Ichiran Nagoya Sakae — Restaurant in Nagoya

We are tourists and it was our third day in Japan. Since I saw high reviews for this restaurant, I decided to go there. We ordered two dishes and a soy sauce with the machine. They brought us two soups and small plate of meat, and since we weren't familiar with Japanese food, we thought the orders were correct and the meat served with soup.We hadn't taken a few bites of the food when the waiter who brought it came and said one of the dishes they had brought was a mistake and asked us to pay for it. We told him we weren't familiar and it wasn't our mistake, but he didn't accept it and insisted we pay for it. My husband said okay, tell me which dish it is so I can go to the system where I ordered the food and pay for it. He said no, give me the cash!!! My husband asked him to call his supervisor, but he said he was the supervisor himself. My husband said I won't pay cash, and it wasn't fair that when we started eating, you came to us saying one of the order was not for use and have to pay for it. In the end, we didn't pay for the extra food they brought, but we didn't eat the dishes we had ordered and paid for in advance and left. I just wanted to say if you go to this restaurant as a non-Japanese, don't be fooled by the high rating of this restaurant because they cheat in their work. I don't recommend it at all. Unlike other restaurants, they didn't have any...

Ichiran Ramen at Nagoya Sakae offers a slightly different experience compared to other Ichiran outlets in Japan. While it still features the brand’s signature individual counter booths for solo diners, this branch also includes one special table designed for small groups — accommodating up to six people. The table even has the same signature ordering “window” for food delivery, preserving Ichiran’s unique no-interaction concept.

However, the group space is quite compact and can feel cramped, especially for taller diners or anyone uncomfortable in tight spaces. It’s a creative addition, but not ideal if you’re claustrophobic or prefer a bit of elbow room.

As for the food, the ramen quality remains consistent with other Ichiran locations — rich, flavorful tonkotsu broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and customizable seasoning options. Service is efficient, and the overall experience still captures Ichiran’s signature focus on solo enjoyment and...

Ichiran is a ramen chain specialising in pork broth soup and their unique selling point is that you can customise your ramen however you want - richness of soup, thickness of noodles, etc. You specify your ramen on a form and then order from a vending machine. Get the slips and then wait for an empty booth (not table) and pass it to the chef.

Also, all customers sit on their own booths separated from each other and they will open a retractable window to serve you your ramen. It is quite the experience, especially if it is your first time.

Their ramen is really good and the soup is very tasty and the noodles are springy and well cooked. The pork is thinly sliced and tender. I would recommend adding additional egg, noodles if you are hungry and pork if you just want more of that delicious goodness!

It is very reasonably priced too for the quality of ramen they provide. Be prepared to queue though, as it is highly popular with both locals...