Right from the get-go, it’s clear this is not your usual noodle restaurant. From the design, to the atmosphere, to the authentic attention to detail and high quality ingredients used, it’s casual yet highly considered. This is Menya Inoichi.

Situated a stones throw from Kyoto’s main thoroughfare, this inconspicuous restaurant serves Japanese-style noodles with Kyoto pork or A4 Rank Wagyu beef with freshly-sliced dry bonito flakes in an ultra-thin 0.01mm cut. The noodles are homemade, crafted from two kinds of Hokkaido wheat and mixed with whole grain ground stone. The dashi broth is of particular note also, the heart and soul of the soup that holds a delicious umami-filled silkiness with depth, made from 100% seafood stock blending several types of ingredients at a low temperature to extract the essential umami flavour. Extra toppings include white hair leek, bamboo shoots, to a seasoned boiled egg. What was additionally impressive, is their selection of drinks that includes fresh Nashi Pear Juice, Homemade Green Smoothie, Ginger Ale (made from Japan Spring Water), to Asahi SuperDry Bottled Beer. Furthermore, additional side rice bowls in portions small, medium and large were on the menu, offering Grilled Thin Slicer Pork on Rice, to Rice with Grilled Scallops and Tofu with Mayo, or Grilled Wagyu Beef on Rice.

Sitting along the counter seats overlooking the chefs in action is like witnessing an orchestra in perfect harmony. In front of your bowl, also find a variety of seasonings such as kuroshichimi (black seven spice pepper) to tororo konbu (freshly shredded Japanese kelps). 

Established in 2013, Menya Inoichi was awarded Bib Gourmand in the 2021 Michelin Guide and is currently found in two locations in Kyoto; in Ebisunocho and Hanare. I cannot speak more highly about this low-key yet incredibly high quality restaurant, a sincere and favourite casual drop-in in Kyoto.

MENYA INOICHI
542 Ebisunocho, Shimogyo Ward
Kyoto, Japan