The Ramen Bar — Restaurant in Oro Valley

My fiancé and I decided to try this place for dinner on a whim because we noticed that it was new and we’ve been hunting for a good local ramen spot ever since we moved to Tucson.

I got the shoyu and he got the tonkotsu, then we shared a plate of tempura. The tempura was very juicy with a great shrimp flavor and came with a sauce that he said tasted fresh and orangey, but I didn’t try the sauce myself. The shoyu ramen wasn’t too oily or watery and had a perfect flavor to it. The char siu pork was really good too, but I do wish the slices were a little thicker and fattier. I did try some of my fiancé’s tonkotsu broth and it was sooo light and creamy! He finished the whole thing—broth and all!

We sat at the bar, right along the kitchen, since all of the other seats were taken when we went, so it was a little noisy. I listened to the owner help guide the cooks as they prepared all of the food. It seems like the owner is passionate and puts a lot of care into the dishes, which is very nice to see! This is definitely going to be our new go-to for ramen! As much as I wish it could stay a hidden gem, I really hope...

$20.75(including tip) for 1 VERY MEDIOCRE ramen would have been disappointing enough, but the extremely poor customer service, ensured that we won’t return. Upon entering, I was not greeted or helped, so I took myself to the “Order and Pay here kiosk”, since this was my first visit, I figured maybe this was customary. Behind me, 8-10 people enter the restaurant and are immediately greeted and helped at the register. All of these groups were served, while apparently mine was ready, but behind the counter not called out, just neglected. Server walked past me many times and I was seated at the bar for rest of staff 3 additional people, to see me. When I asked about the order the cashier tells me “well it may be a little cold” so he offered and I accepted for it to be remade. All the while, NEW customers are coming in and being greeted, order taken, and food served to them, while I’m still waiting! I ordered 1 ramen to go, no special requests. Highly disappointed in the food, lack of customer service, and lack of effort in...

I ordered the tonkotsu ramen with extra corn and bean sprouts. Unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming. While the broth was creamy, it lacked depth and was surprisingly bland for a pork bone base. The only highlight of the dish was the pork chashu tender, well-cooked, and one of the few components that delivered any real flavor.

The half egg, though visually resembling a soy-marinated egg, tasted like a plain soft-boiled egg with no noticeable marinade. Another letdown was the absence of black garlic oil, a key element that typically adds a rich, smoky umami flavor. If it was included, it was imperceptible.

Overall, I was disappointed. Given the lackluster flavor and the price point, it didn’t feel like a worthwhile option for a quick or...