Kyoto Gion Okaru

One of the things I really like in Japan, especially in Kyoto, is the udon here. When I come across and entered the restaurant, I instantly felt the “old but gold” vibes radiating from there. It was quite crowded, but there was no line formed outside. The food itself was amazing; I got their famous cheese curry udon. What I enjoyed the most from this dish is the rich curry broth paired with the flavorful cheese. They give plenty of beef, and the noodles were bouncy and had a soft texture. I highly recommend their curry udon if you’re a curry lover like I am!

Retro vibes and incredible flavors Walking into Okaru feels like stepping back in time. It’s a cozy, old-school eatery that has clearly been loved for decades. Their signature curry udon is the star of the show—thick, savory, and perfectly spiced. Watching the walls lined with traditional Japanese signatures while eating a steaming bowl of noodles was a highlight of my Kyoto trip. Friendly staff and great prices for the Gion area.

No frills but authentic place serving good curry udon. Mainly locals. Good value. Love the atmosphere!

Incredible food in a traditional atmosphere. We got the house specials - Cheese Beef Curry Udon and Beef Curry Udon - and they were perfect for the chilly evening. The staff knew enough English for us to easily order, and we were in and out within an hour.

The curry udon was really unique and definitely worth trying if you are craving Udon. The bowl came out steaming hot and it was quite delicious. The price was very reasonable as well.