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.


Venue map for Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto
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86 Reviews

First Review by paulpearne

fastertori

Points +80

Vegan
27 Apr 2023

Cool atmosphere, meh noodles

The dining area itself is very surreal and interesting. The broth was fantastic. But the noodles were nothing to write home about, especially when compared to other nearby (now closed) vegan ramen options that I preferred. If you want a unique place to visit, you can go. But if you’re going for the food I can’t totally recommend it.

flapijoule

Points +47

Vegan
22 Apr 2023

A bit overrated...

As others have pointed out : yes, the atmosphere is quite unique. The dark setting, moving mural, mirror walls and atmospheric music make for an unusual background that invites you to meditation.
Yet the food is not on par with the setting. I had the green tea ramen which was very, very spicy, up to the point that I would never have guessed there was tea in it if it had not been for the green color.
There were loads of noodle, but hardly any vegetables : only a big chunk of onion on top of it.
At 1800 yen (plus the mandatory drink you have to order...) I felt a bit underwhelmed.

It seems this restaurant is designed to give you a wonderful instagram vibe, but not a great culinary experience.

It seems as well plagued with endless waiting times (I had a reservation so I can't elaborate on that but I saw many people get turned down by the waitress).
I can confirm that i was also disturbed by rude clients arguing in the lobby to try to get a seat although they had no reservation.
Maybe this restaurant fell victim to its own success...

x8yinyang

Points +155

Vegan
22 Apr 2023

Food was good, but noise in the hallway was very disturbing

It started out as a beautiful setting and delicious food, but unfortunately 50% of our zen experience was ruined by guests arguing in the hallway and discussing with the staff about reservations. This should have been done outside the glass door or in the street for the whole experience not to be affected.

Pros: Delicious food , Beautiful room

Cons: Can be disruptive and loud , Hallway layout

MadCatty

Points +231

Vegan
06 Apr 2023

Original Experience

This place brings food and art together. They work hard for an atmosphere and I haven’t had a vegan food experience like this.

I had the spicy pepper seed ramen and it left my mouth tingling. Such an interesting sensation. I also tried their sushi, the pistachio/matcha ice cream and rose hip kombucha drink (sparkling juice). It was all so good and prepared with such quality.

They get full fast as there is only one large table with about 16 seats. Keeps the quality high, but means that a reservation is needed the day before if you want to guarantee a seat. Can book online. Last call seems to be about 30min before closing at lunch.

Pros: High quality food, All vegan and good portions, Art and food/food is art

Cons: Hard to get in, Might wait a long time for food - prepped fresh

KatherineWinter

Points +1914

Vegan
06 Apr 2023

Unique ramen

Reservations required. All the food is excellent and unique. It is tranquil. The entrance is through a long wooden tunnel. All of the walls are painted black. There is a large screen with animated characters. Before they sit you down, they put lavender oil in your hand to rub and smell. Everyone is seated at a large table. It is a table service. However, like the rest of Japan, they only take your order once, so get it all in upfront. The rule is you have to be there in under 90 mins, with one food item and one drink. When they say food item, they mean ramen. I tried to order the rolls and sushi instead of ramen, but they insisted I get ramen. They will instruct you on how they prefer you to enjoy the food. Eg. With the sushi, they want you to take the entire bite. This is tricky, given how big the pieces are. Overall, I thought the ramen was the most interesting. The green tea broth was the most unique ramen I have had. Overall, it was a good experience.

Pros: Interesting ramen

Cons: Need reservations

BeckyKilminster

Points +167

Vegan
31 Mar 2023

Wow

It was a really great experience but I queued at 5:30 and got a ticket at 6pm. Didn't get to go in until 9pm and ate at around 9:30. The food, environment and service was definitely an amazing experience though so I enjoyed it

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 +1072

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 +5893

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 +5745

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 +1002

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




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