I Noodle Ramen and Dumpling — Restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach

From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew I was at the right place.

Having traveled down from NY, one of the Meccas of Asian cuisine in US, I found my choices of food rather limited in Jacksonville. Besides the typical Chinese fast food places like Hop Sing, China Wok, or a homey meal from Hong Kong Bistro, I felt like a fish out of water. Funny enough, I found this eatery as I searched up Bubble Tea on Yelp. It was close by and lucky for me, it offered an eye catching lunch special to go with my sweet, post-meal drinkable dessert.

Obviously, this isn't a review or post for anyone that's a stranger to the ramen world, but the resturant posts their menu on the window outside conveniently situated above plastic display models of the ramen dishes. My blunder this trip was ordering to go, an amateur and often made rookie mistake. The noodles were clumped together by the time I got to sit down and enjoy it at home, but getting covid with my meal was not a risk I'd want to take. They do offer outdoor seating but the space is fairly limited, plus, who'd want to dine on ramen in a humid 93 degree environment?

The soup was rich, deep, and not oily. Contrary to most ramen places in the northeast, I felt like it was an appropriate change of flavor. Compared to the cool and cold climate that welcomes the warm embrace of a hearty soup, the hot and humid weather paved the way to relish in a cleaner palate. The generous portion of beef shank soaked in the broth nicely, adding sweetness to the umami of the dish. I opted for the soft boiled egg which came out perfectly and paired well with the house made noodles.

I hope they continue to wow me as I explore their menu, but if you are ever in Jacksonville and looking for a good soup-based Asian place to dine, this place has my stamp of approval!

(TL;DR - went in for boba/bubble tea, left with...

Went for the first time today! Enjoyed myself and decided to try and much as I could. The dumplings were fantastic, and I'll certainly be focusing on those on my next visit, but you get 2 with the lunch special, along with a good (but small) shad with ginger dressing, and either a poké bowl or ramen. I had the chicken poké bowl, and the ingredients were fresh, but together not as refreshing as a Hawaiian style poké bowl might be. Felt more like a rice bowl with good mix-ins.

I tried the shoyu ramen bowl after, and the noodles and broth were awesome. Hardy and full of flavor.

I ordered a passion fruit boba tea on the way out and, despite how good the food was, the tea was my favorite part.

EDIT: Went back again!

the pork buns weren't what I expected, but they had a great sauce and the cucumber added freshness and I'll likely be getting them whenever I come.

The southern fried rice with brass beef was alright. A little heavier than fried rice I've had in the past, but still flavorful. Definitely a decent portion of food. I left with the strawberry fruit bubble tea. It was sweeter than I prefer, but still a great...

As an avid ramen lover, this place can't be beat. I was extremely excited when I spotted a new place relatively close to me. To say they didn't disappoint would be an understatement, to the point to where I find myself coming here several times a week. The Tonkotsu alone is enough for me to give this place 5 stars, with pieces of extremely tender and flavorful pork belly in possibly the best broth I've tasted, not to even begin mentioning their extremely soft and savory pork buns, amazing dumplings and edamame. The service is beyond amazing and is easily just as big of a highlight as the food.

Update 2023: I moved to St Augustine a year ago, and still make the drive up to Ponte Vedra occasionally just to eat here with my friends. The food and service is still as impeccable as ever, and they've only expanded upon and improved their menu over the years. The owners are very kind people, and you can sense a genuine gratitude for their customers and pride in what they do. No matter what I order here I leave...