Founded in 2013 on Teramachi-dori in Kyoto, MENYA INOICHI (麺屋 猪一) has built a devoted following both domestically and internationally for its crystal-clear broth and distinctive culinary philosophy. Selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand, the restaurant is set to open its first Tokyo location in Kagurazaka in summer 2026.
0% Animal Fat: A Bowl Built Entirely on Seafood Dashi
Every bowl at MENYA INOICHI is crafted without a single drop of animal fat. The soup is made entirely from carefully selected seafood broth — slowly extracted at low temperature from a blend of multiple dried fish.
The moment it touches the palate, layers of dashi fragrance and umami unfold, leaving a deep, lingering finish.
The final touch is ultra-thin bonito shavings at 0.01mm — shaved to the extreme so they dissolve instantly in the heat of the soup, drawing out the full aroma and richness of the katsuobushi.
Two house-blended soy sauces define the flavor profiles:
- White soy sauce: Made with organic wheat and organic soybeans. Its gentle sweetness brings out the natural umami of the dashi in a delicate, translucent flavor.
- Black soy sauce: A special blend characterized by sweetness and mellow depth. Its rich, lingering quality adds complexity and a supple strength to the soup.
Rather than framing it as ramen, MENYA INOICHI presents each bowl as a "noodle dish" — one where ingredients, aroma, and aftertaste are all given equal care.
A New Expression of MENYA INOICHI in Kagurazaka
The chosen location for the Tokyo debut is Kagurazaka — a neighborhood where old history and new sensibilities quietly coexist.
The counter-only dining format creates a space where guests can focus fully on the bowl in front of them — not just the taste, but the aroma and atmosphere as well.
The craft of the artisans at work just across the counter, the scent of dashi drifting through the room — the experience is designed to offer not just a meal, but a memorable moment in time.
A New Brand Identity with House Industries
For this Tokyo opening, MENYA INOICHI has commissioned creative work from House Industries, an American design company known for its collaborations with leading global luxury brands and national clients.
This partnership will refresh the design of key brand touchpoints — including bowls, uniforms, and hand towels — merging Kyoto's dashi culture with a contemporary sensibility to expand the visual expression of the brand.
(Design details to be announced in a forthcoming release.)
Kagurazaka as a Launchpad for the Future
In April 2026, MENYA INOICHI participated in a pop-up at the opening weekend of Soho House Tokyo, a members-only club for creatively minded individuals. The experience confirmed for the team that their dashi philosophy resonates deeply across borders.
The Kagurazaka location is also positioned as an important base for future international expansion — a new chapter starting right here in Tokyo.
Store Overview
| Name | MENYA INOICHI (First Tokyo Location) |
| Area | Kagurazaka |
| Seats | Approximately 15 (planned) |
| Opening | Summer 2026 (details to be announced) |
Existing Locations in Kyoto
MENYA INOICHI
542 Ebisuno-cho, Teramachi-dori Bukkoji Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
MENYA INOICHI Hanare
463 Izumishoji-cho, Takatsujidori Sakai-machi Nishi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
MENYA INOICHI #3
160-6 Uji Myoraku, Uji, Kyoto
Official website: https://menyainoichi.net/
