Hinoki Ramen — Restaurant in Alicante

We were excited to try out this restaurant since it has 4.9/5 on google. What a joke!

We waited outside for the restaurant to open (I work in the field and know not to come before opening time), however, the owners and employees came in and out several times to unload stuff without acknowledging us.

We went in at 20:00, feeling like we were bothering them. What seemed to be one of the owners was sat with a child, no hello, not even a half of a smile. 2-3 other employees were just chilling, talking, on the phone.

We were sat coldly and were rushed to order immediately even though the restaurant was literally empty.

We needed more time to choose 2 entrées, so we ordered 1 takoyaki first and 2 green teas. Mind you we only had 2-3 minutes to read the menu, it wasn't like we were some rude obnoxious couple who didn't bother to look at the menu, I was translating each line to my partner and we were actually trying to decide quickly.

The waitress later came back to rudely tell us that she had no green tea. So we got water and 1 yakitori. She left without taking the rest of our order, the actual ramen. We thought maybe that's how it works here, we let it go.

While we waited, I couldn't help but notice all the employees playing around, playing on the phone, but giving less than the bare minimum to the other customers coming in.

After finishing the 2 sad yakitoris and 4 takoyakis stuffed with just a dust of octopus in each ball, we waited to order the ramens.

10 minutes later, still no order. The waitress greeted other customers, but never came back. We were disappointed beyond feeling hungry any more. When the waitress FINALLY came to clear the table and AGAIN did not ask for the rest of the order, I matched her energy by rudely asking for the check and we left.

What a hilarious coincidence that a newly opened restaurant is so highly rated but isn't able to live up to...

The place looks amazing - no question about it! However, I left disappointed.

For starters, I would not call this authentic Japanese. It was a bit bland, and the menu is quite limited both in terms of food and drinks. Unless your main target is ramen (which makes sense looking at the name…)🤓

Secondly, tables for two people are tiny, and it easily gets loud (especially with loads of kids around). The waitress appeared as though she would rather be doing anything else than being there 🫣

I would say it's more for a younger crowd. Even though I love anime/manga and Japan, the interior doesn't quite match up with the atmosphere...

Amazing service, prices, and food! I had the Tonkatsu, which was a good portion for the price, and a miso ramen that was absolutely delicious. I also tried a Japanese beer (Sapporo), which was quite interesting and paired well with the meal. Prices are very reasonable for ramen, and there was no wait to be seated. Our food came out within 5 to 10 minutes of ordering. The server was quiet but very kind, spoke English well—perfect for tourists—and even noticed I was cold and closed the door for me, which was such a sweet gesture. Highly...