Monta Japanese Noodle House is a standout gem in the heart of Las Vegas, serving up some of the most authentic and delicious ramen dishes I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying. Every visit to Monta is a culinary highlight, and it’s no surprise that I make it a point to stop here every time I’m in town—which is about twice a year. This has become a must-visit destination because of the consistently high-quality food they serve.
The star of the show at Monta is undoubtedly their Black Garlic Oil Tonkatsu Ramen. (just don’t wear light clothing when you go because that oil will destroy your clothes until you get home)however This dish is a perfect marriage of rich, savory flavors and impeccable textures. The broth, simmered to perfection, has a deep umami essence that comforts and warms you from the first sip. The black garlic oil adds a layer of smoky complexity, blending seamlessly with the creamy tonkatsu base. Every element of this ramen is spot on—the tender, springy noodles hold up beautifully, soaking in the flavor of the broth without getting mushy. The pork chashu is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a perfect balance of lean and fatty meat. A topping of green onions, mushrooms, and a soft-boiled egg adds freshness and creaminess, making this ramen a standout dish that I look forward to every single time.
For those who prefer a plant-based option, Monta’s Vegan Ramen is equally outstanding. As someone who has tried vegan ramen in numerous cities, I can confidently say that Monta’s version is the best I’ve ever had. The broth is surprisingly rich and flavorful, with a depth that rivals any traditional meat-based broth. The noodles are always cooked to perfection, and the combination of fresh vegetables, tofu, and a touch of spice (add what level you want) makes for a hearty and satisfying bowl that leaves you full and happy. It’s clear that Monta doesn’t treat their vegan option as an afterthought; they’ve put as much care and attention into it as any other dish on the menu.
On my most recent visit, I had the pleasure of trying a couple of new items—the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice and the Gyoza. Both were excellent additions to the menu and brought something new to the table. The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice was a delightful surprise, with perfectly seasoned tuna sitting atop crunchy, bite-sized rice cakes. The contrast of textures between the creamy tuna and the crispy rice was spot on, and the spicy kick added just the right amount of heat. Definitely something I’m adding to my appetizer list every time I visit. It’s a dish that I’d happily order again. The Gyoza, had a thin, delicate wrapper that gave way to a savory filling bursting with flavor. Crispy on one side and tender on the inside, they were a perfect complement before the ramen.
Beyond the food, Monta has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience. It’s a cozy, small spot (make a reservation you won’t regret it) Hi, with friendly staff who are always attentive and helpful. Even when the restaurant is busy—which it often is—I’ve never felt rushed, and the service has always been excellent.
Overall, Monta Japanese Noodle House is a place that I can’t recommend highly enough. From the incredible Black Garlic Oil Tonkatsu Ramen to the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen and the Vegan Ramen, Monta consistently delivers dishes that are full of flavor and expertly crafted. The recent additions to the menu, like the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice and Gyoza, only add to the reasons to visit. I return here every time I’m in Vegas. Monta is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Japanese cuisine, and it remains my go-to spot for a truly...
Read moreMonta Japanese Noodle House is a top tier and authentic ramen place in Las Vegas nestled in Chinatown. Most importantly, it's affordable and one of the better ramen places in the world. Yup, I said it!
The service is always warm, pleasant and kind. They're never rushing you and are super friendly. Honestly, I've never had a negative experience at all. The place is relatively small, so please keep this in mind, if you try to come during busy meal times like lunch and/or dinner. The wait time can definitely be long.
I've been a Monta fanboy for many, many years and I still think Monta Japanese Noodle House is one of the best in the game, especially on the West Coast. The restaurant family has a pretty solid quality control system, so you're consistently getting delicious, high quality bowls of ramen each and every visit.
You get what you pay for, and honestly, consistency is so important. I always know what to expect when I'm visiting Monta, which isn't always true for some other restaurants.
My go-to order / customization: Kuro Ramen Black Garlic Oil, which is pork broth with roasted garlic flavor. Absolutely divine and delicious. Mouthwatering good. Add a flavored egg - trust me, you won't regret it. They're so good. Change the noodles to thick noodles and ask for al dente / extra firm. By the time your bowl arrives, the noodles will continue to cook, as the broth is usually served piping hot.
I've had the Tonkotsu version a few times, and honestly, I just prefer the Kuro Ramen Black Garlic so much more. My partner, however, prefers the classic version instead.
Where we both agree though is definitely the "thick and wavy" noodles, as it is definitely a nice added edition to the meal.
Pro-tip: If you have extra broth leftover, order an extra set of chashu, noodles and a flavored egg to make another bowl at home. I've done this countless times. Your future self will thank you :)
Overall, I will continue to be a Monta fanboy forever. Monta has remained near the top of my list for many, many years for a reason -...
Read moreUpdate!!! 26 July 2022 I am big on customer service! My Family and I got there as the opened today. There were two gentlemen deep in a conversation outside the restaurant most likely waiting for the restaurant to open. I saw the sign at the window that says "OPEN", looked at my watch, it said 1130, so I tried to pull the door open and it was open. So I paused a moment, looked at the gentlemen, then I walked in and my family followed. The server approached me and told my family and I to go back outside because the two gentlemen were there first. Go back outside the restaurant? Seriously?!?!? How rude was that?!?! It would have been better if she said, "Please give me a moment, step to the side, let me help the two gentlemen first, and then I'll sit you." Instead, she told us to "Go outside". The restaurant just opened, no one there! Why go outside?!?!? When it was our turn, she just placed 4 menus on the table and walked away. I told our server about the incident. She apologized, and that's it. The one that told us to step outside did not apologize, no manager, no nothing. Like no one was rude to us.
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This is the Japanese ramen taste that I've been looking for!!! It tastes just like the ramen I would have in Japan when I used to live there. The restaurant also looks like a typical Japanese ramen restaurant, so it that's extra stars for them! We were greeted with the traditional Japanese greeting, 'irasshaimase', extra-extra stars for that! Definitely recommend this...
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