Ika San Ramen & Izakaya — Restaurant in Papillion

Stopped in only once so far. Might go again in a few months as we were pretty excited for a new place at Shadowlake to walk into while walking the mall.

The prices are pretty steep for a bowl of noodles and broth considering portion sizes.

The Yakitori was $6 for two very short sticks. While there was some char on the outside there was a pretty slight level of sauce. We ordered three orders and they were not very consistent in size, sauce coverage, cooking level, and one of them was completely missing the tasteless garnish.

The Niki Udon was very bland. It needed seasoning and the beef seemed like it was boiled. Very little complex flavor development as all the ingredients lived together but did not come together to be a harmonious dish.

The Fuego Ramen had some fried chicken bits in it that were pretty tasty. The simmered bits of chicken were bland with all the flavor boiled out. The broth was slightly spicy, would not call it Fuego, could have used some seasoning and extra flavor development.

We subbed in rice noodles in both bowls as we have gluten allergies and were told this would make the dishes gluten free. The rice noodles had a real nice consistency but could really have used something to give them a little “oomph” in flavor the broth just was not cutting it.

We have popped our heads in a couple times over the last month or so and each time the place was full of teens with the atmosphere that comes with that. Each time the wait was fairly ridiculous even though the place had about 1/4 of the tables open. After having eaten here once I am afraid that the taste will continue to be suitable for teenage consumers but may never develop into a restaurant with...

Judging by the menu its a Japanese/Korean/Mexican fusion on Japanese food.

I hate to say it, but the food just wasn't good. I've had good authentic Japanese food, and I've had good Americanized Japanese food (for a frame of reference).

The steamed buns weren't even buns, and the meat was overly salty and dry. Which is tragic because the bread that would make up the bun itself was soft and fluffy like you would expect in a good bun.

The ramen broth tasted more like water than broth, and the meat was actually unpleasant to eat, taste and texture wise. Compared to a bowl of traditional Japanese udon or ramen, it was a big miss. Not to mention that adding extra toppings (mushrooms) came at a premium while adding very little to the dish (really small pieces and not many of them).

The don bowl was not bad, but it wasn't good either. I'd give it a very middle of the road rating on quality/flavor as it was the best thing out of the three plates ordered.

Service was fine, the waitress was respectful enough, but wasn't exactly warm either.

Averaging my ratings for food, atmosphere, price, and service I'd give the place a 2.4. The fusion misses the mark, the food misses the mark, the price is too high for the quality and quantity, and the service was middle of the road (not actively good or bad). I love Japanese food, but...

Wife and I went here for dinner. A breath of fresh air from the chain restaurants that seen to plague the Papillion/Shadowlake Towne Center. The atmosphere was fantastic with a great outdoor area where you have access to the bar and a great view for live bands during the summer Fridays. Inside is simple and spacious where you don't feel crammed up against another party and everything was well cleaned so you didn't feel like you were sitting in someone's filth and leftovers

The music was a great blend of old school hip hop from the 80s and 90s that got you humming to the tune. Finally the food and service. The staff was very knowledgeable but the owner did a great job of translating the food on the menu. Everyone was exceptionally professional and made sure your drinks were topped off and your food was to your standard. The menu was simple with a great selection of alcoholic drinks that complimented the food choices my wife and I selected for our date night. We left full but not stuffed and will absolutely return for more.

All in all, if you live in Papillion or pass through you need to stop by for a wonderful meal and continue to support local owners and restaurants in order to encourage Shadowlake Towne Center to continue the trend of bringing fresh ideas past the...