Silverlake Ramen — Restaurant in Tempe

Boy, was I surprised. I was very pleasantly surprised! This has got to be one of the most enjoyable Japanese Noodle joints I’ve had in ages. Especially in the Valley. Many just call Ramen noodles. For some reason, America is most infatuated with Ramen, and I’m not complaining mind you. I think that’s an unfair nomenclature for there is at least seven best known Asian inspired ‘noodles’. They are Shirataki, Soba, Hiyamugi, Udon, Harusame, Tokoroten and then there’s Ramen. I am glad for Ramen’s migration to Japan from China during the Heian period, so we can enjoy the flavors, seasonings and styles Nippon has favored us with. We just don’t get enough offerings from the others to enjoy. That being said, as a Ramen house, Silver Lake is doing a magnificent job! The pleasant and modest establishment is set up pretty much in a communal, social and congenial aesthetics approach. You almost feel like you are in an outdoor, street food environment with its assimilated ambience. As for the food, Wow! A bunch of the family got together with the birthday girl’s choice of location. Silver Lake. Because of our large sized group, almost everyone was able to try from many appetizers and mains placed before us. The layout included Sapporo and Asahi to Sake Bombs, from delectable Shrimp Tempura Cut Rolls to their fabulous Combo Classics, from the scrumptious Pork Bun and Soboro Bowl to exquisite California Cut Rolls, an out of this world Garlic Truffle Chicken and Spicey Tuna Cut Roll to Chicken Karaage and my Pork Tsukemen (incredible), and the Pork Blaze Combo is what dreams are made of. One outstanding item, the Creamy Broccolini, is hard to describe as the most fab broccolini I have ever devoured. Overall, this is must for Ramen – not to mention the sides and add-ons. I have yet to find anything equitable yet in the Valley. So, if you are a fan of Ramen, who isn’t, you’re looking for quality, expect the traditional and authentic flavors and preparation, then this is the place for you. Ten of us at the table can’t be all wrong. By the way, they offer cheater...

I finally made it to this place around lunch as I was doing a quick Trader Joe's run on my lunch break and this place is in the same complex - it is known to have good food and well - yeah, good, good food - I got to the Tonkatsu Ramen and Chicken Karaage combo and the best Karaage ever - I mean, like really good, with a lemon wedge to spritz over the fried chicken pieces and a semi-spicy to dip them in - you could use chopsticks but if inebriated, you can just use your fingers and have a good old time!

As for the Ramen, very, very good and beautiful presentation - the broth is amazing, creamy and rich and the bowl includes half a soft cooked egg (delicious) and then bean sprouts and wilted greens, along with ramen noodles - and I got it with the slide of roast pork that was amazing - salty, greasy, slightly browned, falls apart goodness (I try not to eat too much meat anymore as I'm no longer young, but worth it).

When I walked in they did ask if I was aware it was card only )(no cash) but I don't really use cash and from a tracking perspective, card only is easier - and then when I asked to be seated at the bar, they stuck me at the end so I moved down to get a better view of the TV (Olympics was on) - if I went with friends the tables are much better - and here, once again, old guy, the music seemed a bit loud but that was more by the bar, I did not notice it much when I went by the table area to the restrooms - but when the weather is nice I would definitely prefer the outside tables - designed for a younger crowd (aka, the music) so that is my only 4 star, but the food is worth it.

They do have a full bar with beer, sake and mixed drinks, but I'm more of water guy with my ramen (especially at lunch) - and they have an open kitchen which is fun to see into - a well deserved reputation...

Silverlake Ramen: A Flavor Adventure You Won’t Forget

Appetizer Magic: Gyoza Love First up, the crispy gyoza, golden perfection on a plate. It’s like biting into a cloud stuffed with savory goodness. Paired with that velvety dipping sauce, every crunchy bite had me reconsidering my life choices for ever skipping gyoza. The lemon wedge? A tiny splash of freshness to cut through the richness—genius.

Main Event: Ramen Royalty Then, the pièce de résistance—ramen in all its steaming, aromatic glory. The broth, creamy yet light, hit all the right notes, dancing between umami and comfort. The chashu pork? Melt-in-your-mouth tender, like the ramen gods themselves prepared it. That swirl of black garlic oil had me slurping with zero shame. If you leave without trying this bowl, you’re simply doing life wrong.

Crunch Time: Karaage Chicken Finally, the karaage. Crispy outside, juicy inside, these fried nuggets of joy are a textural triumph. Paired with a spicy mayo dipping sauce, they take fried chicken to new heights. Crunch, dip, repeat—this dish deserves its own fan club.

In short, Silverlake Ramen is a journey of flavors where every dish is a standout. Come hungry, leave in a food coma. You’ll be planning your next visit before you even...