Jounetsu Ramen – Stylish Spot, But Underwhelming Value in Long Beach
Located along a lively street in a popular Long Beach neighborhood, Jounetsu Ramen draws attention with its stylish decor and broad menu. The welcoming staff provided both the regular menu and a seasonal special menu, which was a thoughtful touch.
I opted for the seasonal "Ramennetti", a fusion-style dish featuring thick noodles, a creamy sauce with cheese, and toppings like thin bacon slices, parsley, and an onsen egg. Unfortunately, the dish was underwhelming. The onsen egg came fully solid instead of soft and runny as expected, stripping the dish of the richness and texture that a proper onsen egg should add. The bacon was minimal, the lack of vegetables or protein variety made the dish feel incomplete, and the portion was small for its $17 price tag. It leaned more toward an experimental pasta than a satisfying ramen.
Still hungry, I ordered a Salmon Poke Bowl with marinated salmon, mixed greens, seaweed, crispy wonton pieces, and mayo sauce. While the rice portion was generous, the toppings were sparse and underwhelming, making me feel that I’d have been better off at a dedicated poke shop.
The menu offers many choices—ramen, sushi, rolls, sides—but overall, the pricing is high, and quality doesn't quite match. The food feels more like a concept than a fully realized experience.
On the plus side, the interior is sleek and modern, with Japanese-inspired artwork, a cozy bar, and a pet-friendly patio where customers were happily dining...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Jounetsu Ramen, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for the evening.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the tonkotsu ramen. The broth was rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, a true testament to the hours of meticulous preparation that went into it. The noodles were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of chewiness, and the chashu pork was tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Each element of the dish was thoughtfully crafted, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying bowl of ramen.
What truly elevated the dining experience, however, was the exceptional service. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure that our needs were met. They made us feel valued and appreciated, enhancing the overall dining experience.
In addition to the superb food and service, the ambiance of Jounetsu Ramen was also noteworthy. The décor was stylish and modern, creating a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy a meal.
Overall, Jounetsu Ramen is a must-visit for any ramen enthusiast. Their tonkotsu ramen is among the best I've ever had, and the outstanding service makes it a dining experience to remember. I can't wait to return and explore more of their menu. Highly...
Read moreI've gone here a couple times and no doubt, the ramen is good. The issue is the service, some staff, and layout of the restaurant. It's pretty cramped and the front door is made to open wide so that if you didn't know any better you could completely obliterate any person standing behind it. It's a huge piece of glass also.
If you choose to sit inside, you will be met with tiny tables and even tinier walking aisle space. The last time I came, I waited for 5 minutes with staff walking back and forth past myself and my party. There was no line. The waitress eventually walked over and indicated that it would be 15 minutes before she could take our order, stating the system was down and that they were having to use written tickets. This part I didn't understand because the restaurant in itself wasn't busy. There were people already sat and eating, a table had just ordered and no one was waiting behind us. The time before this it was a bit odd too because when their systems were working, it took even longer to take the order. The math wasn't mathing for me. Aside from that, the food is good. Would I wait if it was busy? No. I'd go back only if I wanted ramen in a pinch; it's definitely not going to...
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