KIN Craft Ramen & Izakaya — Restaurant in Fountain Valley

Had an amazing first experience. Not enough words to describe.

I really enjoyed the ambiance, the interior design and all of the details, i.e. the cold water pitchers, utensil holders, plates, bowls, etc. I'm a huge fan of the color, or lack of color, black!

I tried the Truffle Salmon Crudo. Super refreshing. The sauce is so good one could drink it, so be sure to really get that sauce in each bite. It reminds me of the kind of sauce one might see in an oyster shooter.

The Egg Sando Bites. The toast upon which the egg concoction is nestled upon took me by surprise as I had been expecting it to be on the hard side. However, the bread just crumbles in the mouth and makes for satisfying crunchy bites!

Both appetizers' textures and flavors are really nice.

The pork Tonkotsu ramen. It's delicious. This is the kind of deliciousness where I experience sadness as I near the end of the bowl. One of the hallmarks of good food for me! One can even see the care the chef took to char each pork cheek along the edge. The tea egg exudes flavor and is of a formidable jamminess. I took one slurp of the soup which is delicious on its own. However, I requested red chili flakes, chili oil and toasted sesame seeds which were very promptly and quickly provided. Adding all three of these put my bowl over the top. Arguably my favorite pork Tonkotsu ramen spot in LA/ OC. I'll need maybe 10 more field tests and samples to make that determination!

It is strongly evident that the purveyors prioritize layering flavors and seasoning in all of their food across all of their establishments. Additionally, stellar customer service appears to take equal precedence with their very high standard and deliciousness of food. Their establishments are a true blessing.

As Anton Ego would likely say, I will be returning to Kin soon, hungry for more.

Update 10/27: Returned for more. Tried the Agedashi Tofu and the Mazemen. The Mazemen is 'mazing, man! Super flavorful. Great kick, if you appreciate spice, like I do! Also added toasted sesame seeds, chili flakes and chili oil, which I feel are mandatory!

Update 12/1: Back to try a different one! This time I tried the vegan ramen. They're making it really hard for me not to try everything. Take it from a meat eater - highly, highly recommended. The melancholy of a finite and quickly depleting bowl is real. It is really, really good. My friend ordered the lobster one and said it was really good as well. The waitress also mentions that they have introduced a different spin on their tonkotsu but also offer the original bowl, too! Can't wait to return to try! You can be sure an update...

Came here with the wife.

The Good: The Wait Staff. We were seated at the bar, and waited for a bit, hoping to flag someone down. With the loud music, it was a little intimidating trying to get someone's attention. Luckily one of the bar staff saw our plight and came to take our order. (Thank you, young lady!)

The drinks. Excellent drinks. We had the Lychee Margarita and Yuzu lemonade. Both were flavorful. The Yuzu lemonade has a sweet freshing citrus flavor, reminiscent of what you would find in Japan.

The Chicken hearts. Plump, delicious, and juicy. My wife thinks they were overcooked, but I feel they were the highlight of my meal.

The Bad: The lobster skewer. It was delicious, but then I felt nauseated. I had to chug water to prevent myself from causing a scene. My wife thought it was fine, but I will never order it again.

The Tsukemen. My wife loves Tsukemen, and she had to try it. She enjoyed the noodles, which were nice and chewy, a great way to capture the flavor of the broth. I agree the noodles were excellent. The broth for my wife wasn't warm enough. I however felt the broth wasn't strong enough in flavor. The broth ruined the noodles. The egg and the chashu were too sweet as well. We left it unfinished.

The Mazemen. I love mazemen. But this was not it. The serving was incredibly small and the noodles were too thin. It felt like they were serving me some noodles from a dry noodle package. The mixings were also lacking, having very little flavor. The biggest travesty, was a lack of rice at the end of it. I'm a traditionalist, and not having rice to absorb all the flavor that is left over is a travesty. To be fair though, we left quickly because I wasn't feeling too good from the lobster skewer. But even if rice was offered, I dont think I would of bothered, since the sauce was bland.

I would say this place gets a 2, due to my nausea, but my wife says it's a 3. Maybe the things we ordered aren't their speciality, but why have it on...

Kin Izakaya – Stylish Ramen & Izakaya Dining Under the KEI Group

Located in the heart of Fountain Valley and part of the popular KEI group, Kin Izakaya blends modern Japanese décor with a laid-back izakaya vibe, making it a hot spot during weekday lunch hours, especially for its well-priced lunch specials.

The interior is stylishly decorated with lush greenery, curated sake displays, and a cozy yet sophisticated bar area that attracts both casual diners and those looking for a more relaxing sit-down meal. The atmosphere is bright and inviting — a great setting to unwind over lunch or enjoy a low-key dinner.

During lunch, Kin offers a combo special that includes a ramen and a side dish. Choices include Gyu-Tonkotsu Ramen and Chashu Tom Kha Ramen, with sides such as Beef Belly Curry, Takoyaki, Karaage, or Truffle Salmon.

I opted for the Chashu Tom Kha Ramen, which was a pleasant surprise — rich, tangy coconut broth with a subtle Thai twist. The noodles had a good bite and absorbed the broth nicely. However, only one slice of chashu was included, which felt a bit skimpy. I added a shoyu egg for $2.50 — tasty, but a steep price for a single egg.

For the side, I tried the Truffle Salmon, which came as three slices of salmon sashimi lightly marinated and topped with microgreens. The flavor was delicate but nothing particularly memorable.

Service-wise, the staff move quickly and efficiently, though they may not be the most attentive if you're looking for more detailed help or requests. Expect longer prep times during the lunch rush — this isn't a grab-and-go spot. It’s better suited for those who can take their time and enjoy the ambiance.

Kin Izakaya offers a refined yet approachable take on ramen and Japanese small plates, with a modern setting perfect for leisurely lunches or relaxed evenings. While portions and prices could be more balanced, the creative ramen broths and polished vibe make it a worthwhile stop — especially if you’re...