Matsumoto Ramen House — Restaurant in Sparta

I'll start this off by saying I haven't had the chance to try Matsumoto yet (hopefully I will next time I'm in town) but I wanted to share my grandma's experience, as well as my excitement for something new in Sparta. My aunt and grandma decided to give Matsumoto a try after reading about it in the paper. This was my grandma's first time trying ramen and she had nothing but good things to say (and that's saying a lot). From the food, to the service, to the revamp of the building and décor, she was thoroughly impressed. I think her favorite part of the meal were the pot-stickers w/ the vinegar dipping sauce; she said she'd go back just for those! Her only request, like some of the other reviewers have mentioned, is that she would have liked the ramen to have a little more spice to it (perhaps something the restaurant may take into account after reading reviews). It's hard to express how excited I am that something new has come to Sparta. I hope this is just the beginning of many more new and inventive dinning and/or shopping experiences to come. There is so much potential to revive the downtown. Matsumoto, thank you for bringing this to Sparta and I wish you the...

This is THE place to eat in Sparta! Stopped in for dinner while bike-camping on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. Definitely worth the 2-ish mile ride from the DNR campground. It was an unexpected delight (and a needed break from the typical bar-fare in the area) to get such excellent ramen in Sparta. With 2 vegetarians and 2 meat-eaters in the group there was something for everyone.

We ordered the Japanese curry x 2 for the vegetarians, the tonkotsu black, the kimchi, vegetable gyoza, and mango slushies. The person at the counter was friendly and quick, and the server who brought our food to the table was hustling the whole time. The dining room was completely full for the Saturday night dinner rush, and our wait time both to order and get our food was very reasonable.

Excellent food, excellent service, and will go out of my way to visit again if I’m ever remotely...

Well I have never been to Japan or their neighbors so I can't tell you what authentic is. But what I can tell you is this place sure felt like it. Good quality, plating, atmosphere might be a bit closer to our culture but that's likely preferred by most visitors. They have a great thing going here. Too bad we live so far away. Might be able to sneak one more visit in before the next move. Also note, when something says spicy, they aren't kidding. I have a high tolerance for that so I wasn't mad but you could very easily get caught off guard with one of those dishes n be unhappy with your choice. Was also super happy to see them supporting Kona brewing. One of my personal favorites.

If you're in the area, and you like noodles, this is definitely worth the visit! Just beware, they might make you feel disappointed with your other noodle dishes...