Yamato

Yamato sits in the middle tier of Marugame's udon landscape by price and format, but its Tabelog 100 selection signals technical consistency that separates it from casual neighborhood counters. Nakamura Udon and Mendokoro Wataya Marugame ten operate at the same sub-¥999 price bracket and similarly tight hours, so choosing between them depends on schedule flexibility and willingness to queue, Yamato's Tabelog nod means it runs 15–20 minutes longer waits during weekend mornings. If you're prioritizing award recognition and can handle a pre-10 AM arrival, book this first; if you need a backup with slightly easier access, Nakamura or Wataya work as fall-through options without sacrificing much on noodle quality.

Honkaku Teuchi Udon Okasen offers a broader menu at a similar price point, pulling in diners who want more variety beyond plain hot and cold udon. Okasen's location outside central Marugame means fewer tourists and shorter waits, but you'll trade convenience for a quieter room. For a splurge that leaves the udon category entirely, Honetsukidori Ikkaku Marugame honten serves bone-in chicken at ¥1,000–¥1,999, making it a logical dinner anchor after a morning udon run. Iinoya slots in as another sub-¥999 counter with family-friendly seating; if you're traveling with kids or need guaranteed table space, Iinoya's layout beats Yamato's counter-heavy format.

Bottom line: Yamato delivers technically strong noodles at a price that justifies multiple visits across a Kagawa trip, but its no-reservations, lunch-only model demands schedule flexibility. If you're hitting one udon shop in Marugame and can't arrive early, pick Nakamura or Wataya instead. If you're doing a full regional tour, slot Yamato into a morning stop and use afternoon hours for shops with later service windows.