Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas — Restaurant in Alexandria

A hidden treasure. I couldn’t decided where I wanted to eat and searched through Google and came across this establishment. When I arrived I was seated promptly by a sweet waitress. I knew I wanted some dim sum… so I ordered my favs shumai and pork Boa…

Listen!!! I use to waitress at Ruby Food on 42nd street and the dim sum was always delicious! Gin Ramen absolutely comes close to tasting just as good!

I also go to Spicy Miso Ramen 🥵 It was absolutely spicy. lol and nice and hot when it arrived!

Overall a great meal! Reasonable price! Relaxing atmosphere… very cute spot for a date or solo dinner vibes. Attentive service!

Will absolutely return! ♥️

May 6th, 2024 update…. Wow, the service between both woman waitresses were distasteful… rude! eye rolling, snatched the menu out of my hand… then pretending to be nice by passing by asking “is everything ok?” Then Side eyes… lol but smiling and being hospitable to the other guest in the restaurant… I came in as a party of one and told the waitress my friend was coming to meet me… he’s never hand ramen and stated he wanted to try… as you can see above my experience for the first time was really good. This visit… of course not… that’s pretty often in the DMV. And it’s sad…. I was going to bring my son…. But I’ll pass… even the ramen wasn’t as hot… and I’m sure it was due to the chatter behind the curtain about me to the kitchen staff. Being in the food industry for 15 years… the body language from the staff is very obvious. I saw it pick up with guest and was going to mention I could move to the bar if it made it convenient to get another active party in… (thinking like a server) lol but I chose to sit! Because why would you make me feel uncomfortable waiting for a friend that’s going to order more food?! I was still going to order ramen! Which I ended up doing…

Even better, when my friend came… they were so sweet (to him). I sat with an empty glass of soda for an hour… my friend ordered a coke within 15 mins, he gets a refill lol but continued to tend to my friend… as if he were dining alone.

I told the waitress with the bun (the menu snatcher). he’s never had ramen… she gave no eye contact, ignored me and continued to speak to my friend. I asked him… “hey did you hear what I told her”… he said “yea… she ignored you” and chuckled..

My ramen sat in front of me..visibly I was done… neither waitress came over.. So I placed the bowl at the empty table next to me… and oh so quickly the young waitress grabs the bowl shaking her head in frustration.

No! what was frustrating was your choices to be rude, ignorant and disrespectful to a customer who really was excited to come back to a place that I presumed had good service…

The snatch of the menu really was unsettling… and all the little petty gestures that visibly showed you wanted me out of the establishment makes it easy to never return.

Literally… just told them I was waiting for a friend and you would have thought I cursed them out, was being disruptive to their establishment…. Or better yet giving them the very treatment they were giving me…...

My homegirl and I both had the day off on Thursday, March 27, so we made a little adventure out of it. After running a few errands and working up a serious appetite, we stumbled upon Gin Ramen — and let me just say, this spot understood the assignment.

We arrived around 1:45 PM (they close at 2:30) and were seated immediately. The place was empty, which made for a peaceful, unhurried dining experience. And y’all…the decor is a vibe. Think modern zen with a splash of Tokyo street style. There are soft white paper lanterns floating from the ceiling, emerald green tufted booths, warm wood accents, bold blue curtains with white cranes, and a bar lit by oversized lanterns with Japanese script. Up front, shelves of neon and gold lucky cats add a playful charm. It’s clean, cozy, and completely Instagram-worthy.

Our server, Win, was soft-spoken but super knowledgeable about the menu — every single thing he recommended was a winner.

We started with the Bang Bang Shrimp ($11) — crispy, saucy, and topped with microgreens and chili threads for that chef’s kiss of flavor. One of the best shrimp appetizers I’ve had in a while.

For drinks, I ordered the Thai Iced Tea with Boba ($6) — sweet, creamy perfection. My friend had the Yuzu Lemonade Soda ($4.50) and was thoroughly impressed (which says a lot — she’s a picky Virgo, if you know you know).

For entrees, I had the Vegan Curry Ramen ($18) and my friend got the Gin Ramen ($19). My vegan curry ramen had such a rich, flavorful broth that I legit forgot it was vegan. I was halfway through the bowl wondering who made it so I could thank them personally. My only wish? A few more mushrooms — that would’ve sealed the deal. My friend said her ramen had a deep, savory pork broth that was elevated by the chili oil, sweet corn, jammy egg, and chashu. She enjoyed it and even left a bit of broth behind — but only because she was saving room for dessert.

And yes, we made room for dessert.

We shared the Croissant Bread Pudding ($9) — served warm with a creamy sauce, juicy raisins, fresh blackberries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was divine. Who knew a croissant could be so dessert-worthy?

Our total was $76.02, and I’d happily spend it again. The food, service, ambiance — all unmatched. Whether you’re a ramen lover or just looking for a cozy, stylish spot with great service, Gin Ramen is a must. Can’t...

Nestled in the heart of the bustling city, Gin Ramen is a haven for ramen aficionados seeking an authentic taste of Japan's beloved comfort food. From the moment you step inside, the aroma of simmering broth and freshly cooked noodles tantalizes the senses, setting the stage for a culinary adventure.

First and foremost, let's talk about the star of the show: the ramen itself. Each bowl is a work of art, meticulously crafted with precision and care. The noodles, perfectly springy and chewy, are a delight to slurp up with each spoonful. The broth, whether it's a rich tonkotsu or a savory miso, is bursting with flavor and depth, a testament to the chef's dedication to authenticity.

But it's not just about the noodles and broth at Gin Ramen. The toppings elevate each bowl to new heights, with options ranging from tender slices of chashu pork to perfectly soft-boiled eggs that release a creamy yolk with every bite. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the dish, from the beautifully arranged garnishes to the careful balance of flavors.

Beyond the ramen, the menu at Gin Ramen offers a variety of tantalizing appetizers and sides to complement your meal. From crispy gyoza to refreshing seaweed salad, there's something to satisfy every palate. And let's not forget about the drinks – whether you're in the mood for a traditional Japanese sake or a refreshing glass of iced tea, the beverage selection is sure to impress.

The ambiance at Gin ramen is cozy yet vibrant, with warm lighting and sleek decor that invites diners to linger and savor each bite. The staff are friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations or answer any questions you may have about the menu.

In conclusion, Gin Ramen is more than just a place to grab a quick meal – it's an experience. Whether you're a seasoned ramen connoisseur or a newcomer eager to explore Japanese cuisine, a visit to Gin Ramen is sure to leave you...