Ramen Takara Browns Bay — Restaurant in Hibiscus and Bays

We went to Ramen Takara Browns Bay today to have a family lunch. We are a family of 5, with 3 small kids. It’s not always we are brave enough to go to restaurants and have a nice family meal, because usually, the kids won’t let us eat in peace. Anyways, today was the day we decided to be brave and eat out. Ramen Takara gave us a very good impression at first, cozy, attractive food menu and also looked like a child friendly type of restaurant- with high chairs, kids menu, colouring… we got a table, sat in and ordered beers, an entree, 3 adult-size meals and one kids one. The waiter taking orders didn’t seem very happy but aye we weren’t there for smiles. We ate. The meal was good. Our problem started while I (wife) was at the front paying the bill. Before going I handed them each a rainbow stripes, as the kids had their meals, something that they got from a birthday. While I was at the front the waiter approached my husband and told him to not eat that there next time because they were a “restaurant”, which my husband replied it was for the kids. Interesting because we were literally on our way out, we were done. If someone pulls a tic tac from their pocket after finishing a meal I highly doubt they would tell them off. Disappointed. I...

Hard to believe that, in all the years I've traversed Ramen Takara, that I've not yet left a review. For me it goes without saying - Ramen Takara Browns Bay is my most visited eatery in New Zealand of all time. I started coming here in 2012/2013 and Yuki-san and her team have always surpassed my expectations, and have always been consistent in their menu.

I don't think my review can encompass just how much I cherish and love Ramen Takara, so much so my entire family and friends have been introduced to its wonderous, gastronomic journey. It is, hands down, the most I've eaten of any eatery and probably will always remain that way.

My top picks have to be the Kaisen Shio Ramen and Chicken Karaage, but I've eaten my way through the entire menu and it's all so glorious. I'm the 'unusual' customer where my wife and I like to add extra ramen eggs (so delicious!) to any dish even if it's not ramen, and coriander because I can't get enough.

Above all, the customer service here and Yuki-san's attention to detail and to her customers, I absolutely applaud. Always so conscious that our dietary requirements are met, and always so wonderful to catch up and see her.

I can't rave about Ramen Takara enough - both Browns Bay and...

I need to express how much this place feels like home. If I could vote 10/5, I would. I had the privilege of visiting Japan this year, and upon arriving home, my husband and I were seeking a dining experience that could provide us with a similar overseas feeling.

Using the best Japanese we can, we visit once a week, chatting to the wait staff, slurping on the Tokyo Soy Based Shoyu Ramen, priced so reasonably it's a no brainer to make this your local go-to.

However, this is not why we go back; we go back because of the warmth of the people, the out of this world fresh and flawless comfort food, and the feeling that we are visiting a slice of home away from home.

The food always comes out very quickly and none of our friends have ever left less than impressed.

They have vegan and non vegan options but for this cultural experience, I recommend branching out if possible.

They take bookings up to 24 hours however leave half the restaurant for walk ins so don't be afraid to rock up. Parking can be difficult but countdown across the road works well. Wheelchair access is possible however may be outside with coverage and heaters.

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