Vegan
Japanese
Asian
Vegan ramen restaurant. Also serves sushi, salad and appetizers. Reservations receive priority and are recommended. Open Tue-Fri 12:00pm-1:30pm, 5:30pm-8:30pm. Closed Fri-Sun.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
-
Loading...
-
-
Last update on 15 Dec 2024 by RyoKataoka
Update business info -
Added by maat-family on 03 Apr 2020
-
-
79 Reviews
First Review by paulpearne
KaFraMi
Points +352
Artsy space&delicious food&still a bit confused - Edit
All of the courses were a spot on, just the final ice cream sauce maybe a little too sweet - given you are probably out of your drink at the time.
Read moreWe tried both of the ramens on the menu, the soy sauce one was simply delicious, the miso one was really strong on pepper. Even stronger when you are finishing your meal…
Appetizer and temaki simply perfect.
As for the service, you start with a short confusing “meditation” upon entering, other (–14) people watching you. Ask for a simple drop of oil, we were loaded :D.
Flow is nice, sometimes a bit too swift. You are asked to choose a second drink, even if you took just a few sips of the previous one. Of course, you can postpone the decision. The staff was very polite, all the explanation phrases are memorised and sometimes don’t really make sense. What is the brown taste?! Specifically the non-japanese staff lady sounded a way more hearty in her mother tongue.
The dinner was a birthday gift for me, I would happily visit again once the menu changes.
Can ´t recommend if you are photo sensitive. The projection is overtaking the experience after 70 minutes, I was happy to be seated the furthest away possible.
Updated from previous review on 2025-04-29
Pros: Nicely balanced appetizer, temaki,soy ramen, Tasty apperitive, sake with yuzu and kombucha, Nice flow
Cons: Confusing “meditation” with too much essential oil, Phrases that foreign staff just memorized. , A bit disturbing cleaning with spray
Guest
peter_von_frosta
Points +38
Great Spot for vegan Ramen - Edit
We loved the ambient space and the food experience. You share one table with all guests but due to the setting of the room you will full focus on the food. All dishes were really great and outstanding.
Read moreIf you visit Vegan UZU Ramen in Tokyo I would recommend to visit the spot in Kyoto aswell.
Pros: Setting of the room , Food, Service
Guest
MaddyM
Points +70
Amazing experience - Edit
The whole food experience is definitely something to remember. The food is excellent.
Read moreGuest
ellenellenwatermelon
Points +147
Great food, cool space, lots of hype - Edit
The calligraphy art creates a cool space. Food was artfully displayed. Appetizer was very interesting, the ramen less so. The single table is an interesting concept. Conversation though was not focused on the food being eaten at the moment, but spent swapping recommendations for where to go and what to see/do in Japan. We left disappointed. The hype and the Michelin recognition had created high expectations.
Read morePros: Calligraphy art, Presentation of food, Appetizer
Cons: Hype, Conversations of fellow diners
Guest
jennyc32
Points +4220
Top Experience and Food - Edit
I was disappointed to see that the menu has changed quite a bit since my last visit - now it's just a set meal with no choice of starters or ice cream flavour for dessert, and just two ramens to choose between. Also, when you reserve your table, you have to specify which ramen each member of the party would like. It's not super convenient to decide that a month in advance, but ultimately we were all happy with our choices.
Read moreThe art, atmosphere, and service all remain unchanged, so it was still a really great experience (though personally I could live without the essential oil/meditation at the start). And the quality of the food was also unchanged, much to my delight.
A drink is served first, you can choose with or without alcohol. We all got the non-alcoholic version, which was a kombucha. It was pleasant enough, but I'm not a huge fan of kombucha. After that, we could choose a drink to accompany the meal. It's quite a small selection. In our party, one person got a sake, one a kombucha, and one a tea. We all enjoyed our drinks.
The first appetiser was a kind of soft cheese on a cracker. It was small but mighty! The cracker was really crisp and had a perfect crunch. The cheese was delicious, you could really taste the miso.
The second appetiser was sushi that we assembled ourselves (it was not difficult to do so). It was sensational, really zingy and fresh.
One of us got the soy sauce ramen. She was worried it would be too salty and soy-heavy, but it was really well balanced and she loved it!
The other two of us got the spicy miso ramen. For me it was a touch spicier than my usual preference, but for my partner it was quite mild. It was a really rich and flavoursome broth, and we were thrilled that the noodles were quite flat. This dish looked a lot better in person than it did in the photo online! Both versions of the ramen were topped with a flavoursome grilled tomato and some juicy maitake mushrooms. Ours also had some onions and okra.
And for dessert, we were served kinako (roasted soy bean) ice cream. The ice cream was not very sweet, so it went nicely with the very sweet sauce. The kinako flour on top was very moreish. The overall taste was almost like black treacle to me. It was not my favourite ice cream ever, but it was fun to try.
We really enjoyed the overall experience and thought the food was amongst the most well-seasoned we've had in Japan. Even though we would have liked more choice, we aren't really complaining about what we got!
Guest
Jessnavit
Points +556
Amazing experience - Edit
Delicious ramen and awesome experience
Read moreGuest
asoolberg
Points +17
Possibly the best meal I have ever had - Edit
If I ever come back to Kyoto, I will for sure go back here!
Read moreGuest
anaellel
Points +688
Very good - Edit
Delicious, full of flavors ! Service is also perfect.
Read moreGuest
Sally Malanga
Points +64
Very special, delicious and healing service - Edit
They are serious about the experience at Uzu. It is a temple to ramen.
Read moreGuest
tiffyday
Points +2012
Absolutely amazing - Edit
WOW - we absolutely loved everything about this place. The food was next level amazing, full of flavour and like nothing we've tasted before! I loved every single dish they brought out. The experience was unique and enjoyable - a small meditation upon arrival, TeamLabs audio and visual, the large glass table. Will definitely be coming back next time we're in Kyoto!
Read moreGuest
charlesfromrugrats
Points +109
Could be cool, but really try to consider whether you want to - Edit
There is a line between cool and gimmicky and I don't know which side this restaurant is on. Quite expensive too (7700 yen).
Read moreGuest
Nameless_Demon
Points +312
Life-changing. - Edit
This is the best easting experience I have ever had. The bottom line is this: it is more than worth the price, and you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't experience it. While I am going into more details below, I would honestly recommend you make a reservation (around 2 weeks in advance) and go blind.
Read moreSo, specifics. It is a full-course meal that costs 7700 yen, which I would consider expensive if it was just good food (which it isn't). You are given a choice between two ramen options and among a selection of drinks. You are seated in a single, large table with other people, and the staff comes and goes.
The little manifesto on the menu (see photo) lays out the point of the experience. If you get what they are trying to convey, every single aspect of this experience is revealed to serve a very specific purpose. The visuals, the soundscape, the lighting, the mirrors, the choice of which objects around you are reflective and which aren't, and the detailed descriptions by the staff on every part of your meal as you receive it.
Everything is designed to nudge you into a mood of introspection, for your dining to be meditative and for you to feel connected to yourself, the food you eat, and the presence of others around you. It is a well-crafted experience, and for the right type of person, there is simply nothing that comes close to it. If I could give it 10 stars, I would.
I would also note that I didn't know reservations were required, and the incredibly kind staff managed to give me a spot as someone else did not show up. I want to personally thank them for their excellent service :)
Guest
Tsukimi
Points +5856
Unique experience - Edit
The sushi was very good and the atmosphere is very unique. But tbh I don’t get the hype about the ramen. I think you pay for the atmosphere.
Read moreI had the green chlorella ramen. They were way too spicy and I found them quite boring with just a thick slice of onion in it. Just wasn’t for me. I think there is plenty of better vegan ramen in Japan.
Updated from previous review on 2023-10-30
Guest
FriendsNotFood86
Points +49
A must-do in Kyōto! - Edit
This is an immersive experience that is more than just a restaurant. It starts at the door, with calming music and meditative oils, and includes a full wall of screens displaying art and playing relaxation music. The restaurant itself table consists of one large table, with each position individually lit when occupied.
Read moreThe food is 100% vegan and includes several courses, which you don’t order (apart from choosing spicy or regular in advance). The food is a variety of Japanese-style dishes such as sushi, ramen, and smaller tasters, as well as a desert and two drinks from a selection. Service was impeccable throughout and the staff maintain a calm but attentive approach, as is very common in Japan
It’s important to point out that whilst UZU may seem more expensive than other restaurants, the experience is very different and not simply somewhere to eat.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting Kyōto - even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian.
Pros: Immersive and unique experience , Excellent food , Attentive service
Cons: A little more pricey , Each sitting is capped at 55 minutes
Guest
ritarao
Points +190
Really cool immersive experience - Edit
I ordered a ramen and a side dish. Both had very unique flavours! 10/10 recommend for a nice experience with food.
Read moreNote: you need to book well in advance for this restaurant
Updated from previous review on 2024-08-23
Guest
flash
Points +343
Great place to eat - Edit
This restaurant offer a unique atmosphere. You feel in peace fhere. And the food is absolutely delicious. The menu is short, so go there if you love Ramen.
Read morePros: The Ramen are delicious, Vegan shushi deserve a try, The atmosphere and design
Cons: The menu is short
Guest
Miam43
Points +101
Art immersive et ramen - Edit
Au delà de la vidéo immersive fascinante, l’attention aux détails fait que ce restaurant offre une expérience culinaire sans pareille.
Read moreGuest
mlmloon
Points +70
Very good ramen and sushi - Edit
Unique experience, very good vegan ramen and appetizers. Also the art was cool. The food comes very quickly (too quick!) and appetizers during main meal of ramen. We felt very rushed, hardly had time to enjoy it all. Note: They block money on your creditcard for the reservation and depending on your bank, this will be transferred back to you in a few days/weeks
Read morePros: Vegan ramen, Art experience while dining
Cons: Creditcard block for reservation, All too quick, being rushed
Guest
Harpy23
Points +1688
Great ramen in an interesting setting - Edit
I've been to teamlab: borderless in Tokyo recently and enjoyed vegan gelato and drinks. (I've tried adding that listing to Happy Cow twice and been rejected with no suitable explanation.)
Read moreI was happy to go to another teamlab related venture and have some digital art as a backdrop to my meal.
The food here was delicious. We got the sushi and the gomi no yuba rolls to share between the two of us. I really enjoyed the sushi but my partner found that it had a bit too much wasabi for her liking. We both preferred the yuba, we enjoyed the good savoury flavours and the shiso sauce that came with it helped elevate it further.
I had the tsukemen dipping noodles and it was the first time I'd had a dish like this. The sauce was incredible. It had lots of Sichuan and sansho peppers so it gave a good tingly mouthfeel. There was miso, shiitake and more chilli so it was spicy and savoury with great depth of the flavour. The noodles were also excellent, flatter and thicker than regular ramen noodles and as they weren't submerged in the sauce they kept their texture better. At the end they topped my bowl up with dashi to turn the leftover sauce into a drinkable soup.
My partner got the green tea ramen and raved about it. The broth was good and savoury and didn't taste like green tea which she was happy about. The spiciness of the whole dish built as she ate more of it. There were huge onion rings (not battered ones) on the top which were quite tricky to eat. The noodles were the same as the ones in my dish and they still retained a good bite to them when soaked in broth.
We had room for ice cream too. I had the kinako flavour which I learned is roasted soy bean flour. It has a nutty and slightly savoury taste and was served with a sweet brown rice sauce. It was really creamy and very enjoyable. My partner had chocolate ice cream and this also came with the same sauce. She enjoyed the chocolate flavour and sweetness of the whole thing but did point out that it's probably not for people who don't have a very sweet tooth.
For drinks, I had an iced green tea of some sorts and it didn't really taste of anything. It was a nice vivid green colour though. My partner had a hot green tea with lemongrass and she was happy that she could taste the lemongrass. Neither of us are particularly keen on green tea so we're not great judges of quality.
Guest
negevdirect
Points +28
Best Vegan Ramen Ever - Edit
Incredibly delicious. So much umami in one bowl.
Read morePros: Soy ramen, Vegan sushi and yuba starters, Vegan ice cream
Guest
SandraAnanos
Points +289
I've had better - Edit
Really wanted to love this but didn't meet my expectations. Ramen was good but I've had better. The doughnut is not really a doughnut, has the texture of a cake. I did the sit down option, skip it and just eat outside to save some money, it's not worth it.
Read moreGuest
HasokaAoldmanKrieg
Points +340
Best meal in Japan [top 5 life?] - Edit
What an awesome experience start to finish. I won't ruin it for you but this is a must go and totally worth it in every way.
Read moreGuest
kaleifornian
Points +194
favorite meal in japan - Edit
not a joke when i say this was my favorite meal in japan... i was finally able to get a reservation of my final attempt after 3 weeks! boy, was i happy i did... start to finish, UZU is an astounding experience both visually and flavorfully. my only regret? forgetting to try the kombucha. pro tip: get the yuba sushi if it's available!
Read moreGuest
JenniferSegal
Points +60
Wow! - Edit
What a wonderful dining experience! The teamlabs art was mesmerizing and it was fun to sit at a big table and chat with other diners. Be sure to reserve several weeks in advance. We ordered both appetizers, ramen, and dessert, and it did not disappoint. 10 !
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-04-07
Pros: Atmosphere , 5 star meal
Guest
fill0n
Points +43
Amazing experience - Edit
There was a teamlabs art installation in the restaurant and the room itself was an "Infinity mirror" which made for a great experience while eating.
Read moreThe food was delicious and a visual treat as well. The sushi had me in awe, definitely recommended.
Reservation strongly recommended as it was a small space
Pros: Food, Art, Visual experience
Guest
gerrardould
Points +4928
Michelin rated. Not just a restaurant - an experience. - Edit
We’d been to the Tokyo version of this restaurant and were blown away. This restaurant didn’t disappoint - in fact, somehow it was even better. There was more to choose from and the room was enormous. Great atmosphere, and spectacular food. We had the best time. Will definitely come again.
Read moreGuest
nicole_m
Points +3729
Great food, but not quite worth the money - Edit
I was expecting more of an experience - there was one moving art piece on the wall, but it didn’t really change the whole time we were there, neither did the music much, and it didn’t flow over the table like I had hoped. The food itself was really great - I tried the spicy miso ramen and the sushi. It was very expensive though, two items on the limited menu weren’t available, we weren’t offered water, we had to ask for our sushi as they’d forgotten the order, and I had to pay an 8000 yen deposit for the two seats that might take a month to get back! #Veganuary
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-01-15
Pros: All vegan , Great food
Cons: Not as much of an experience as expected, Expensive
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 35269 times.