Yoko Yoko Ramen and Izakaya — Restaurant in Bremerton

Nestled in the heart of the city, Yoko Yoko Ramen is a gem that stands out in the bustling culinary landscape. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a cozy haven of warmth and hospitality, where the tantalizing aroma of simmering broths and freshly cooked noodles welcomes you with open arms.

Ambiance: 5/5

The ambiance at Yoko Yoko Ramen is a perfect blend of modern chic and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The minimalist decor, accentuated with wooden furnishings and soft lighting, creates an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. The subtle hum of conversation and the clatter of chopsticks add to the authentic dining experience.

Service: 5/5

The service is impeccable, with a staff that is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ramen. From the moment you’re seated, you’re treated with warmth and efficiency. The servers are more than happy to guide you through the menu, offering recommendations and answering any questions with a smile.

Food: 5/5

But the true star of Yoko Yoko Ramen is, of course, the food. Each bowl of ramen is a masterpiece, crafted with precision and care. The broths are rich and flavorful, simmered for hours to achieve a depth that is both comforting and complex. The noodles are perfectly cooked, maintaining a delightful chewiness that pairs beautifully with the broth.

The menu offers a variety of options, from the classic Tonkotsu Ramen, with its creamy pork bone broth and tender slices of chashu, to the Spicy Miso Ramen, which packs a punch with its robust, spicy miso flavor. Vegetarian options are equally impressive, with the Shoyu Ramen standing out as a light yet satisfying choice, brimming with fresh vegetables and a savory soy-based broth.

Toppings are plentiful and thoughtfully chosen, from the soft-boiled marinated eggs with their luscious, golden yolks, to the delicate sheets of nori and the vibrant scallions that add a burst of freshness to each bite.

Value: 4.5/5

For the quality and experience, the prices at Yoko Yoko Ramen are more than reasonable. The generous portions ensure that you leave both satisfied and content. While some may find the prices slightly higher than average, the exceptional quality of the food and service justifies every penny.

Overall: 5/5

Yoko Yoko Ramen is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that engages all the senses. Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or a newcomer to this beloved Japanese dish, Yoko Yoko Ramen promises a dining experience that will leave you craving more. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every visit feels like coming home to a bowl of comfort and joy.

Enjoy your meal at...

TL;DR: real deal ramen, complex broths, noodles and meats perfectly done. Everything we had on the menu is a slam-dunk. Don't miss the karaage, chashu gyoza, or tantanmen, and make sure to get the egg with your soup!

Downtown Bremerton has another gem! For decent ramen, one formerly required a schlep further up the peninsula. Now, we have excellent ramen right smack in the downtown core! We tried the tantanmen and the Yokohama. I normally don't go for the lighter broths, but this was stellar. As one would expect of a proper ramen, there were layers of flavors: umami, earthiness, green vegetable, and just a hint of something bright. The seasoned egg was perfectly marinated and soft boiled; it is an add-on, but it's worth every penny.

The real hit is the tantanmen. Layers and layers of complexity. The mouthfeel just says "comfort food." The marinated (pickled?) greens that come with this dish are next level flavor bomb. Next time, I will be ordering extra greens. If you like spicy food, make sure to get the Jigoku Tare. Pour all of that into your soup for even more magical spicy complexity.

We also ordered the karaage, chashu gyoza, and fried shishito. The gyoza were the best I've had anywhere so far. They are light and pan-fried with that wispy, crispy filigree from a proper pan steam-fry. These come with an actual dipping sauce! Also, come on... chashu in gyoza?! You know you want an order. Or two. Per person, of course. The shishitos were seared and blistered just right, exactly the way we would make them at home.

Saw someone complain about the prices and portions. This isn't Sysco diner food. Not a whiff of Sysco or First Street in the place. We felt that the portions and prices were well in line with what one might expect for well...

Summarize:

I wanted to love this place.

Won't go back, not worth it in terms of service, quality, and price.

Food bland, greasy and sad portions, drinks overpriced, hair and arm pits flying around and service is lacking that feel good vibe.

First experience, pretty good, as I remember it.

Second time, felt icky and generic.

Food:

I ordered a large ramen expecting more of everything. It was just more noodles, to many noodles. Like the small it ha 1 thin slice of pork and a punch of bamboo shoots. (I can't have the egg nor did I want the spinach, no radish?)

There broth has little flavor but has plenty fat, kind of greasy. Used salt and sauce.

I swear it upset my system, gurl-gul belly through the night until sweet relief in the morning🤎.

I expressed some concern to my partner about the fact the cook had shoulder length black hair which wasn't tied back and kept flying around.

I called it. My partner was starving and didn't want to say anything at the time but he found a long black hair half in half out his bowl.

Also was kind of ick'd out by the bartender's choice of clothes: exposed shoulders, top of back and arm pits. Short was a strappy halter top. But that is an Old school, fine dining professional pet peeve.

Service: Wasn't even greeted when we came in. Wasn't really dialed into a flow of customer service. Almost felt like she blamed us for saying hi. She did seem to have buddies at the end of the bar, so maybe that.

I asked for a vodka/soda and she gave me premium, without asking. 14$, $12 Cran and Vodka. Not worth it for 510pm on a Tuesday.

Sad...