Ishita Ramen — Restaurant in Saint Paul

Dont read or listen to the 4-5 star ratings and go there as a hardcore ramen lover to get dissapointed. 90% of these high star ratings come from people who think tacobell is good versus a real small hidden gem of a mexican taco stand or restaurant! Now, bear with me; i am no way bashing Ichiddo. They have a friendly staff, a clean atmosphere and okay ramen for the average joe or first timer. This place would have gotten a 5 star if it were for a few changes. 1. The noodles they use are not traditional inhouse made ramen noodles that you find at a Japanese ramen restaurant. They use instant wavey noodles from the shelf or dare i say ramen packets. They need to offer Tonkotsu pork base broth, and not just all miso or kimchi. Those 2 have absolutely no flavor. Ramen is suppose to be very fatty, rich and more flavorful then a bowl of pho, but the miso/kimchi base was VERY bland. Again, good enough for a first timer or regular joe, but not for a ninja! Where is the salted duck egg or egg in general? No ramen can exsist without the egg! They also need to use seasame seeds, be more generious with the nori, and most importantly, the pork belly meat!

Absolutely floored. Awful does not come close to my experience here tonight. Terrible customer service. I stopped in tonight and ordered a few appetizers to go. I sat and looked at the menu orders paid the 25.00 and tipped. While waiting I had a beer at the bar paid my 5.00 and tipped. I finished my beer thanked the server and went home to enjoy my dinner. The food was great. I really will miss this place. Because a while later I realized I eft a bag with my purchases from the corner market. A cliff bar 2 fruit bars, and some other handy snacks I could throw in my backpack. So when I realized I immediately called the restaurant. The same server answers and goes. Ahhhhhhh yaaaaa. We threw that out about 20 min ago. I was shocked I said what you just through my stuff away. She replied. Yaaaaaaa I didn’t think anyone would be back. 15$ at the store and they just throw it away. I said somebody should go get it. She said our trash is already taken out. After I tipped you 20% for bagging my food. And wished you a great day. I was the only person there even if I didn’t come back today there was nothing perishable they were belongings of someone wrapped snacks and candy. Just shameful treatment of somebody who enjoys their food. Recommends the restaurant .but will now never return. ...

I just got home from eating at this place and I went in thinking it was just gonna be ramen noodles in broth with meat. Boy, was I wrong!! I was pleasantly surprised at how rich and savory my meal was!! I had the Shredded Char Siu Ramen which is a shredded pork dish. The broth was rich and creamy with just the right amount of spice. The noodles were done perfectly and didn't go soggy in the broth, and the veggies were crisp and flavorful. Hubby had the teriyaki dish with rice. I had a taste and the meat was seasoned just right, the texture wasn't rubbery or mushy, and the rice was done perfectly. Hubby said the flavor of the meat was a little strong for him but he has sensitive taste buds. We both really enjoyed our meal and the young woman who took our order was really nice and knowledgeable about what is in each dish. The restaurant, although small, was neat and clean, and it wasn't cold in there like most restaurants are. It is a very nice and cozy place to enjoy some delicious ramen and sit and talk with whomever you bring with you. Hubby and I will definitely be returning! I'll probably be sneaking some trips in myself, too, after work when the cravings hit, lol!! Thanks to all the staff for a...