Ramen4Real — Restaurant in Reno

I wanted to treat myself to some non-homemade noodles for my Saturday Nite birthday dinner, and opted to patronize someplace new and different to me; that's how I happened upon Ramen4Real... To be candid, I think it was the catchy & novel logo that first caught my attention, THEN the menu photos. 😋

The Ramen joint was smaller than I expected, but quaint and unpretentious, as was the service I received; I only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated, and the staff was polite & friendly. (Hey, is that the "Spy x Family" anime I see airing on the flatscreen TV over the window? Shweet! 🤓) ... Though I was initially looking forward to some shishamo (those were apparently discontinued years ago), the fried shrimp shumai were simply superb; 'nuff said for that. As for the main course, my beautifully-presented, level-2 heat Pork Jigoku (normally I'd go higher) was nothing short of hearty and substantial, with a delectable ajitama, lovely greens (i.e., scallions & spinach, plus a nori strip), savory pork broth, and the chashu was exactly as they say — it literally melted in my mouth with umami flavor as my tongue applied the lightest pressure against my palate. 🤤💙

Hot sake is an option here, but because I knew in advance that the broth that my meal stewed in would be filling enough, I opted to forego it on this visit. On the other hand, despite ending up with a full belly, my only caveat was that there were no dessert options; I probably would've happily made room for some mochi or even a taiyaki if they were offered. 😕 ... However, given the choice, I would return to Ramen4Real in the foreseeable future, and when I do, I look forward to sampling their red bean buns...

Ramen 4 Real is a culinary oasis that transcends the ordinary, a haven where gastronomic delight meets cultural immersion. The Jigoku Special, an otherworldly concoction of flavors, is a symphony for the senses, elevating the ramen experience to unparalleled heights. Uchi-Kuro, a tantalizing appetizer, sets the stage with a perfect fusion of textures and tastes.

But it's the Tokoyaki that steals the spotlight – crispy on the outside, yielding a burst of savory goodness within. The broth, a liquid masterpiece, unfolds like a story with layers of complexity, each sip revealing a new dimension of taste. This is no mere soup; it's a culinary voyage through the heart of Japan.

The courageous choice of requesting "super hot" lived up to its name, delivering a spicy revelation that ignites the palate in a thrilling dance of heat. The Ramune Lychee Japanese drink provides a refreshing interlude, a sweet respite amidst the fiery crescendo.

And then there's Margaret, a culinary guide with the grace of a geisha and the expertise of a seasoned chef. Patiently she navigated our diverse group through the menu, unraveling the secrets of each dish with infectious enthusiasm. Service, under her watchful eye, became an art – attentive, intuitive, and seamlessly executed.

Ramen 4 Real isn't just a restaurant; it's a portal to Japan's gastronomic soul. It's where flavors collide, and tradition meets innovation. In the culinary realm, this establishment stands as a beacon, a testament to the artistry of Japanese cuisine, and an experience that lingers on the taste buds and...

Moving back to the Reno area after living in the Bay Area is not exactly easy. We always miss all our favorite little restaurants. We especially miss our favorite Ramen place with tonkatsu (pork bone broth) ramen. But luckily, thanks to Ramen4Real, we don't have to miss good ramen.

I've tried a couple ramen places in Reno (sadly, there are 0 in Carson where I actually live) and each of them was, well, good enough. It's not the bay area I told myself, so this will do. One of my pet peeves is the ramen that gets the layer of film on top. Idk why but it grosses me out. All the other places I tried had this film, but hey we are in Reno, its "good enough" right? Turns out, I was wrong, and I didn't have to settle. Ramen4Real offered me that beautifully delicious bowl of ramen with ZERO film. This is legit the best ramen we had in Reno.

Their pork bone broth is obviously always a good choice. My daughters (4.5 & 1.5) love the ramen so much I'll probably end up having to get them a bowl of ramen to share, cause I'm not sharing my bowl anymore. Oh, and if you are crazy about a perfectly seasoned medium cooked soy egg. This is the freaking place. I made a mistake not ordering an extra egg on our first visit. Won't do that again. This place was just so delicious, our first visit was the last day of 2019, but I have been thinking about them everyday since.

Parking is a little tight and so is the dining area but...