Ramen Zen — Restaurant in Bristol

Excellent find. We found Ramen Zen on First Table and decided to check it out. It wasn't very busy at all inside the restaurant although they seemed to have a lot of online orders going out whilst we were there.

The staff were very friendly and we asked for their starter recommendations. We ended up picking two starters each and went for: Hirata Buns - Delicious soft, pillowy buns with a crispy fried piece of chicken inside - a really nice combination of textures and flavours - just watch out for the bone!). Salt & Pepper Squid - Always a favourite of mine, Ramen Zen's is particularly good. Really light and crispy batter and the squid is tender and not chewy in the slightest. Served with very fresh slivers of pepper and spring onion and a sprinkling of fresh sliced red chilis. Delicious. Kimchi & Pork Goyoza - Delicious juicy little dumplings with a very tender and tasty filling. Just a little bit sticky and chewy. Takoyaki Octopus Balls - Again really delicious and with an amazing light fluffy texture to the batter. The Octopus filling is flavourful and tender and they were served with a tasty sort of shiracha mayo style drizzle. We each tried one of their own branded beers and both were very crisp and tasty, perfect for washing down the food.

We were pretty full at this point so decided to share a main course. The 'Signature Flying Noodle'... I've no idea what was flying about these exactly but they were also delicious. Arriving on a sizzling metal dish on top of a wooden board the noodles were topped with a selection of tasty things including juicy prawns, tender pork slices, mushrooms, slivers of carrot and more, with a sizzling sauce at the bottom. The noodles were a mixture of some soft and some really crispy. Initially I thought they hadn't been cooked / soaked properly, but when I started eating them I realised they were supposed to be crispy and it was part of the style of the dish.

For desert we shared a selection of little tasty chewy ice cream balls (green tea, coconut, and mango flavours). My partner had a tasty glass of plum wine to wash it down with too.

All in all a delicious surprise with friendly staff and definitely somewhere we would love...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a fantastic restaurant that truly impressed me with its outstanding food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. From the moment I walked in, the experience was nothing short of delightful.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the delicious ramen bowls that were served. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients were evident in every bite. The rich and savory broth was perfectly balanced, providing a comforting and flavorful base for the noodles. Each bowl was a masterpiece, generously topped with fresh seafood, including succulent shrimp, mussels, and fish cake, alongside other delectable additions like a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg and an array of fresh vegetables.

The first bowl featured a creamy and hearty broth, adorned with tender pieces of chicken, fish balls, and vibrant slices of crab stick. The combination of flavors was exquisite, creating a harmonious blend that was both satisfying and invigorating.

The second bowl offered a slightly different but equally delightful experience. With a clear, savory broth, it showcased a beautiful assortment of seafood, including plump shrimp and mussels. The addition of bean sprouts and seaweed provided a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness that elevated the entire dish.

Accompanying the meal, we enjoyed perfectly chilled glasses of beer, which complemented the ramen splendidly. The refreshing beverage was the ideal partner to the rich and flavorful bowls, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Beyond the incredible food, the owner of the restaurant deserves special mention. Their kindness and genuine hospitality made the visit even more memorable. The owner went above and beyond to ensure that every guest felt welcome and comfortable, adding a personal touch that is often hard to find.

In summary, this restaurant is a true gem, offering not only top-notch cuisine but also a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you are a ramen enthusiast or simply looking for a place to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal, this establishment is a must-visit. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a remarkable...

The price is a bit on the expensive side considering the location, but considering how good the food was me and my friend both said it was worth it. I’ve seen a review say the tonkotsu (pork ramen dish) was fishy? In my experience it wasn’t fishy at all, it tasted quite garlicky so if you're not a fan of garlic steer clear, but I love garlic so this dish was lovely. Service was great - employees were very nice and polite and food came quickly. I could tell the takoyaki I ordered was made fresh. I personally liked the atmosphere, I’m not a big fan of busy restaurants so I enjoyed how chill it was there, and I particularly liked how they had a tv showing how each of their dishes are prepared, Asian captioned cooking tutorial! Nice addition in my opinion. The only thing that nearly went wrong was when me and my friend split the bill, the employee accidentally forgot to put a decimal at some point when calculating so I would have ended up paying about £15 more than I should have, but I made sure to point it out and do the calculation on my phone to show what I should actually be paying. She took it very well and apologised, and was very nice about it, we’re human, we all make mistakes! So if you notice a miscalculation just kindly point it out, but I don’t think this happens often in the restaurant. If you really want to avoid the chance of this when dining with someone, let one person pay the bill and just transfer each other the money owed after. For the location it’s in, I’m thankful I have a place that makes very well prepared asian food near me at a fair price - which I think a lot of people are forgetting when writing their reviews…don’t come in expecting a gormet style restaurant in...