Toshi's Ramen — Restaurant in Eugene

• contains edit / update at bottom * It's a long road coming down I-5 from Tacoma. However, leaving at 4am to drive down to Eugene is exactly what my roomie and I had to do for an appointment. After an early excursion and a painful appointment, Toshi's Ramen turned a long dredge into a delightful adventure. When we first arrived, the cashiers and chefs were busy tending to various things. It's always nice to see a ramen place like this thriving and keeping busy. After peering over the menu, my roommate and I ordered: she had the Miso cha-shu (extra spicy), and I had the Shoyu Wakame (spicy) with pot stickers and a drink for the both of us. After paying $40 (tip included), we sat down and waited for our meal. It wasn't long before the Ramen was delivered. I need to highlight how fantastic of service was here. The staff was energetic, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure our needs were met. The food, as well, was delicious. Lightly spicy with a heat that tickled without becoming overbearing, and an umami flavor that made you feel comfortable and at home. Mixed with that, the down to earth borderline rustic environment of the shop felt wonderfully inviting and made for an incredible shared meal that stole away the conversation as my roommate and I ate with gusto. The flavors were full bodied and well rounded as expected from your normal umami flavoring, while being fresh and not overtly saturating that soul food tends to be. The freshness was something that really stood out to me, and that was reflected in just about every aspect of Toshi's Ramen. The facilities were impeccably well kept, the flow of the store was smooth even as it picked up pace and became crowded as my roommate and I ate, the staff were alert and aware at all times, and the food was fresh. I deeply enjoyed my small experience here, and it left such a good impression that I'm sitting here in the parking lot writing this for a solid 20 minutes because of how good my experience was while another 3-4hr trip looms over the horizon (almost literally). Thank you Toshi's for being such a great place to eat, and I look forward to coming here again!

[Edit Jun 3, 2023] yeah, still the best Ramen place and arguably the best restaurant experience I've ever had. The energy, the food, and the atmosphere all come together for a truly unique and delightful experience. I genuinely can't recommend this place enough.

[Edit Oct 12, 2023] It's become a tradition with my roommate and myself to stop by here before heading back up towards Olympia because of just how good the food is here. Whenever my roommate and myself visit Eugene, eating here is a must. Consistently a delightful visit.

[Edit May 30th 2024] This is still the best ramen I've had. If you're looking for a secret treasure, come here for a genuine treat. If you haven't been here, you're missing out on the best ramen in the PNW - and I live in WA State. Friendly staff, hearty ramen, and customizations that are delicious and keeps your meal unique. Couldn't recommend...

If Toshi Ramen was located in a major city like San Francisco or NYC...I would have a hard time believing they would thrive, but because Eugene is a small city with practically no other ramen shops, has little cultural diversity in the food scene, and many of the locals rarely venture out - they somehow see this as good ramen. Coming from NYC - this ramen is just disappointing. Firstly, there is no egg, I do not think ramen needs to automatically come with an egg, but to not even have it as an optional add on is odd. Second, the pork is often grey looking which is gross. The broth is fine, but nothing incredible. It's average at best. They also charge for takeout containers which is ridiculous. I get times are hard for businesses, but I don't know any business whether it be a diner, high end restaurant or a hole in the wall that charges for takeout containers. That's going a step too far. I've had ramen in Japan, NYC and LA and while all were a bit different...they were all amazing. This ramen doesn't compare whatsoever. I think the staff is friendly/quick and the atmosphere...

Best ramen in America. Or at least the West Coast. Unless you like Tonkatsu, which is not on the menu (and I think this might be why Toshi’s doesn’t get all the love it deserves: too many Tonkatsuheads out there that dismiss the other broths).

Handmade noodles with a special crinkle (it really adds to the experience) and a really pure Shio as a base. The Shoyu and Miso additions just build off that incredible foundation.

Sneaky good Gyoza, which again, with no hyperbole, are the best we’ve ever had. It’s not that the filling is the best, but its that they chose an unusually thin dough, so you’re not overwhelmed with a chewy glob of gluten. Nice little crust on the bottom adds another great texture to the mix.

Finally, they’ve got an elegantly simple chicken teriyaki which really hits the spot when you’re not in the mood for ramen.

A couple criticisms: the pork is very basic, no flames, very little fat. It could use some more of each. Wait time is also on the long side

Eugene is lucky to have this place. If you’re visiting from out of town make sure and stop...