Ramen Mafia — Restaurant in Winston-Salem

Located on W. 4th Street in downtown Winston-Salem, Ramen Mafia boasts a prime location. While parking downtown can sometimes be tricky, there are public parking decks within walking distance, making it manageable. This spot is relatively new, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Though the space isn’t overly large, the seating is well-arranged to avoid feeling cramped. It strikes the perfect balance between cozy and comfortable. To start, we shared the Salmon and Mushroom Yakitori, which set the stage for our meal nicely.

For my main dish, I ordered the HK Shrimp Wonton Ramen—a flavorful bowl featuring a chicken broth base, bok choy, scallions, and shrimp wontons. I added edamame and crispy wontons for extra texture. The broth had good depth, though I personally enjoy a bit more heat, so I requested chili oil and sriracha on the side. My friend went for the Spicy Shiro Miso Ramen, adding chicken. This bowl came packed with flavor and a satisfying level of spice from the start. It included an Onsen egg, green onion, bamboo shoots, naruto, pickled ginger, and nori, creating a well-rounded and authentic experience.

For drinks, I opted for a Lychee cocktail that came topped with fresh lychee. I wasn’t able to spot it on the menu, but it was refreshingly delicious!

As the evening went on, the restaurant got noticeably busier, and the wait staff seemed a bit scattered. However, given that they may not have anticipated such a crowd, it’s understandable. Despite the rush, service remained friendly and attentive.

Final Thoughts

Ramen Mafia is a fantastic addition to the downtown dining scene. The food is flavorful, the ambiance is cozy, and it’s a great spot for ramen lovers. While service had a few hiccups due to the influx of customers, that’s a sign of growing popularity. I’d definitely return—especially with some extra chili oil...

Ramen Mafia in Winston-Salem brings a unique, modern twist to traditional Japanese flavors, and it does not disappoint. Located on W Fourth Street, this new spot feels like a hidden gem with its cozy yet edgy decor, reminiscent of an underground Japanese ramen bar. This atmosphere is perfect for an intimate meal with friends or a casual solo visit for a delicious bowl of ramen

The ramen itself is the true star, crafted with deep, savory broths and fresh noodles. Signature dishes include the tonkotsu ramen, rich with pork flavor and balanced by green onions and soft-boiled eggs, and the miso ramen, which has a creamy depth without overwhelming the palate. Ramen Mafia also offers Japanese street food classics like yakitori skewers, which add a delightful smoky flavor to the meal, and gyoza dumplings that are crisp on the outside and tender inside

Service is attentive, and the staff is enthusiastic about helping diners navigate the menu. For anyone in Winston-Salem craving authentic Japanese flavors in a fresh, vibrant setting, Ramen Mafia is a spot worth trying. Whether you’re new to ramen or a seasoned enthusiast, each dish feels thoughtfully crafted, making for an experience that’s both satisfying...

Had high hopes, but the main dish (black garlic tonkotsu) was a major disappointment. What little broth there was had no seasoning; it tasted like kind of sweet cream mostly. I asked if it came with pork belly and was told it did. However, what I got were 3 very flat, very dry pieces of white pork meat. It’s called black garlic, but had zero taste of any garlic whatsoever. And the noodles were pasty. The server was friendly, but bad call on the pork belly. She asked if we wanted chili flakes and chili oil, so we said yes. Once added, it was honestly the only seasoning in the broth. The wasabi pork shumai appetizer was very tasty. But the Takoyaki was just mush with a small piece of octopus inside, and had to have soy sauce to be very flavorful. Sorry. Sad, but true. We came for the ramen after waiting excitedly for the last few weeks to try it and it just fell flat. Btw, we were there at about 5:30 and were only the second table seated for dinner, so a dinner rush was’t the issue....