U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District: Seattle's Go-To for Fresh Udon and Tempura

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Introduce

Located in the bustling University District of Seattle, at 4515 University Way NE, U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station stands as a popular and highly-regarded establishment for authentic Japanese udon and tempura. For local residents and those exploring services and goods via platforms like "Doctor Near Me," U:Don offers a reliable and delicious option for a quick, satisfying meal.

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station has carved out a niche as a go-to spot for its commitment to fresh ingredients, efficient service, and customizable dining experience. The restaurant can be easily contacted at (206) 453-3788 for inquiries, though its self-service model is designed for seamless walk-in visits.

Environment: Bright, Efficient, and Self-Service Focused

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District is designed for efficiency and a streamlined dining experience. While the specific aesthetic isn't detailed, the description of its ordering process implies a clean, functional, and fast-casual environment. The self-service style, where customers "walk up to the counter where they make your bowl right in front of you," indicates an open kitchen concept that allows diners to witness the freshness and preparation of their meals. After customizing their udon bowl, patrons can then "check out the a la carte tempura bar before checking out," suggesting a well-organized flow. The bright and clean nature of such establishments, often associated with transparency in food preparation, contributes to a positive dining experience. Parking is noted as "limited to street parking, which costs $5 per hour," a common consideration in busy urban areas like the University District, but the overall efficiency of the restaurant's operations helps mitigate any inconvenience.

Services: Friendly, Fast, and Customizable

The service at U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station is consistently praised for being "excellent" and for having "friendly" staff. A standout feature of their service model is the speed with which "the food is served quickly." This is directly tied to their unique ordering system: "as soon as you walk through the door, you read the menu on the wall, and then walk up to the counter where they make your bowl right in front of you." This customizable, assembly-line approach allows diners to dictate their ingredients and witness their meal being prepared, ensuring freshness and personalization. The staff's efficiency and friendliness make the process smooth and enjoyable. This combination of speed, personalization, and welcoming service contributes to U:Don being a "go-to dinner spot" for many in the U District.

Features: Fresh Udon, Customizable Bowls, and a Tempura Bar

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station is primarily celebrated for its "Great udon" and commitment to freshness. The core of their offering revolves around customizable udon bowls, allowing diners to build their perfect meal:

Freshly Made Udon: The name "Fresh Japanese Noodle Station" emphasizes their dedication to fresh noodles, which are the heart of their dishes. Udon noodles are known for their thick, chewy texture, and U:Don ensures a high-quality base for every bowl.
Customizable Bowls: The ordering process highlights the ability to "make your bowl right in front of you." This typically involves choosing your broth base (e.g., kake, curry, spicy), selecting your udon type, and then adding various toppings such as meats (like beef or chicken), vegetables (like green onions, seaweed), and other traditional udon accompaniments.
A La Carte Tempura Bar: A significant and popular feature is the "a la carte tempura bar." This allows customers to select freshly fried tempura items (e.g., shrimp, various vegetables like sweet potato, pumpkin, eggplant, mushroom, and proteins like chicken or fish) to add to their meal. This self-serve option ensures the tempura is crispy and hot, providing a delightful textural contrast to the udon.
Generous Portions and Reasonable Prices: Customers consistently note that "Portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable." This combination of ample food at an affordable price point makes U:Don an excellent value, particularly for students and residents in the U District looking for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
Reliability and Quality: U:Don is described as "good quality and very reliable," indicating consistent excellence in both taste and preparation. This reliability is a key factor in its status as a "go-to dinner spot."

The focus on fresh ingredients, customization, and the popular tempura bar makes U:Don a unique and highly recommended Japanese dining experience in Seattle.

Promotional Information: Value Through Quality and Speed

While specific, time-limited promotional offers are not detailed in the provided reviews, U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station inherently offers significant value through its consistent delivery of "generous portions" at "reasonable prices." This core value proposition is its strongest "promotion," attracting and retaining a loyal customer base, particularly in a price-sensitive area like a university district. The efficiency of their service, where food is "served quickly," also adds to the perceived value, especially for customers on a tight schedule.

The consistent quality and reliability of the food mean that customers feel they are getting excellent value for their money. The ability to customize bowls and add freshly fried tempura ensures a satisfying and personalized meal every time. The strong recommendations from satisfied customers ("Highly recommend this place if you love udon and tempura!") serve as powerful word-of-mouth promotion, cementing U:Don's reputation as a reliable and delicious choice for Japanese comfort food in the University District. For those searching on platforms like "Doctor Near Me" for quality, accessible dining options, U:Don stands out as a consistently good choice.

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Food & drink

Soup Udon
Kake Soup US$12.00
Handmade udon noodles served in our signature dashi broth. Can be made fully vegan upon request.
On-Tama Soup US$13.50
Handmade udon noodles in savory broth, finished with a soft poached egg (On-Tama) for extra richness.
Oroshi Soup US$13.50
Handmade udon noodles topped with freshly grated daikon radish. Can be made fully vegan upon request.
Kitsune Soup US$14.50
Handmade udon noodles topped with seasoned fried tofu. Can be made vegan upon request.
Niku Soup US$15.50
Handmade udon noodles served in our signature dashi broth, topped with savory sukiyaki-style beef and onions. A customer favorite!
Tan Tan Soup US$14.50
Handmade udon noodles served in our signature dashi broth, topped with fiery Tan Tan-style ground pork and house-made chili oil. Our spiciest bowl!
Curry Soup US$15.50
Handmade udon noodles served in our signature beef curry soup — a rich, mildly spicy stew with tender beef cooked in.
Katsu Curry Soup US$18.00
Our signature beef curry udon topped with a tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet).
Salmon Cream Udon US$18.00
Pan roasted crispy Atlantic salmon on top of a dashi-cream sauce (similar to a fish based cream chowder soup) over our house-made noodles. Served with ikura (salmon caviar) and black pepper. Add green onions and sliced nori seaweed upon request.

Sauce Udon
Oroshi Sauce US$13.50
Hand-made udon noodles lightly dressed with our signature dashi soy sauce and topped with fresh grated daikon radish. Great in either hot or chilled form. Vegetarian option.
On-Tama Sauce US$13.50
Hand-made udon noodles lightly dressed with our signature dashi soy sauce and topped with a hot spring (soft boiled) egg. Very traditional style, great in either chilled or hot version.
Niku Sauce US$15.50
Hand-made udon noodles lightly dressed with our signature dashi soy sauce and topped with savory sukiyaki beef and onions. Try it either hot or chilled versions.
Bukkake Sauce US$12.00
Hand-made udon noodles lightly dressed with our signature dashi soy sauce. Try it either hot or chilled. Sauce for noodles contains fish broth.
Tan Tan Sauce US$14.50
Hand-made udon noodles lightly dressed with our signature dashi soy sauce and topped with our fiery spicy tan tan ground pork and house-made chili oil. Great in both hot and chilled versions.
Men-Tama Udon US$15.50
Hand-made udon noodles topped with spicy pollock roe, a soft boiled egg, nori seaweed, and men-taiko mayo. This dish comes fully sauced and does not come with a side sauce. Try it hot or chilled.
Salmon Basil Pesto Udon US$18.00
House-made udon noodles tossed in a classic and fragrant basil pesto sauce, topped with a piece of crispy roasted salmon (Salmon Roe/Ikura is unavailable as a topping at the U-District store). We recommend you try it chilled, can also be served hot. Try it while it's here!
Ume-Niku Oroshi Sauce US$16.50
Hand-made udon noodles lightly dressed with our signature dashi soy sauce and topped with sukiyaki beef, grated radish and an ume compote (tart pickled plum puree). Great in both hot or chilled versions.
Ume Oroshi Sauce US$14.00
Hand-made udon noodles lightly dressed with our signature dashi soy sauce. Topped with grated daikon radish and ume compote (tart pickled plum puree). Vegetarian option.

Dipping Style Udon
Zaru Traditional US$11.00
Hand-made udon noodles served with a traditional and fragrant and smoky bonito (katsuo) infused soy dipping sauce. Sauce is served chilled, option for chilled or hot noodles.
Oroshi-Pon Zaru US$13.50
Hand-made udon noodles served with a Ponzu (yuzu citrus) soy based sauce including grated radish in the sauce. Traditionally served chilled with option to have hot noodles. A very refreshing and healthy dish. Recommend with sliced green onions, grated ginger and wasabi as condiments to the dipping sauce.
Goma Zaru US$13.50
Hand-made udon noodles served with a savory roasted and ground sesame dipping sauce. Sauce is made with pure ground sesame (no peanuts or tree nuts used in preparation). Served chilled with option to have hot noodles. Our house chili oil compliments the sauce nicely.
Tan Tan Goma Zaru US$15.00
Hand-made udon noodles served with our signature roasted sesame dipping sauce paired with our spicy tan tan ground pork. Served chilled with the option of hot noodles. Our sesame sauce is made with pure ground sesame seeds (no peanuts or tree nuts are used in preparation). Great to add our house chili oil for an extra spicy kick!

Tempura
Broccoli Tempura (1 Piece) US$1.50
Tempura fried broccoli floret.
Kaki Fry (Fried Oysters) US$8.50
4 piece panko breaded and fried oysters.
Green Beans Tempura 5 Piece US$1.29
Tempura green beans, 5 pieces
Satsuma Sweet Potato (1 Piece) US$1.50
Japanese sweet potato tempura.
Veggie Spring Roll (1 Piece) US$0.99
Crispy spring roll filled with vermicelli, cabbage, carrots, onion, edamame, and spices.
Kabocha Pumpkin Tempura (1 Piece) US$1.50
Japanese sweet pumpkin tempura.
Eggplant Tempura (1 Piece) US$4.85
Tempura fried Japanese eggplant.
Mushrooms Tempura US$3.00
Tempura of 3-4 button mushrooms on skewer.
Zucchini Tempura (1 Piece) US$0.99
Tempura fried green zucchini squash.
Potato Croquette (1 Piece) US$4.00
Panko breaded and fried mashed potato cake with peas, carrots, corn, and onion.
Veggie Kaki-Age US$6.00
Vegetarian. A traditional tempura "fritter" made of sweet potato, kabocha pumpkin, carrots, onions, and broccoli. Tear apart and eat with your favorite udon bowl!
Crispy Tofu (1 Piece) US$0.99
Gluten-free. Deep fried fresh tofu.
Karaage Chicken (1 Piece) US$1.50
Japanese style marinated boneless fried chicken.
Fried Gyoza (1 Piece) US$0.49
Fried pork filled dumpling.
Crab Tempura (1 Piece) US$1.20
Imitation crab leg tempura.
Takoyaki (Octopus Donuts) US$3.50
Octopus filled savory donuts sauced with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and seaweed flakes. Three pcs on skewer.
Shrimp Shumai US$4.00
4 pieces of shrimp filled dumplings skewered.
Shrimp Tempura (1 Piece) US$1.85
Tempura batter fried black tiger shrimp.
Chikuwa Tempura (Fish Cake) (1 Piece) US$3.50
Tempura batter fried fish cake.
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) US$9.00
Panko breaded and fried pork loin cutlet.
Ebi Fry (Panko Breaded Shrimp) US$1.85
Light and crunchy panko breaded shrimp. One piece per order.
Agedashi Tofu US$8.50
Four pieces of crispy fried tofu with grated daikon radish and grated fresh ginger. Comes with a warm dashi-soy sauce to dress over tofu. Add on more toppings to your preference and taste!
Renkon (Lotus Root) Tempura (1 Piece) US$0.99
Crunchy fresh lotus root tempura. One piece.
Chee-Chiku Tempura 5 Piece US$8.50
Crispy Chikuwa (fish cake) balls filled with velvety rich Camembert cheese, dusted with aonori seaweed. A luscious and cheesy delight! 5 pieces per order.
Una-Ten Skewers (2 PC Set) US$9.50
Crsipy tempura fried broiled eel skewers. Dusted with aonori seaweed flakes and served with a sweet soy glaze on the side.

Beverages
Fountain Soda 16 Oz US$2.99
16oz of fountain soda in various flavor choices.
Cold Green Tea (Bottle) US$2.99
Itoen Ooi Ocha brand cold green tea in bottle.
Cold Oolong Tea (Bottle) US$2.99
Itoen brand Golden Oolong Tea.
Calpico Soft Drink US$3.69
Popular Japanese milky soft drink in various flavors.
Ramune (Marble Soda) US$2.99
Popular Japanese soda in glass bottle with marble stopper in various flavors.
UCC Milk Coffee (Can) US$2.99
UCC brand popular Japanese sweetened milk coffee.
Coconut Water Natural US$2.99
Natural coconut water.
Pocari Sweat (16.9 Oz Bottle) US$3.79
Popular Japanese sports ion supply drink.

Desserts
Mochi Daifuku (Red Bean Filled Mochi) US$3.50
Soft mochi (rice cake) patty filled with sweet red bean filling. A traditional Japanese snack or dessert.
Purin (Japanese Caramel Flan) US$6.50
House made Japanese style egg custard flan with caramel syrup at the bottom. Velvety smooth and creamy with a dark caramel sauce at the bottom.

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
University students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Photos

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Picture 1

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U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Picture 8

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Picture 9

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Location

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District

Washington King County Seattle University District University Way Northeast

4515 University Wy NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA

U:Don Fresh Japanese Noodle Station – University District Reviews

Great udon with excellent service. The staff is friendly, and the food is served quickly. Portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The only downside is that parking is limited to street parking, which costs $5 per hour.
April 19 · Kelly Lee
This is one of my go-to dinner spots when I’m in the U District. It’s good quality and very reliable. I love their way of ordering where as soon as you walk through the door, you read the menu on the wall, and then walk up to the counter where they make your bowl right in front of you. After you put your bowl on your tray, you can check out the a la carte tempura bar before checking out.Highly recommend this place if you love udon and tempura!
July 29 · Stacey L.
This place is probably my most frequented in the city. The portions are big and the prices are great, the food is always amazing. One of the best cheap eats in the city.
March 11 · Ashley Nash
Mentaiko udon is a must! Especially adding the free tempura flakes. Service friendly and nice. Tan tan though was not authentic, wouldn't get that again. Kind of pricey. Prices went up a lot since 2024.
May 29 · L H
Order at the counter and find your own seating. This place was really packed on a Tuesday.The udon was amazing though! Great taste. I wish there were more free toppings and the additional tempura toppings cost a little extra.
April 10 · Kallen Tu