Naru Noodle Bar — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Naru Noodle Bar, a popular spot for Japanese noodle enthusiasts, is situated in the heart of the city. Eager to explore its acclaimed Tonkotsu and Tokyo Style Shoyu dishes, we decided to visit this establishment on a bustling Friday evening. However, our experience was far from the anticipated gastronomic delight, leaving us questioning the hype surrounding this restaurant.

As we entered the sleek and modern ambiance of Naru Noodle Bar, we were impressed by the contemporary decor and the lively atmosphere. The seating arrangement was comfortable, and the service staff greeted us warmly, setting a positive tone for our dining experience.

We promptly ordered the two highlighted dishes - Tonkotsu and Tokyo Style Shoyu - which are reputed to be the restaurant's signature offerings. After a brief wait, the dishes arrived, presented aesthetically in elegant Japanese bowls.

The Tonkotsu, a traditional pork bone broth ramen, was rich and flavorful, with a velvety texture that hinted at hours of simmering. The broth boasted a deep umami taste and was complemented by the tender slices of chashu, marinated soft-boiled egg, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. While the flavors were commendable, the serving size left much to be desired. For the premium price charged, the portion of noodles and toppings was disappointingly meager, leading us to feel shortchanged.

Moving on to the Tokyo Style Shoyu, we were eager to savor the delightful fusion of soy sauce and chicken broth. Alas, the dish fell short of expectations. The broth lacked the complexity we had hoped for, and the soy sauce overpowered the subtler flavors, making it taste rather one-dimensional. Additionally, the toppings, which included green onions and nori, were scarce, further contributing to the sense of dissatisfaction with the overall dining experience.

Furthermore, the service, initially attentive, became lackluster as the restaurant filled up. The staff seemed overwhelmed, resulting in longer waiting times for drink refills and requests for additional condiments. The lack of attention to detail and personalized service was disheartening, especially given the hype surrounding the establishment.

It's worth noting that Naru Noodle Bar's menu offered a decent variety of dishes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, catering to diverse dietary preferences. However, the disappointing experience with the highlighted Tonkotsu and Tokyo Style Shoyu made it challenging to fully appreciate the other offerings.

In conclusion, while Naru Noodle Bar presents an inviting ambiance and a promising menu, our experience with the Tonkotsu and Tokyo Style Shoyu dishes left us feeling underwhelmed. The lack of quantity for the price paid and the unremarkable Tokyo Style Shoyu broth failed to meet the expectations set by the restaurant's reputation. If the management addresses the portion size issue and refines the flavors of their signature dishes, Naru Noodle Bar could regain the praise it once earned. Until then, we are left with a sense of dissatisfaction and an inclination to explore other dining options for our next Japanese...

⚠️ Caution! Long Review!

Naru Noodle Bar isn’t just another restaurant in Bangalore – it’s a crafted experience, meticulously designed to whisk you away from the city’s humdrum and immerse you in an ambiance that feels straight out of a Japanese retreat. The location itself feels tucked away, almost hidden, which only adds to the allure. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by warm wooden textures, thoughtful decor, and lighting that’s nothing short of spectacular. It’s ambient but deliberate, illuminating each table just enough, casting a soft, inviting glow that makes the entire space feel intimate yet vibrant.

I started with the Chicken Karaage, which arrived golden and crisp. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why classics are classics – familiar yet exceptionally well-executed. However, it was not up my wheelhouse, the lowest ranking dish of the meal for me. This says a lot about what's coming up after.

Then came the ramen. First, the Tokyo Style Shoyu – a revelation in simplicity. The soy-based broth was rich and nuanced, layering flavors that felt both comforting and complex. The chicken was perfectly cooked, absorbing the broth without losing its own tenderness. The noodles had that ideal chewy texture, binding with the broth beautifully. Pro-tip: Halfway through, request them for iconic chilli oil (complimentary) to add depth and spiciness.

But if you’re in the mood for something bolder and creamier, my personal favorite - the Sapporo Style Miso is where it’s at. The miso broth had a deeper, almost earthy richness, with just the right hint of spice to keep things interesting, all anchored by succulent pieces of chicken.

For dessert, the Matcha Ice Cream was the perfect touch – creamy, earthy, and slightly sweet with a beautiful green hue. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a palate cleanser, a gentle reminder of Naru’s attention to detail. And the Double Chocolate Cake was a decadent end, rich and indulgent, balancing the meal with a satisfying hit of chocolate and contrast of candied orange.

A word for the service – impeccable. Erza, our server, deserves a special mention. Attentive without hovering, friendly without being intrusive. Erza added that personal touch, elevating the entire experience from a good meal to a memorable afternoon.

Naru Noodle Bar isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to savor. The carefully curated ambiance, the precision of each dish, and the subtle, sophisticated vibe make it an absolute must-visit. For those seeking an escape within the city, a pocket of elegance and flavor awaits you here.

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you took the time to read this far - wow, you must really have struggled to book a slot 😳

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The overall experience I have had would be an unique and memorable one but I don't see myself visiting this place again.

We visited for dinner and the following was the experience:

The entry into the Dining space was extremely punctual and the atmosphere inside was truly beautiful. The person serving our table was extremely professional and warm.

We started off with the appetizers: We got a portion each of their 2 tacos ( Japanese Eel & Crab) The Eel taco was my absolute favourite but it definitely wasn't worth the price as the taco was hardly 3-4 nimble bites. Taste 7/10. Value for Money: 3/10.

We then ordered the Japanese Fried chicken which was genuinely the best appetizer we had. Taste: 8/10. Value for money 7/10.

We also had the prok gyoza dumplings. They were pretty average. Taste : 6.5/10 Value for money: 7/10

For the Main course, I got a Large bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen. It tasted pretty good, but wasn't the best I've had. The dish itself required add-ons for the full experience and once all the add ons were added, the already expensive cost almost doubled. It was definitely a filling dish. Taste: 7/10, Value for money: 6/10.

For desserts we got a double chocolate cake and a Japanese Cheesecake. Both dishes were decadent and extremely smooth. Probably my favourite part of the entire meal. Taste: 9/10. Value for money: 8/10.

The issues: During our first booking, we were double booked and our booking was cancelled but we weren't informed of that same until dining space entry had started. We were informed by the Manager, that it was a mistake on the Restaurants end and they apologised for the same. We were promised a booking in the following the week at the time and we left agreeing the same. A week later, we called the manager and was told that our refund had come back and that was that. We really did not appreciate this behaviour as we had taken a leave from work on our first visit and then left the restaurant on false promises. Eventually after constantly pestering the manager he agreed to give us a second booking. However during our visit, the Manager's behaviour was salty towards us on multiple counts and we definitely did not appreciate the same especially after paying such a hefty service charge on the bill. Overall, the food tasting was an unique and memorable experience but lacked being a great experience due to how they dealt with the entire booking situation. The pricing is also unbalanced...