HiroNori Craft Ramen — Restaurant in Irvine

Updated review from my previous 3-star one: I came back here with my girlfriend and my toddler. Service was excellent as usual- I think that's something HiroNori prides itself on is at least good service, even if you're not a fan of their food. I ordered the same thing I had last night, which was the Tonkotsu Ramen but I added corn and that made a difference for me.

The last time I felt there was so little food that I finished my meal really quickly, even though I wasn't that hungry and had so much broth leftover. So this time, I ordered extra ramen on the side. But then to my surprise, I ended up having just enough noodles to broth this time around, which meant I now also had this extra ramen with nothing to eat it with. Portion consistency might be a problem then? I didn't want to just throw out the extra noodles that I already paid for, so I asked for extra broth to-go. That cost an extra $7.00 for just broth. Between what I was charged for the extra broth and the extra ramen, I literally could've just ordered a whole other bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen. If I knew that, I would've done that because at least I would've had a second meal with the egg, chashu and veggies.

My updated review gives this place four (instead of the three stars previously) because I did enjoy my food more this time around and I do like the atmosphere and consistently great service. The broth still doesn't do it for me the way some of my other favorite ramen joints do but it's a solid place.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° All hype, no rage. I went on a mini-food crawl a couple weeks ago and decided to include HiroNori as part of it. Thank God I was traveling solo because when I put my name into the system (SO THANKFUL for that automated system), it told me 142 other people were ahead of me. I thought, Sweet Baby Jesus, what did I get myself into?

However, in the few minutes that it took me to park my car properly (I had just left it in a what looked like a parking spot because I couldn't find one originally), I received a text message saying that my name had already been called. WTF?! So I actually sprinted back, afraid of losing my spot.

I was greeted nicely by several different employees. Service was absolutely excellent, could not complain at all. It was a small, simple menu. I chose the Tonkatsu Ramen. It wasn't bad. Broth was okay and noodles were the perfect al dente. It didn't automatically come with corn and they were so skimpy with the amount of noodles. I wasn't super hungry but I think I finished the whole thing in about five minutes and I wasn't even trying!

If I hadn't had phenomenal ramen at other Japanese places, I might've ranked it higher. I loved how they already included the gratuity for you. Awesome blossom! Overall, though, everything...

Good food. Good service.

"Title: Unforgettable Dining Experience at Hiro Nori Craft Ramen!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hiro Nori Craft Ramen, and I must say, it was an absolute delight from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the door, I was welcomed with warm smiles and impeccable service that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Let's begin with the star of the show: the Tonkotsu Ramen. Hiro Nori Craft Ramen's Tonkotsu Ramen is truly a work of art. The broth was incredibly rich and creamy, a testament to the time and care put into its preparation. The noodles were cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of chewiness, and the toppings were fresh and bursting with flavor. It's evident that they take their ramen seriously here, and the result is a bowl of pure culinary bliss.

But that's not all – Hiro Nori also boasts an equally impressive Chashu Rice Bowl that deserves all the praise it can get. The Chashu slices were tender and succulent, melting in your mouth with each bite. The seasoning was spot-on, enhancing the natural flavors of the pork. The rice, perfectly cooked, served as the ideal canvas for this delectable masterpiece. It's a dish that leaves a lasting impression and makes Hiro Nori a must-visit for Chashu enthusiasts.

Now, let's talk about the exceptional service that complements these culinary wonders. The staff here is not just attentive; they go above and beyond to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. They are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences. I truly felt like a valued guest, and that personal touch made the meal even more enjoyable.

The ambiance of the restaurant is also worth mentioning. It strikes a perfect balance between modern and cozy, making it an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you're dining solo or with a group, Hiro Nori Craft Ramen offers a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.

In summary, Hiro Nori Craft Ramen is a hidden gem that deserves all the accolades it receives. From the incredible Tonkotsu Ramen to the outstanding Chashu Rice Bowl, and with exceptional service and inviting ambiance to match, it's a restaurant that checks all the boxes for an exceptional dining experience. If you're a fan of ramen, Chashu, or simply in search of an unforgettable meal, look no further than Hiro Nori Craft Ramen – it's a culinary journey you won't...

For an extremely late work lunch, I stopped by HinoNori at 3 p.m. on a Monday. Given the off-peak time, I was seated immediately. In my ravenous state, I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen ($17.90) and upgraded it to a combo (+$6.90), which included a side salad and a mini rice bowl - I chose the chicken. Everything arrived within five minutes of ordering.

The side salad didn’t come with a typical dressing. Instead, it featured a light and slightly tangy mix of dressing and shaved white topping - unusual, but refreshing.

The mini chicken bowl was teriyaki flavored. It wasn’t drowned in sauce, and the chicken was juicy, tender, and more importantly, not overcooked.

The Tonkotsu ramen had a decently flavored broth. It walked the line between rich and well-boiled but lacked the fattiness or viscosity I usually expect from a good tonkotsu.

The egg was marinated perfectly; the whites weren’t just stained by soy sauce but actually carried the salty flavor through. Many places get the look right but only halfway deliver on flavor. HinoNori nailed it.

The seaweed deserves a mention as well. It had a unique texture - not as thick as kelp, but chewier than nori. Think seaweed salad texture, but served hot. The contrast worked really well. The two pieces of chashu were beautifully torched and melt-in-your-mouth fatty.

Beyond the food, the restaurant has a bright, airy vibe. The front wall is all large-paned glass, letting in plenty of natural light, and the decor leans light wood throughout - the serving trays match.

I’d rate this 5 stars if not for the annoying 17.2% automatic service charge (removable upon request), which is listed in the menu’s fine print and applied regardless of party size. To their credit, the staff mentions it at payment time, saying something like, “Just to let you know, we have an automatic service charge in lieu of gratuity, if you’re okay with it.” I told my server I’d prefer to write in the tip myself, which proved a low-drama affair. Nonetheless, I don’t like playing these games with tips, service charges, “restaurant appreciation” fees, or whatever other bullshit euphemism is in...