DOMU — Restaurant in Orlando

Long review short: You absolutely have GOT to eat at Domu. Let me first start out by saying that My boyfriend I are complete Ramen heads. We get it anywhere we see it offered. We have traveled to Japan and made it a point to eat Ramen in every city we traveled to when we were there. (Tokyo, Yugawara, Osaka and Kyoto.) Before that, some of the best Ramen I have found was in Atlanta, GA. So with all this Ramen under my thicc belt, DOMU Ramen is seriously top 2 of the best Ramen I have ever had. (Number 1 Ramen for me was in Kyoto in case anyone was wondering) I'm not kidding when I say this place had my boyfriend and I completely floored. We already kind of knew we were in for a good time before arriving since we had found the place online, and was even able to dig up a youtube video of the owner explaining his Ramen and in house made noodle process. Being able to experience it first hand was more than we could have ever expected. The environment is extremely upbeat, stylish and welcoming. The mural on the wall is as captivating as the bowls they serve you. The first night we were served by Logan, who was attentive and entertaining to chat with in between and at the end of the meal. The second night a girl who said she had been there since the restaurant opened was our server, (We lost our receipt and forgot her name but we loved her!) She was fast, friendly, and attentive. Again, entertaining conversation that felt like it could have been between friends. Thanks so much! I think the two equal experiences of service here showed us that you will be in good hands no matter who is serving you, as the entire staff appeared to work in a family like unison. The service from the hostess stand to the servers and bartenders make you feel completely relaxed and at home. We loved this place so much that we dined in every night we were in town (which was only 2 nights.) My boyfriend, who is a Chef back home, is way too difficult to please in any normal dining situations because of how high his standards for food and experience has to be. For him to, on his own, without my begging, ask to return to the same restaurant the next day; well, this is the first time it's happened for me. The first night we dined in, I got the Richie Rich and he got the Tokyo Ramen. I can't even tell you which one I liked more, because they were both just so incredibly present in flavor. I thoroughly enjoyed the richness that was the Richie Rich. The clean, clear appearance and flavor of his Tokyo Ramen was absolutely beautiful. Finally, an amazing bowl to proudly represent the great city of Tokyo. In the youtube video we found, the owner explains what sets his ramen apart from other competitors, he talks about the extra steps he and his kitchen takes to create an authentic flavor in their stock and fresh in house noodles. Well, they really did it. It really brought me straight back to the motherland in terms of flavor, and the noodles are definitely the star of the show. The second night we went back to the classics. I got the Black Tonkotsu and my boyfriend got the Spicy Tonkotsu. Just absolutely amazing. I can really appreciate the complex simplicity that comes with a more traditional bowl like this one, and again, this bowl is on the same playing field as the country it originated from.

Finally, as we normally don't get deserts (usually we're too full) our server explained to us about their flavor of the day. Soft serving ice cream; Ube, their personal favorite, so we decided to give it a try. I can't even believe the genius of this ice cream. The ube flavor on it's own is a unique sweetness, but the fruity pebble toppings are all that you need to send you into the future of flavor town. I took the first bite and just started laughing because I couldn't believe what a strong finish this place was able to provide.

Not pictured, we tried the soft shell crab bun. I actually assumed it would be like a bao bun, turned out to be on toasted bread. It was incredible. I feel safe to say that anything you order from this place and you...

Im writing this review still in shock over how our family was treated here and wanted to share to any with potential patrons that my experience at this establishment was deeply disappointing and regrettably marred by instances of discrimination against smaller parties. We arrived 25 minutes prior to opening to wait in line to put our name on the list on Mother's Day.

After 1.5 hours of waiting (2 hours total since we had gotten there) It became evident that guests who arrived after us, were promptly accommodated while we languished in the queue. In fact some that were behind us had not only been sat before us but were actually finished with their meal and leaving.

Upon inquiry, we were informed by the staff that the owner and policy dictated larger parties be seated first, a practice which we found to be discriminatory and wholly unacceptable. As someone with over a decade of experience in the service industry, I understand the logistical challenges associated with seating arrangements, yet the preferential treatment accorded to larger parties was unjustified and discriminatory especially for tables with just 1 or two more people.

Moreover, the insensitivity displayed on a day as significant as Mother's Day was particularly disheartening. The callous disregard for the diverse circumstances of guests, including those who may not have their children present due to tragic circumstances, is indefensible.

We even asked to speak to the manager who also stood by this discriminatory policy. My husband asked if I wanted to leave. I didn’t. We had drove two hours round trip and this place held a special place in my heart on Mother’s Day. But Despite our considerable wait and explicit request for a specific seating arrangement, we were met with further disregard when another party with 2 adults and 2 children were promptly seated ahead of us (This family hadn’t even waited in the original line like we had) When I asked the hostess about it she then said yes they’re behind you but once again they have four people you only have two. This flagrant disregard for fairness and customer satisfaction underscores a troubling pattern of discrimination within the establishment.

It is my hope that this feedback prompts a reassessment of policies and practices to ensure that all guests are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, regardless of party size or circumstance. Shame on You. Especially on...

If you're a ramen enthusiast or simply someone in pursuit of extraordinary gastronomic experiences, Domu is an absolute gem that deserves your undivided attention. With its Michelin star rating, Domu effortlessly merges artistry and flavor, creating an unforgettable dining adventure that will leave you craving for more. My recent visit to this esteemed establishment was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can confidently say that Domu has secured its place among the finest culinary establishments in the world.

Upon entering Domu, I was greeted by an inviting atmosphere that perfectly balanced elegance with a cozy charm. The restaurant exuded an aura of sophistication without being pretentious, and the attentive staff made me feel right at home. While the lack of reservations might lead to a wait, it only heightens the anticipation of the extraordinary feast to come.

As a personal recommendation, I implore you to indulge in the "Richie Rich" bowl, an absolute masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional ramen. The tonkatsu broth, like a velvety elixir, was a revelation in itself. Each spoonful enveloped my senses with its rich, umami-laden depths, leaving me in awe of the culinary mastery at play. The chefs at Domu truly understand the art of balance, as they effortlessly combine the various elements to create a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.

One of the highlights of my dining experience was the Ajitama brulee soft-boiled egg. This culinary marvel elevated the dish to new heights. With a beautifully caramelized exterior and a luxuriously creamy yolk that oozed onto the bed of ramen, it was a sight to behold. The explosion of flavors and textures that followed was simply divine. I highly recommend ordering an extra Ajitama brulee egg because one simply won't be enough to satisfy your craving for this exquisite delight.

While the wait times during Friday evenings and weekends can be substantial, it is a testament to the popularity and quality of Domu. Trust me, every minute spent in anticipation is more than worth it. As you savor your ramen, you'll realize that the care and attention poured into each bowl make it a work of art, meticulously crafted for...