Seemor
Udon KisinA-Worth Trying
7-9 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris, France
· Japanese restaurant, Authentic Japanese restaurant, Sushi restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (883 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Handmade udon with polished, minimalist Japanese flavors; book ahead, expect excellent noodles, subtle broths, and tight seating in the 8th.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Udon Kisin earns its A- grade through exceptional handmade udon quality and polished, efficient service, positioning it among the area's respected neighborhood destinations. Consistency shows occasional variation in broth depth and texture, while tight seating and kitchen aromas limit ambiance appeal, preventing the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. Strong repeat customer loyalty and Michelin recognition underscore its standing as a serious udon specialist.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked off Champs-Élysées, this cozy room hums with calm precision and the aroma of simmering broth. Servers are polite and efficient, guiding guests through handmade udon that many call the best outside Japan. One guest summed it up: "noodles with perfect chew and a light, balanced broth." The cooking leans classic and ingredient-first rather than flashy—think elevated traditional udon, crisp tempura, and comforting donburi. Tantan bowls bring gentle heat, duck tsukune with onsen egg adds richness, and desserts like black sesame mochi close the loop. Portions skew modest, prices reflect the 8th arrondissement, and the value is in craft and quality more than volume. Families do fine here thanks to simple noodles and tempura, though there is no kids menu. For cautious eaters, kake-udon, wakame udon, and chicken tempura are safe picks. Adventurous options like tantan or natto udon exist, but the baseline is gentle, comforting flavors that most kids will recognize.
At a Glance
- Superb handmade udon texture with balanced, clean broths
- Polite, efficient service; reservations strongly advised
- Standout mochi desserts and well-executed tempura
- Portions can feel small; pricing reflects 8th arrondissement
- Walk-ins may be turned away; communication can feel abrupt when fully booked
What Sets It Apart
- handmade_noodles_visible_focus
- Michelin_guide_mention
- traditional_Japanese_flavor_profile
What People Love
- The springy chew of handmade noodles
- Light, clean broths that feel restorative
- Tantan bowls for a richer, spicy hit
- Mochi desserts with deep sesame and matcha flavor
- Courteous, efficient service even when busy
Points of Concern
- Some diners find broths mild or under-seasoned compared to expectations
- Space is tight and can retain strong kitchen odors on clothing
- Booking required by phone; walk-ins often declined without prior notice
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (€23-27 udon mains) which may surprise casual diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€38-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a lighter appetizer (cucumber-wakame €11) before richer tantan udon
- Choose zaru or cold bowls if you prioritize firm noodle texture
- Add mochi dessert (€5) to complete the experience without overspending
Perfect For
- A focused noodle night with traditional Japanese flavors
- Quick but quality lunch near Champs-Élysées
- Solo comfort-food stop on a chilly day
- Low-key date night with understated elegance
Location Insights
Area: Upscale commercial district near Champs-Élysées; mix of offices, luxury retail, and visitors.
Safety: Well-lit, busy streets; generally safe with steady foot traffic day and evening.
Nearby: Near luxury boutiques and offices; strong lunch demand and pre-shopping dinners.
Champs-Élysées / MadeleineThis neighborhood features a mix of upscale boutiques, fine dining, and corporate offices, attracting a sophisticated crowd. The dining scene ranges from high-end restaurants to casual eateries catering to both locals and visitors, with a generally polished and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:45–14:30, 07:00–22:00
Tuesday11:45–14:30, 07:00–22:00
Wednesday11:45–14:30, 07:00–22:00
Thursday11:45–14:30, 07:00–22:00
Friday11:45–14:30, 07:00–22:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →