HiroNori Craft Ramen — Restaurant in Chino

You’re here because you want to know what to eat.

Here’s the list: • Tonkotsu ramen. Creamy broth. Deep umami. Chashu pork that’s smoky and fall apart tender. This is the one they’re known for and it lives up.

• Braised pork buns. Soft. Warm. Filled with pork that melts instantly. Sweet and savory with just the right bite of pickled onion. Order at least two.

• Karaage fried chicken. Crazy crispy outside. Juicy thigh meat inside. Do not overthink it. Just get it.

• Poke rice bowl. Light. Clean. Surprisingly flavorful. Perfect contrast to the heavier dishes.

If you want the short answer: go to HiroNori, order those four things, and you’ll walk out happy.

And if you want the why, here it is:

I used to hate pork in ramen. Like borderline gag reflex level hate. HiroNori changed that. Their chashu pork hits different. Charred edges. Soft center. Deep flavor that actually makes sense in a bowl. For the first time ever I wanted more pork.

Then the pork buns hit the table. One bite and it was over. The bun is so soft it’s barely there. The meat just dissolves. That quick zing from the pickled onion is perfect. I’d eat five of these as a full meal with zero hesitation.

The karaage is stupid good. The crunch is wild. It sounds like it’s mic’d up. And it stays juicy inside. Not dry like most spots. I’ve had a lot of fried chicken. This one is near the top.

Even the poke bowl surprised me. It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just good. Avocado. Rice. Fresh tuna. Everything hits right.

Nut allergy? You’re good.

I have a severe nut allergy and this spot is entirely nut free. Nothing made with peanuts or tree nuts. Everything made in house. That alone makes it a go to for me.

What else?

Service is tight. Staff checked on us multiple times. Asked for feedback. Actually seemed to care. It’s a small place. Maybe 18 seats. So join the waitlist early. Worth it.

TLDR:

Where to eat in Chino? HiroNori. What to get? Tonkotsu ramen. Pork buns. Karaage chicken. Poke bowl. Is it worth the drive? Yes. Allergy safe? One...

I had a highly disappointing experience at HiroNori Craft Ramen in Chino Hills. The staff clearly needs more training. After waiting for an hour, I decided the wait was too long and opted to get my food to-go. However, the staff deleted me from the waitlist without informing or confirming with me. I finally received my food an hour and a half later, at which point I should have had the opportunity to sit down and eat.

When I inquired if I could sit down to eat, the staff refused. I pointed out that my name should not have been removed from the list and that I was willing to order more food and take my to-go order to my friends. The staff member responded angrily, stating that if I took food to-go, I could not sit down to eat, despite being on the waitlist. She told me it was "the rule here." I asked if this was a rule specific to this restaurant, and she replied that it was a general consensus "here."

I am unsure if this rule is an official policy of the restaurant or just something the staff member decided. This young woman then started yelling at me, claiming she had a long day, and stormed out of the kitchen. This made me feel very upset. I had also had a long day and was simply looking for some comfort food, but she ruined my evening.

I understand she might have been tired, but I don't understand why my name was removed from the waitlist without my consent and why she was so insistent on this supposed "rule." This review might serve as a reference for this restaurant. As for the food, it was not worth the wait. The broth was extremely salty, and the meat in the buns tasted like pre-packaged food. Overall, I am very disappointed with...

I rarely leave one-star reviews but unfortunately, it’s well-deserved here. The last 2 times I’ve ordered from HiroNori Chino, my order has been delivered incomplete and the ramen has made me sick. Both times. I don’t know what it is about this location, but the food unfortunately can be really hit or miss even without the poisoning.

I tried dining in once to see if that experience would be better, but it wasn’t. My server came by for me to pay the bill while I was still eating and it was not because there was a shift change. Meanwhile, I had only been there for maybe 15 minutes.

All in all, I would not recommend this location at all. HiroNori ramen used to be my favorite, but if you’re going to get it, I’d recommend going to another location or just finding a different ramen restaurant to support, as I will be doing.

In considering your support of this restaurant, you should know that the 16% service charge they charge to “support all members of HiroNori staff” is intentionally misleading but also inaccurate. The service charge they tack on to almost every order goes mainly to management and the employees only receive tips on the to-go orders. I’ve had this confirmed by 2 HiroNori employees and a manager. The restaurant pays maybe a dollar above minimum wage and then keeps the extra money it charges its customers, for itself. I think that’s terrible!...