Daruma Ramen and Bowl — Restaurant in Mesa

Newly edited version of this review due to some changes in their menu and some additional knowledge by me. This is a small offshoot of the main Daruma that’s located farther west. It has a slightly smaller menu than the original location but while they had mainly been featuring ramen only, they have now expanded the menu to include more bowl dishes, including udon, rice-based dishes and more flavors of ramen. I'm pretty sure there are also more types of appetizers that they didn't have before.

But this area is underserved by ramen so I’m extremely happy that this location is open. This is the best ramen in the immediate area. It was in my top 3 or so for the whole valley even before they opened here.

Every ramen shop’s ramen has its own style and that’s true even in Japan. Daruma mainly serves two types of ramen - tonkotsu and miso butter, although they now have kimchi and maybe one or two others as well. But they are their own thing. Their tonkotsu has kind of a darker flavor than most, due to the "mayu" garlic oil - essentially scorched garlic. (Hence the name "mayu tonkotsu ramen" on the menu.) The miso butter ramen is what it sounds like - miso ramen with butter. You don’t generally see it with butter. It adds a richness that miso usually doesn’t have on its own. Kimchi is what it sounds like; it's not exactly Japanese, although you can apparently get kimchi ramen in Japan now. The kimchi broth tastes different from either the tonkotsu or miso broth but they may just be because of the kimchi mixing in. It tastes closest to miso so that may be the actual base.

The ramen is exactly the same between the two locations. If you live in between them, I’d still go to the original because it’s a bit bigger and more comfortable and they have a little fuller menu. This location does get crowded sometimes now and there are only about 10 small tables (these can be combined for larger groups, if any extra tables are free). You may have to wait at peak times and there’s nowhere inside to do that, but there is now a small bench outside the restaurant.

But if you live to the east, this is easily the best ramen you will find close by, and really probably the best Japanese food generally if it normally...

Me and my husband have been looking for a new ramen spot in the area since our old haunt closed and we happened upon Daruma by chance during some errands. And boy, we are SO happy we did!

This little hole in the wall was miles better than half the places we have been and we fully intend to go back. My husband and me ordered the same thing (Mayu Tonkotsu Ramen). You can choose between 0-5 for spice levels. I got none but my husband got a two and it was a nice low heat. The chashu pork tasted amazing and made the whole place smell delicious. The ramen itself was the star with great broth, good texture to the noodles, and just plain yummy :) I'm not usually a takoyaki girly either but we did get an order and it was fantastic. I find sometimes it can be a little too gooey in the center but theirs was perfect. They also offer carafes of water should you not want to purchase a drink (I believe they only offered bottles/cans).

The manager (or perhaps owner?) was extremely sweet and attentive. Made sure we were taken care of and checked in on us while still giving us plenty of room to enjoy our food. The staff were the same, all absolutely lovely.

Only minor downside was that the restaurant was a bit warm, but it's a smaller establishment and we did go during a sunny 110 degree day, so we can't really knock them for that. But a nice bowl of ramen here in the fall/winter has to be to die...

Daruma Ramen and Bowl: A Culinary Delight!

From the moment I stepped into Daruma Ramen and Bowl, I was captivated. The restaurant's ambiance is simply beautiful, with tasteful decorations that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. But the real star of the show is the food!

The ramen was an absolute masterpiece. Each slurp was a symphony of flavors dancing across my palate. The broth was rich and complex, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the toppings were fresh and delicious. It was clear that every ingredient was carefully selected and prepared with passion.

The service was equally impressive. Our waitress was incredibly considerate and prompt, making sure we had everything we needed. She even surprised us with a complimentary appetizer, a delightful touch that truly enhanced our dining experience.

Daruma Ramen and Bowl is a must-visit for any food lover. The combination of exquisite flavors, beautiful ambiance, and exceptional service makes it a truly unforgettable dining experience. I can't wait to return!

The restaurant truly is a diamond...