I've been meaning to write this for a while, and now I have the time. It's worth mentioning that I've eaten here 3 times already, but I will be specifically rating my first visit with my wife. As we entered the restaurant we were greeted by Gray, how very kindly asked us how we were doing. I mention this because, as someone who worked the food industry for some time this detail mattered to us as we are so used to the typical, borderline rude question "2" or "just you 2" if you know, you know. This was already refreshing, and keep in mind I'm here scrutinizing the place as ut is my first time. We were seated by him in a nice, somewhat out of the way table, to which he asked if "this works for you? " Perfect, we replied. Next Gray asked us if we've ever been at the restaurant before, again brownie points for really sticking to the basics, to which we answered no. He then proceeded to explain to us in great detail what the restaurant is all about and started describing the different components of the ramen, explaining differences in noodles, heat levels, and telling us which was his favorite. We wanted to have a "traditional" ramen as it was my first time trying it and he promptly made his suggestion. We had the sexy jalapeños, pork buns, and 3 sushi rolls. My least favorite items were the sushi rolls, but I'd like to say I'm a connoisseur of sushi, but the wife loved them. Overall, the appetizers we're very good but the star of the evening was the ramen. It was simply delicious. That being said I don't think that the experience would of being the same had Gray taken his time to explain to us the menu and make us comfortable in the choices we made. He is truly an asset to this place. I bring him up a lot in this review, because the other two times that we've been here the service was far from what that first time was. The two younger gentlemen who cater us in upcoming visits were your typical shy, no people skill and no attention to detail workers you to often see in most places in town. I know every place in town struggles to find help, yet alone good help, but again I'm being honest about it. Overall, this is a great option and a great addition to the Bismarck/ Mandan area. If you drop by make sure to ask for Gray. He will definitely take excellent...
Read moreI never leave reviews but I feel like I have to tell people about this place so they aren't mislead.
My wife and I lived in Japan (about 20km south of Tokyo main) for about 3 years. I know it's unrealistic to expect traditional Japanese quality food so we go into American-ized restaurants with an open mind.
We ordered the Gyoza to start (folded pork dumpling), which was decent but definitely not good quality. The wrapper was old and soggy, the sear on the enclosure was lazy and they came out cold.
For our main meals we ordered pork miso and spicy pork Ramen. We ended up with two spicy pork Ramen bowls. Kudos for having sprouts in the Ramen because that's what helps give it texture, but the meat was old, and the broth was okay at best. Definitely not worth $15 per bowl.
We then ordered two shrimp tempura nigiri alacarte, and were presented with one shrimp nigiri (which most of the peel was still on underneath the tempura breading), and another unknown raw fish that looked dry and I didn't dare eat. I'm no stranger to raw nigiri, but it has to be done properly.
The fried rice was the best part of our meal, but when you go to a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine, fried rice is not the first dish in mind.
Overall, I definitely would not recommend anyone try this food. They need some serious changes if they want to continue business, because at this rate I will not spend my money there again.
This review might seem harsh, but it's a hard truth. There is another restaurant with similar cuisine in Bismarck on 3rd and that has BY FAR exceeded my expectations with American-ized Japanese cuisine. To the point where it almost feels like we're...
Read moreHad the Shoyu Ramen with pork & the Yuzu chicken ramen with chicken and it was great. The Shoyu was favorited as it seemed a little bit more exotic. The bowls are huge, probably share between two people! Tons of food, good assortment of veggies. Extremely fast service (I'm talking order and it's there in less than 5-10 minutes. Instant service!) It might be a little pricey, but what does Bismarck have for fresh sushi and basically homemade ramen? Tried the crab stick roll (Cooked.) It was served cold and was pretty good! Not the favorite, was maybe a little bit dry. But, we're a family who's never had sushi before! Tried the veggie rolls, were great. little bit of a kick to them! Pork egg rolls were great too.
Absolutely LOVED the roast pork buns. (appetizer). Literally make a meal off of them. They were so GOOD. The pork was tender, the veggies were FRESH, the buns?! Fantastic. Never had steamed buns before and I could not imagine anything better than this.
It isn't for everyone, but if you're looking to try something new go there and split food between a small/medium group of people and just have fun! We loved it, 10/10 I would go back there again anytime!
Pros: Fast service, great food, lots of options, fresh veggies, unique and different combinations. Cons: Not for everyone, slightly more grown-up atmosphere (but they had no problems with the kids we brought.), and might be pricey for some people. (spent an average of $18.05 on...
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