Hikari Ramen — Restaurant in Ipswich City

Made our first visit to Hikari Ramen as part of my daughter's birthday celebrations. I was a little disappointed about their 'no bookings' policy but we decided to take our chances. Luckily, the rain must have reduced patron numbers so we were able to get a table upon arriving.

The venue itself is small but still manages to provide a selection of tables (for both large and small groups), as well as side-by-side, bar-style seating at a long bench (ideal for solo diners or even couples).

Interaction with staff was minimal and, truthfully, we didn't build much rapport with them. In their defence, however, we quickly realised that things were really hectic, with in-house diners, takeaway collections AND delivery drivers keeping everyone working hard. It was really a case of 'hi, order, bye' but, under the circumstances, completely understandable.

Our meals were prepared reasonably quickly but did arrive haphazardly; two meals first, then a side dish, then another meal, etc. This continued for about 15 minutes before everything had been delivered. Again, likely due to the workload at the time but a little frustrating.

The meals themselves - various ramen options, Karaage Chicken, curry, cheese croquettes, Gobo chips, calamari rings - were excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Serving sizes were more than adequate and the prices were reasonable. Under $100 for 4 people, drinks included, is a win in my eyes.

Overall, although the service was somewhat impersonal and a little disjointed, the meals were great and we all left satisfied, vowing to return another day.

PS........thumbs up to management for their objective and honest responses to critical feedback. It's refreshing to see business owners that are willing to acknowledge mistakes made, rather than blindly defend or deny...

Update: I was contacted by a manager very quickly who provided a satisfactory resolution. I was impressed by the level of questions and overall approach reflecting a desire to understand and improve Have added stars to the service aspect of this review

Had a 2pm Sat lunch to avoid crowds but still waited 15 mins for the first ramen bowl mine arriving after another 10 mins. Both were quite disappointing to look at, canned corn and spring onion the only veg, however meat was good and well-seasoned. The noodles tasted cheap like 2 min noodles. The worst thing was my hiyashi ramen (cold noodles over a little dipping sauce) - was so salty it was completely inedible. I asked for some hot water to try to make it edible and the staff apologised and politely offered to make another The next one wasn't much better, I scooped out the noodles and meat leaving the sauce - even so unbelievably salty. I can't recall tasting a a more over salted, unbalanced dish. At the moment I am incredibly thirty and feeling slightly nauseous. Even if it's a dish they don't make all the time, they should try to make the flavour less overpowering - maybe add some stock/water, vinegar and a little mirin to make it...

Found my original review, it went under a different restaurant by mistake. Reposting it below but also updating a bit before that. I appreciate the owners quick response and willingness to remedy the bad experience, I don't want a refund but I will be back to give them another chance.

New to the area and read the reviews of this place hoping they were outdated or just incorrect. Sad to say the were indeed accurate. From the service being lacklustre, to needing to share a table with other patrons, and finally the broth. Of the dozen or more times I've had 'proper' ramen at a dedicated to ramen venue, I've never once left without wishing I could simply drink the broth dry. This sadly was the first time I left where I did not even want to finish the broth. It was bland to the point that I question if they make the broth from a powder concentrate. I appreciate they are trying new recipes but maybe they should just keep it simple and not reinvent the wheel when it comes...