Kokeshi — Restaurant in Salem

If I could give my experience at this place today a 0 out of 10 then I would. I went in today for a Margarita pizza. It was a table for two so we sat and placed our order, which were two soda’s and a Margarita pizza.

We got our soda’s and waited for our food. 4 new customers came in 5 to 15 minutes after us and all received their food before us which was much larger orders like pizza and other entrees. About 30 minutes have now passed and I notice every customer that came in after us have received their food and we haven’t so I asked how long it would take since it’s just an order of 1 pizza. The waiter says “everyone placed their orders at once so it should be out soon.” I see the waiter go to the register and it’s almost as if the pizza was never placed because I see them yell to the kitchen “margarita pizza” so this made me feel like they had forgot to place the order and lied about everyone ordering at once.

We finally got the pizza after about 35-40 minutes of waiting and were never asked once how the food was or if we needed anything else. I noticed they asked the customers sitting beside us but not us. I’m also a Spanish customer and all the other customers that received their food before us were white so it almost seemed like it was an intentional act (hoping this isn’t true). We paid our food and I still left a tip (which thinking about it now I probably shouldn’t have)...

Most importantly, the staff here is incredible and very attentive. I’ve been coming here for the past few years and I absolutely LOVE it as it is one of the most flavorful ramens on the North Shore. I have to say, the consistency is really lacking when it comes to the quality of ramen. I’ve introduced Kokeshi to friends and family members and they’ve returned their dishes multiple times because of the pork cuts, overcooked noodles, etc…

I wish the consistency was more frequent because when it’s done right - it’s perfect. More often than not LATELY it’s not the same as it used to be. It’s really upsetting expecting what you are used to being served, and noticing the quality of dishes...

anyone who's had even half decent ramen would be able to tell how lackluster the ramen here is. the pork belly was actually really nice, but the broth itself is just doused in so much salt it ruins the rest of the dish - i usually finish all my food regardless of how it tastes but simply couldn't as the salt content gave a headache.

my partner ordered the salmon donburi, and the rice had the same problem of being incredibly oversalted, even if the salmon itself was well cooked and yummy.

also, pretty overpriced for one salmon filet for $20 and three small slices of pork belly for $18.

service was great, atmosphere was nice, but food left a lot to be desired. (Also slightly...