Okiboru Ramen & Tsukemen Buford — Restaurant in Buford

I was led by a gravitating aura to the front opening of Okiboru. I was greeted by Cassie (my ramen shaman if you will, or shamanette) who would lead me on my expedition to Tsukemen nirvana. Cassie, with the grace of a noodle whisperer and the wisdom of a broth sage, guided me to a cozy corner where the aroma wrapped around me like a warm hug from an old friend. Her recommendation was nothing shy of prophetic; the dish she suggested seemed to call to me from a past life where I might have been my own ramen shaman. As my dish arrived, I could almost hear an angelic chorus. The noodles were perfectly al dente, the broth a rich, savory elixir that could probably resurrect the dead—or at the very least, awaken my taste buds from their slumber. Cassie watched with a knowing smile as I took my first bite, and I couldn't help but wonder if she had some mystical connection with these noodles.

With each bite, I felt myself transcending into a higher plane of flavor enlightenment. The foreplay of textures and tastes was nothing short of divine. Cassie, noticing my trance-like state, offered a knowing glance, came in close as if to share a dark secret and said, "the secret is in the broth." I wasn't sure if she meant the ramen or a deeper beckoning. By the time the last noodle was devoured, I felt like I had completed a sacred rite of passage. Cassie, ever the ramen oracle, handed me the bill with a smile and a wink that suggested she knew I'd be back, perhaps not just for the ramen. This wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a pilgrimage to myself. And if you find yourself there, seek out Cassie. She's not a server; she's a guide, a muse, and perhaps, if you're lucky, a friend who might just share a secret or two about the true...

If you're looking for some of the best ramen in town, Okiboru is the place to go. Their spicy Tonkotsu Ramen is a standout, with a rich, flavorful pork broth that’s consistently delicious. I also tried the Braised Ribs as an appetizer, which were tender and full of flavor and definitely a great way to start the meal. One of my personal favorites here is the Lychee Martini, a perfect balance of sweet and refreshing. The menu has some unique offerings, and I appreciate the new additions to the appetizer selection. It’s always great to see a restaurant evolving while maintaining its high standards. Okiboru was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019, which speaks to the quality of their food. They also specialize in Tsukemen (dipping ramen), and their mission is to introduce it to a wider audience. If you haven’t tried it before, this is the place to start! Beyond the food, the restaurant itself is in a great location with a beautiful and clean interior, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy an excellent meal. Whether you're a ramen enthusiast or new to the experience, Okiboru is...

The food itself is okay if you’re wanting ramen and don’t want to drive to another location, in Buford’s traffic. But expect to have to use your phone to get the menu. Once you’re seated someone else will bring you water and plates. Then after you’ve been sitting for a while, you’ll look around wondering why the person who sat you is cleaning and the other is behind the bar. You’ll assume your actual waiter is on their way. Wrong. A random server will take your order after they notice you’re looking around. Then, you guessed it! Someone else entirely will bring out your food. So after you’ve eaten, you’re stuck wondering who’s going to give you the check. You assume it’s the server who took your order…. But they don’t come. So you ask a random server if you could get the check. To which they say “sure!”. And then you don’t tip because who would the tip be going to? After waiting for so long in between and being quickly serviced… everything felt unprofessional and tacky. But the atmonsphere and location is convenient. Would...