Gion Duck Noodles Arashiyama — Restaurant in Kyoto

This meal was unforgettable. It was not just a bowl of ramen, it was an experience that stays with you long after the last sip. I had the duck ramen with the smiling bowl icon on the menu, which comes with five slices of duck instead of three. The staff kindly asked how I wanted them divided, and I chose three with skin and two without. That balance was excellent, but next time I would recommend four with skin and one without, because the ones with skin were on another level of flavor and texture.

The duck itself was extraordinary. Perfectly pink inside, soft and tender, with a light layer of fat under the skin that melted beautifully. Each slice had a deep, rich, full flavor that sank into the tongue. It left a long and warm aftertaste that carried the aroma of the meat and the gentle spice of black pepper. At the tip of the tongue, that pepper added a clean and fresh brightness, while the rest of the flavor rested deep and comforting. Every breath after a bite brought back that harmony of duck fat and spice.

The broth was one of the best I have ever tasted. It had a golden tone, perfectly balanced between clarity and richness, with just the right amount of oil and fat to give it depth. It was not heavy or salty, but round and full. The noodles were made from buckwheat and cooked perfectly, smooth, springy and light, matching the broth beautifully. The egg was also a highlight, soft and delicate with a deep orange color and a creamy texture.

Everything in the bowl worked together with precision. The balance between the duck, the broth, the noodles and the seasoning was simply perfect. It was the kind of dish that captures your attention completely, deep, savory and comforting in every bite.

The service was exceptional. The staff were incredibly kind, warm and attentive. You are welcomed politely and guided to a private dining room, even when you are dining alone. Every small detail is noticed and they make sure you have everything you need without ever feeling rushed.

The atmosphere was just as impressive. The small garden in front of the restaurant sets a calm and inviting tone. The ramen section is divided into three intimate rooms, each simply decorated, wooden, slightly rustic, with a touch of modern yet deeply traditional. The tatami mats add a sense of calm and the soft feel under your feet makes the experience even more peaceful.

This restaurant is a true hidden gem. It combines precision, warmth and an unforgettable depth of flavor. The duck ramen here is not just food, it is a memory. If you are anywhere near Arashiyama, you owe it to yourself to visit this place. It is perfect...

I don’t know that I could ever fully describe just how wonderful our experience was at GionDuckNoodles. We were looking for a delicious dinner after touring the area, and found GionDuck. 10/10 experience from start to finish.

Located a short walk off the main tourist street through a beautiful area, their landscaping out front is stunning. We were greeted by Rui (who was to be our server) while taking photos of the landscaping. We arrived at 5pm (note that like many area shops and restaurants, they close at 6pm), and were quickly shown to a table. We had the restaurant to ourselves and were given the best service imaginable. Truly, the wait staff were incredible, and all spoke excellent English.

Rui explained the menu and offered suggestions, which we took. I had the duck ramen (large portion with extra duck), and my partner had the orange duck with dipping noodles (also large portion with the extra duck). Each meal was out of this world. They even mill the flour to make their own noodles! Rui explained this in detail, and also explained our meals once they arrived, so that we could fully appreciate the flavor profiles.

The GionDuck also has a craft beer which was truly the best (I wish we could have taken some to go!).

Superior service, and incredible food: a true foodie’s delight! The flavors were amazing. And for the price? You could not do better for the quality and overall experience.

Take the (very short) walk off the main street and visit GionDuck. Teru, the manager, informed us they have only been open for two weeks. He was amazing. This place is amazing. You will miss out if you...

Tucked away off the main street, this restaurant may be a little hard to spot, but it’s absolutely worth finding. Despite its discreet location, it’s clearly well-loved and well-frequented by locals and visitors alike.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Kazu and asked to remove our shoes before entering the dining area - a lovely touch that set the tone for the experience.

The menu is uniquely presented entirely in emojis, making it instantly accessible to guests from around the world. Our server Kazu kindly explained the details, as there are some fun surprises - such as the “smiley” option, which includes three extra pieces of duck and a hard-boiled egg.

We ordered the dipping noodles: fresh, house-made noodles served with two pieces of tender duck by default (with the option to add more, choosing between breast or thigh, or a mix). Guests can select either a cherry or orange sauce, and a rich, flavorful soup is served separately.

At one point, the chef personally came to our table to explain the proper way to enjoy the dish: dip the duck into the cherry sauce, and the noodles into the hearty soup. The flavors were simply extraordinary.

The staff were unfailingly friendly and attentive, the atmosphere was charming and relaxed, and the food was unforgettable. If you’re in the area, this is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates exceptional Japanese dining with a...