20

Vegan
03 Aug 2020

Great experience but stiff and unfriendly

I definitely recommend checking out this restaurant. We ordered the dumplings, sushi, and ramen, and were more than satisfied with the taste. It was delicious!
The environment is the main reason to go to this restaurant - the lighting and dining experience is truly unique and I'll remember it forever. It's as though being in an art exhibition while dining. Although one may tire of this after the hours pass. I do wonder how the staff cope with such a sensory overload for some number of hours.

My one, yet notable complaint comes down to my experience at the end of dining. Due to much food and a beer, yet especially to the bowl of hot oily ramen, my partner and I were parched and groggy. I asked for the cheque and a glass of water. I was told firmly that water was to be purchased (at a ghastly price of 400 yen per bottle), and that due to the time being past the last order, I would not be getting any water.

No water at a ramen bar? This unfriendly service was enough to wake me from the spell I was under, enchanted by the graphics and mirrors of the restaurant. I paid the bill and thanked the staff, to no reply. I left into the dark rainy streets of Kyoto and walked in search of a vending machine to buy a bottle of water. The cold clunk it sounded, and the water it gave me being more satisfying in the end than the thousands of yen I spent at this one.

Pros: Dynamic and enchanting dining experience, Delicious food

Cons: Limited drink menu, Over time, an over-stimulating environment

Josefa-Lisa

Points +98

Vegan
12 Jul 2020

Best Vegan Ramen I ever had

Their vegan Ramen and Gyoza were the best I ever had! Service and the especially thröe atmosphere were amazing. The inside is so beautiful and relaxing. The only think I dislike is the price. Even though the ramen already costs 1200 yen we had to order drinks which coat at least 600 yen extra. Besides that I really recommend this place!

Pros: all vegan, amazing atmosphere, good service

Cons: you have to buy drinks

paulpearne

Points +53

Vegan
09 Jun 2020

Many many better Ramen place in Kyoto, maybe with some old wooden tables, but with soul and passion

One Japanese friend asked me to go eat with i'm to this new Vegan Ramen in Kyoto, because, i told me, there is a beautiful digital artwork from some famous artist. I went. I actually don't like business that are not coherent. What's the connection to make vegan food and at the same time wasting electricity to create a kind of star wars atmosphere? Vegan is not just about food... How was the Ramen? Standard....

Updated from previous review on 2020-06-09

Cons: Vegan is just the food, Very business oriented




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