Sakura Ramen （Coral Springs） — Restaurant in Coral Springs

So.. let me start this review by saying if you are used to eating authentic Asian cuisine this is probably -not- the place for you.

My friend and I went for lunch. We walked in and were greeted fairly quickly. We sat at a booth. Decor was nice, modern. Place looked clean. Our server was nice, attentive.

We started by ordering two appetizers. The Takoyaki and Bao Buns. The Takoyaki was good. It came covered with Bonito flakes, maybe a bit too much but whatever. The filling inside was rich and flavorful, and there were noticeable pieces of octopus. The Bao Bun were just alright. They came absolutely loaded with pork belly. Good if you like pork belly, but honestly, we had to remove some to be able to actually hold and eat the buns. The flavor of the pork belly was warm (nutmeg/cinnamon-y) and sweet. The pork itself was tender. However, it desperately needed something acidic. Pineapple would have been a great choice. The appetizers are also when I started to get suspicious that the food, at least partially, was not made in house because the food was coming out at alarming speeds.. our orders and for other tables that had walked in. One guy even commented out loud, "wow, that was fast!"

For our main dishes, I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen (with pork char siu), and my friend ordered the "Chinese 'Kung Pao' (with chicken)". I'll explain why the kung pao is in quotes shortly. For the ramen.. it was just okay. The broth itself was very bland. I actually had to add soy sauce to it to get some flavor. That should -never- happen with a proper Tonkotsu broth. I have a strong suspicion it was not made in house. The fish cake was also very uniform and did not have much flavor. Again, I suspect they were not made in house. The pork belly char siu I added... yeah.. it was just four small, thin, bland, cutlets of pork. There was nothing even remotely "char siu" about it.

Now.. my friends dish.. the "Chinese Kung Pao" .. This was nowhere near a proper Sichuan Kung Pao. I make Kung Pao at home fairly often and I can tell you that this was NOT made with black vinegar, Shaoxing wine, fermented chili-bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, scallions, or leeks. Instead.. it was made with a generic brown soy/garlic sauce, white onion, and zucchini. The only things they got right about it were the peanuts and dried chilis. I understand that Kung Pao can vary slightly from region to region but if we're going by a traditional Sichuan Kung Pao.. this was so far away from what it should have been.

I'm going to assume the reason this place has such a high rating (4.8 on Google) is that most people who eat there don't actually spend a lot of time eating authentic Asian cuisine. They probably also like the speed at which the dishes come out. I would honestly give this place a 3.5/5 but Google won't let you do half stars. If you want authentic Asian cuisine though there are much better places in Coral Springs (Namu, Kobu, Mainland China Bistro, ect). Our bill was $50 total so not terrible but I honestly don't think it...

I've been eager to try Sakura Ramen, and finally decided it was time to satisfy my ramen craving.

The waiting area immediately set a playful tone, with a Naruto team spelling out "Sakura" on the wall, colorful and lanterns lining one side, and a lovely water fountain adding to the ambiance. The dining area inside is midsize, bright, and open, with a television on the wall playing cartoons and soft background music creating a relaxing dining experience.

To start, I ordered the fried pork dumplings/potstickers followed by the Miso Ramen (without seaweed and fish cakes, as I'm not a fan). There is an upcharge to add protein, so I added the Char Siu Pork for $3 extra, and a mango smoothie to refresh the palate.

The dumplings were decent but not exceptional, good balance of crispy texture but could have used a hint of ginger to elevate the flavor profile.

The ramen, however, had its ups and downs. The noodles were perfectly cooked, with a delightful springiness and chewiness. Unfortunately, the broth fell short of my expectations, missing the richness and depth I love in miso ramen; it tasted more like a straightforward vegetable broth and was quite bland. I ended up adding chili oil and soy sauce to make it palatable, but that didn't help much. The Char Siu Pork was tender but lacked the seasoning and spices; there was no roasted, depth of flavor to it.

On a brighter note, the service provided by Alyssa and Emily was fantastic. They were attentive and friendly, which enhanced the overall dining experience. The food was served extremely fast; another table that was seated before me was served in a matter of minutes.

Having spent considerable time in the Philippines, where ramen spots abound, my standards are quite high. Also, everyone's tastes and preferences are different. While Sakura Ramen didn't fully meet my expectations, I'm keen to return and explore their rice dishes and other menu items.

Order: Fried Pork Pot Stickers (6pcs) - $6.25 Miso Ramen - $12.95 -Char Siu Pork - $3.00 -Mango Slushie - $6.25 -Popping Bob - $0.75 Total: ...

Sakura Ramen in Coral Springs stands out as a gem in the local dining scene, offering an exceptional experience that goes far beyond just great food. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family. The staff’s friendliness and attentiveness are unmatched—everyone, from the servers to the management, is on point, ensuring your visit is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

The menu showcases a variety of authentic ramen dishes, each prepared with care and precision. The flavors are rich, bold, and perfectly balanced, making every bite an unforgettable experience. Beyond ramen, their other offerings are equally impressive, showing the kitchen's dedication to quality and consistency. Food arrives promptly and fresh, a testament to the efficiency of the team and the strong leadership of the management.

What truly elevates Sakura Ramen is the personalized service. The servers are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely care about your experience, creating a dining environment that feels both professional and personal. The management team is visible and engaged, making sure that everything runs smoothly and that guests leave satisfied.

The ambiance complements the dining experience beautifully. With its cozy yet vibrant decor, the restaurant strikes a perfect balance between being a casual spot for a quick meal and a comfortable setting for a longer, more leisurely dinner. Whether you’re dining solo, with friends, or with family, the atmosphere ensures you’ll enjoy your time there.

Sakura Ramen is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to connect, unwind, and savor every moment. The combination of outstanding food, impeccable service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere makes it worth every penny. If you’re looking for a dining experience that goes above and beyond, Sakura Ramen is the place to be. Highly...