Nishiki Market Alley by Moon and Back Japanese Ramen Bar — Review by TabiEats
Kyoto, Japan — Japanese
Nishiki Market Alley by Moon and Back is an inclusive Japanese ramen bar offering much more than noodles, featuring excellent signature chicken leg ramen, innovative crispy sushi platters, and thoughtful vegan and gluten-free options. The restaurant combines playful interior design with a diverse menu that caters to all dietary preferences, making it an excellent dinner destination in central Kyoto.
What was great: Excellent ramen with rich chicken broth and roasted chicken leg, creative vegan and gluten-free options, beautiful presentation of crispy sushi on skewers, playful interior design with karaoke box, diverse menu including tempura and side dishes, specialty cocktails and local sake selection
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The restaurant's signature chicken leg ramen is a standout, featuring a perfectly balanced chicken broth with nice sweetness and thin, slightly flat noodles that pair beautifully with the aromatic roasted flavor of the chicken leg. The chicken itself is juicy with a crispy exterior, and the broth carries the roasted aroma throughout. The vegan spicy tantan ramen offers a surprising depth with black sesame seed paste, excellent spice levels, and abundant umami despite being completely plant-based, with bok choy and deep-fried tofu skins adding texture and substance.
The crispy sushi on skewers represents another highlight, particularly the salmon avocado variety that comes beautifully presented with edible flowers. The deep-fried sushi rice delivers a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy avocado and fresh, fatty salmon. The vegan omakase platter is an artistic presentation featuring grilled maki mushroom, deep-fried lotus root, teriyaki tofu, and eggplant sushi. Each piece demonstrates careful preparation, with the deep-fried components perfectly drained of excess oil while maintaining their crispy texture and rich flavor.
The seasoned Kyoto-style steamed vegetables with ponzu sauce showcase local specialties, with lotus root providing excellent crispiness and umami, and steamed napa cabbage offering a tasty preparation method. The restaurant also offers deep-fried tofu sushi with teriyaki sauce, which balances sweetness and savory notes perfectly without any oiliness.
The Experience
The restaurant features a cool, playful interior with lots of little design details that create an inviting atmosphere. A free karaoke box is available for customers who want to sing while enjoying their meal, adding a fun, interactive element to the dining experience. The venue successfully balances a casual, entertaining vibe with quality food service.
Value and Pricing
Specific pricing details were not mentioned in the transcript, though the restaurant appears to offer reasonable value given the quality and variety of offerings, with multiple price points for different menu items including premium options.
Notable Moments
There's a one chicken leg on top of ramen. And the broth is a chicken flavor, of course.
It's like an artwork.
The presentation of the vegan omakase platter elicited genuine amazement, with customers appreciating the artistry and care put into each piece.
The Verdict
Nishiki Market Alley by Moon and Back Japanese Ramen Bar is an excellent choice for dinner in central Kyoto, particularly for those seeking inclusive dining with impressive vegan and gluten-free options. The restaurant excels at traditional ramen while offering creative alternatives like crispy sushi and seasoned vegetables, all served in a fun, playful atmosphere. It's best for groups with diverse dietary preferences who want authentic Japanese cuisine without compromising on quality or taste.