Came in for dinner on a Saturday night and we were seated almost immediately. Ordered the Samurai ramen which was a very normal shio. The broth was a little runny and not very savory at all. The ground pork in the ramen didn’t taste very flavorful and neither did the pork loin (they only put one piece per bowl as opposed to 2, which is what most spots place in bowls). The deep fried veggie dumplings were great, but I don’t know why they would only serve 5 pieces per appetizer?? I’ve never seen dumplings or gyoza served in less than even amounts because it’s understood that appetizers are shared. Also… $3 cans of soda. So for $18 bowls, $7 dumplings and 2 sodas, the total was almost $60 after taxes and before tipping. And the ramen itself was very underwhelming.
I wanted to like this spot a lot but without a tonkatsu or shoyu on the menu, it just wasn’t worth it.
Also. The $3 soda wasn’t cold, they don’t have ice to serve to pour your warm $3 soda into, and the guys in the kitchen were not wearing gloves or anything to hold their hair back. Also, not a single Japanese or Korean person on staff FOH or BOH. Do with that info what you will.
I hate being a cop on the google reviews but I just wanted to advise anyone else who actually loves ramen to skip this place. I’d literally rather have gone to ichiran which we all know is just above mid.
They served us out check maybe a minute after our bowls came out, too, which felt rude because there was no line of people waiting to be seated. We were also rushed out because there were two people waiting by that time, but they were seated in the less than 5 minutes it took us to settle our check, so that felt very unnecessary.
2 stars because the food was edible and the servers were mostly nice. They did let us rot in our garbage a little bit because they were slammed with delivery and take out orders, but that’s on us because we chose to go out even though there was...
Read moreOne of the best places I've had Ramen & more!!!
I came here with two friends who know ramen and know Asian food in NYC.
We order several items to share like we usually including the Ramen.
We order the KaraAge which was crunchy on the outside and so tasty, smooth and delicious once you got into it. The crunch reminds me of Mexican chicharron.
The Spicy Dumplings are a must get!!! The filling is packed with some nice filling great seasoning, and the chili oil, fried garlic flaks elevate this to the next level!!!! I was totally happy with the combo and grateful my friend insisted we order this.
Both the Ramen my friends order were a hit and on different side of the spectrum.
Spicy Tan Tan - The flavor was more dominate there was a light peanut sauce taste I caught. The spiciness hits towards the end of your bite, allowing you to taste the broth before the spicy hits.
Yuzu Spicy Mizo - This one was lighter in flavor, by this a mean it was refreshing something that gets your taste buds going gently. The spicy was good and the there was citrus touch to it.
The entree item that stood out to all of us was their Rice Dish Butter Rice :
Sure it's a rice dish with a protein egg being cooked on the skillet, and rice on top. As you stir it all and to have it the flavors mix it all comes together with flavors, colors and just all. The picture does on the menu doesn't give it justice. The flavor of the rice with the scallions combines great with the meat, and the egg brings them all together. The taste profile is something that brings me to a home dish made by your mom, or auntie. Something that has been refined as it's been taught from one...
Read moreTitle: "A Heartwarming Japanese Haven with a Personal Touch"
Review:
This hidden gem in Williamsburg is where delightful culinary trails meet heartfelt hospitality. From the moment you step in, the welcoming ambiance and the owner's genuine warmth set the tone for a memorable dining experience. The sake selection here is unparalleled, boasting a crispness and flavor profile that is both refreshing and authentic. The surprise of the evening came from a friend of Tat (the owner), who graciously shared a glass of their Japanese whisky with us, accentuating the communal and friendly spirit of this place.
The food, a narrative of authentic flavors, had us enchanted. The Lobster Ramen was a hearty bowl of goodness, the tender lobster melding perfectly with the rich, savory broth. Their dumplings are a must-try, embodying a perfect blend of texture and taste. The Wagyu beef was nothing short of exquisite, tender and seasoned to perfection.
A unique and personal touch is the restaurant’s “bottle keep” tradition. You can purchase a bottle of whisky or sake, which is tagged with your picture and stored for your next visit. Not only can you enjoy it anytime you drop by, but with your permission, your friends can partake too—a call away to share in the joy. This thoughtful gesture encapsulates the camaraderie and personalized experience that awaits every patron. A visit here isn’t just about enjoying a meal; it’s about becoming part of a cherished community, all while indulging in some of the finest Japanese fare Williamsburg...
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