Hiro Nori Ramen

OH MAN!!!! This place is the real deal. I’ve been trying to find my “go to” spot in Pasadena, and though the competition is pretty good- nothing beats this broth!!! The tonkotsu was rich and creamy, filled with umami. Go for the original thick noodles, they have a chew that u want to experience. Great portion size and a lovely staff, this place is truly 5 stars for me. Only issue is limited parking but that keeps the riff raff out ;)

I tried the vegan ramen here and it was pretty good. It's a soy based miso broth with tofu and veggies. I don't have onion and garlic (and it's great that you can call for it on the side) and the staff was very cooperative and understanding and got it checked. Overall, the ambience is relaxed. Limited vegetarian / vegan options though. Wait times for the food to arrive were not long either.

The vegan ramen is delicious! The broccoli in it is amazing!!!! I want a whole plate. The broth is the perfect amount of creaminess and there's a nice spice bite in it. The noodles are perfect, not a big clump and chewy and dense. The service is great. They have Arnold Palmers! Only suggestion would be to have another vegan option. The music was really nice. Perfect to slurp and read by! I'll definitely be back.

Even the water is delicious! We had a rice bowl and ramen and both were perfect. The edamame was perfectly seasoned.

I had the spicy cold dipping noodles and the crispy chicken. They were so delicious. The sauce for the dipping noodles was very refreshing. It was a big bowl, I couldn’t finish it. The crispy chicken was good too, I liked the sauce a lot.

Nice spot with good ramen. Not the traditional ramen noodles but definitely hand made. Liked the dipping noodles with spicy Szechuan peppers. Everything had a hint of either yuzu or lime or some citrus element. Would visit more if lived locally. Worth a visit if you have time and it’s part of your route. Would go out of the way to dat here.

Came here for dinner with some friends on a Thursday night at around 6pm and it was empty! Service was great. I ordered the tonkotsu and tried my friend’s shoyu ramen and both were delicious. Garlic is free so I did add a healthy serving into my soup. Both had spinach in it, which was new to me, but it wasn’t bad. The broth wasn’t super salty, which is the way I personally like it—I drank all of it 😅

Not a fan of the 18% service charge, ONLY because there’s not an easier option to remove it. There should be a button prior to paying that could easily remove the charge. Other than that, the food was amazing. The vegan ramen was so flavorful and I really enjoyed the infused water.

I've try many ramen places and by far this is one of the best. The pork chashu is really good with the ramen or just with the bowl. The service is always great and everyone is friendly and courteous. The hot sauce is a must! You can park in front if you're lucky and there's a paid parking behind the restaurant.

One of the best places to go out and eat with friends around Pasadena. Get their large bowls they are decently sized. Both ramens and bowls tasted great!! We enjoyed the nicely decorated restaurant and atmosphere. Their pork bowl especially tasted great!! The prices range from 20-25$ per person and it is so worth it!!

I dined here solo and had a relaxing and mellow experience which is exactly what I was looking for. There was a handful of other parties at the restaurant but it wasn’t crowded or loud. My ramen came out quickly and the service was very friendly. You could technically do parties of any size (the tables move) but they seem best set up for 2-4 people. I had tonkatsu ramen and a Diet Coke. After tax and tip my total came to $28. A tasty and mellow lunch or dinner spot!

The ramen is consistently delicious but their karaage the best!! Love that you can ask for garlic and spicy sauce on the side. The staff are always friendly and we never have to wait very long. We typically manage to find free street parking but we might have to park on green street or a block or two away and walk over. The seats are a little uncomfortable but we eat quickly so not a big deal

Yet another Hironori location has popped up and I couldn't be more excited for it! I think this is the sixth location I've visited and this place has a beautiful exterior. The quality of the ramen is still just as spectacular and I love that they actually separated the salad dressing for the to go combo bowl I ordered as others do not do that. The only thing I wish this location had was the branded Hironori to go bowls, but that wasn't a major issue. Garlic portion was pretty decent and so was the broth. I also felt that the chicken bowl portion was quite generous! Overall, I will always recommend my favorite ramen shop in CA. :)

I've been living in Pasadena for a bit over two years now and I've visited my fair share of Ramen restaurants. This is one of the ones I regularly come back to. Their combo (ramen + rice bowl + salad) is totally worth the cost. Tonkotsu ramen + salmon rice bowl is always my go-to order. The server was super friendly, polite and courteous. The place is clean, well-lit and overall in a fantastic location. For parking, I just street parked on Cordova and then walked over.

Creamy soup, garlic, chewy with the right amount of firmness noodles, yummy egg, and pork 😋 A mix of deliciousness!! I first heard about this place from my friend and loved it when I tried it! I wish there was a dipping noodle that wasn’t spicy but the tonkotsu ramen was and always is delicious 😋😋 We also tried the mochi ice cream (green tea flavor) and it was delicious!! Service was great and we had good seats. We walked here so we didn’t have to worry about parking. The bowl is a perfect size and filling but not too big. Also, their AC is at a perfect level where it’s cooling but not freezing and after you drink the soup, you don’t feel stuffy.

Updating my review after 5 years. Looks like the food hasn't change after so many years! Reason of updating is to give Christopher, the manager, a shout out. He is such an honest guy. I would probably come back to support him. A new decent Ramen place in Pasadena. We came here so excited about the hand made ramen. I ordered the shoyu ramen and my husband ordered the tonkotsu ramen with the small side. Both of the ramens were great. The broth were tasty and the pork slices were thick. My husband ordered his tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles but he would have preferred the thick noodles in the future. The noodles were great but I really couldn’t tell a difference if it was handmade or not. Same as the shoyu that were advertised to have been fermented for 2 years. I need to go back to regular ramen store for comparison now. The less one star is the poke bowl and salad that we paid extra with the ramen. They were pretty sad... the salad greens were sad with the dressing on top. The poke bowl was sad too. The salmon look like it has been sitting in citrus marinade for too long and the proportion of fish to rice were off (too much rice). We looked over our neighboring table and saw the beef rice bowl looks better.

Bel

Not a fan of the 18% service charge, ONLY because there’s not an easier option to remove it. There should be a button prior to paying that could easily remove the charge. Other than that, the food was amazing. The vegan ramen was so flavorful and I really enjoyed the infused water.

J M

I've try many ramen places and by far this is one of the best. The pork chashu is really good with the ramen or just with the bowl. The service is always great and everyone is friendly and courteous. The hot sauce is a must! You can park in front if you're lucky and there's a paid parking behind the restaurant.

Alya Kurt

One of the best places to go out and eat with friends around Pasadena. Get their large bowls they are decently sized. Both ramens and bowls tasted great!! We enjoyed the nicely decorated restaurant and atmosphere. Their pork bowl especially tasted great!! The prices range from 20-25$ per person and it is so worth it!!

Heather Martin

I dined here solo and had a relaxing and mellow experience which is exactly what I was looking for. There was a handful of other parties at the restaurant but it wasn’t crowded or loud. My ramen came out quickly and the service was very friendly. You could technically do parties of any size (the tables move) but they seem best set up for 2-4 people. I had tonkatsu ramen and a Diet Coke. After tax and tip my total came to $28. A tasty and mellow lunch or dinner spot!

Sam Lee

The ramen is consistently delicious but their karaage the best!! Love that you can ask for garlic and spicy sauce on the side. The staff are always friendly and we never have to wait very long. We typically manage to find free street parking but we might have to park on green street or a block or two away and walk over. The seats are a little uncomfortable but we eat quickly so not a big deal

Alizen

Yet another Hironori location has popped up and I couldn't be more excited for it! I think this is the sixth location I've visited and this place has a beautiful exterior. The quality of the ramen is still just as spectacular and I love that they actually separated the salad dressing for the to go combo bowl I ordered as others do not do that. The only thing I wish this location had was the branded Hironori to go bowls, but that wasn't a major issue. Garlic portion was pretty decent and so was the broth. I also felt that the chicken bowl portion was quite generous! Overall, I will always recommend my favorite ramen shop in CA. :)

A.J. Foucault

I've been living in Pasadena for a bit over two years now and I've visited my fair share of Ramen restaurants. This is one of the ones I regularly come back to. Their combo (ramen + rice bowl + salad) is totally worth the cost. Tonkotsu ramen + salmon rice bowl is always my go-to order. The server was super friendly, polite and courteous. The place is clean, well-lit and overall in a fantastic location. For parking, I just street parked on Cordova and then walked over.

Jessica You

Creamy soup, garlic, chewy with the right amount of firmness noodles, yummy egg, and pork 😋 A mix of deliciousness!! I first heard about this place from my friend and loved it when I tried it! I wish there was a dipping noodle that wasn’t spicy but the tonkotsu ramen was and always is delicious 😋😋 We also tried the mochi ice cream (green tea flavor) and it was delicious!! Service was great and we had good seats. We walked here so we didn’t have to worry about parking. The bowl is a perfect size and filling but not too big. Also, their AC is at a perfect level where it’s cooling but not freezing and after you drink the soup, you don’t feel stuffy.

Min Li Fu

Updating my review after 5 years. Looks like the food hasn't change after so many years! Reason of updating is to give Christopher, the manager, a shout out. He is such an honest guy. I would probably come back to support him. A new decent Ramen place in Pasadena. We came here so excited about the hand made ramen. I ordered the shoyu ramen and my husband ordered the tonkotsu ramen with the small side. Both of the ramens were great. The broth were tasty and the pork slices were thick. My husband ordered his tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles but he would have preferred the thick noodles in the future. The noodles were great but I really couldn’t tell a difference if it was handmade or not. Same as the shoyu that were advertised to have been fermented for 2 years. I need to go back to regular ramen store for comparison now. The less one star is the poke bowl and salad that we paid extra with the ramen. They were pretty sad... the salad greens were sad with the dressing on top. The poke bowl was sad too. The salmon look like it has been sitting in citrus marinade for too long and the proportion of fish to rice were off (too much rice). We looked over our neighboring table and saw the beef rice bowl looks better.

YS

I had the spicy cold dipping noodles and the crispy chicken. They were so delicious. The sauce for the dipping noodles was very refreshing. It was a big bowl, I couldn’t finish it. The crispy chicken was good too, I liked the sauce a lot.

Johnny Sze

Nice spot with good ramen. Not the traditional ramen noodles but definitely hand made. Liked the dipping noodles with spicy Szechuan peppers. Everything had a hint of either yuzu or lime or some citrus element. Would visit more if lived locally. Worth a visit if you have time and it’s part of your route. Would go out of the way to dat here.

The most delicious bowl of ramen I’ve ever had! The Vegan Ramen broth was so rich and not oily at all. Edamame was also perfectly cooked and seasoned. Can’t wait to come back.

Food tastes great and service was good! I don't agree with the automatic service charge even though you can ask to have it removed. Customers should be able to put more or less based on the service received.

I highly recommend making the trip out to this HiroNori! I came by with a large party of family and friends, and the staff was very welcoming. A special shoutout is owed to the manager, John, as he was patient and accommodating to my specific necessity. Due to a medical issue, I have an extremely restrictive diet, and John took the time during a busy dinner rush to explain to me in detail my options and the ingredients contained. It ensured I could safely share a nice meal with company, and although what I ended up having was more barebones, it was still tasty. As for the regular dishes, my family and friends can attest to their good quality. All enjoyed the variety of appetizers and drinks we ordered, and the ramen noodles themselves were a fan favorite! Our food came out in a timely manner, and that is thanks to the kitchen, but also to our helpful and kind server Radleen who was attentive to our needs. We will definitely be back!

We came in with a party of 9 and were seated within 5 minutes—super impressive! We ordered the spicy tuna on crispy rice, chicken karaage, and of course, ramen. Everything came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. Our servers, John and Radleen, were so kind and attentive—they really took care of us. The food was excellent, the staff were friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Definitely coming back for more!

Iris Delgado

The most delicious bowl of ramen I’ve ever had! The Vegan Ramen broth was so rich and not oily at all. Edamame was also perfectly cooked and seasoned. Can’t wait to come back.

Amanda Santos

We came in with a party of 9 and were seated within 5 minutes—super impressive! We ordered the spicy tuna on crispy rice, chicken karaage, and of course, ramen. Everything came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. Our servers, John and Radleen, were so kind and attentive—they really took care of us. The food was excellent, the staff were friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Definitely coming back for more!

Kenneth Dela Rosa

I highly recommend making the trip out to this HiroNori! I came by with a large party of family and friends, and the staff was very welcoming. A special shoutout is owed to the manager, John, as he was patient and accommodating to my specific necessity. Due to a medical issue, I have an extremely restrictive diet, and John took the time during a busy dinner rush to explain to me in detail my options and the ingredients contained. It ensured I could safely share a nice meal with company, and although what I ended up having was more barebones, it was still tasty. As for the regular dishes, my family and friends can attest to their good quality. All enjoyed the variety of appetizers and drinks we ordered, and the ramen noodles themselves were a fan favorite! Our food came out in a timely manner, and that is thanks to the kitchen, but also to our helpful and kind server Radleen who was attentive to our needs. We will definitely be back!

Decent ramen place. Good soup based thick ramen noodles. Us 4 tried different flavors. We were impressed w the ramen and delicious fatty pork; fatty, flavorful and grilled to perfection. I ordered a spicy cold noodles. Though the red chili oil looked deadly, it was not as hot as expected but it did leave a lasting impact on my tongue 😜.

New ramen spot in Pasadena! The ramen itself was good, the broth nice and creamy. However, I was not a fan of the black garlic oil. I've never had it before, so maybe it's what it's supposed to taste like, but I honestly just thought it tasted like old/stale oil. Unfortunately I had already added it to my bowl, which was not ideal as there was just this after taste of oil after each bite. I had to take a star away because of my experience when I first went in. I arrived about 5 minutes after they opened, on the second day they were open. The place was still empty since they had just opened. I asked for a table for 2, but was waiting for my friend who lived across the street. I was asked if I wanted to wait on the side, since they normally don't seat incomplete parties. This is a policy I'm fine with and have experienced at other restaurants, but generally only when they were busy. Every single table was empty in this instance. I was eventually seated after the server looked around and noticed no one else was there. When my friend arrived a few minutes later, only about 3 other parties had come in in the meantime. Back to the positive, they have hooks for purses under the table! Although not they don't quite work for long strapped cross body bags. 😜 However, one of the servers noticed my plight and brought over an extra stool for my purse.

I just got off work and was craving Ramen... I had the Tonkatsu Ramen with no veggies. The broth is really good. Rich and creamy. I would definitely come back. Only down fall is the parking they DO NOT VALIDATE..parking is $1.50 for every 15min. So basically you are in a rush to each your food. Also if you read the bottom left corner, it states "Please no tipping". So that means they will add it to your bill.

First time trying this place. The chicken was tasty, but not as crispy as I would like them. The dipping sauce was interesting, not sure what it was, I think it was sesame based. Now onto the ramen - the soup was delicious and slightly creamy, not too fatty. The chashu was thick 🙌 with a bold, delicious flavor; perhaps one of the best I've had compared to ramen places. They gave us free grated garlic to add to the ramen 🤌 You can never have enough garlic. I wish they would add more sides for the ramen though.

The food was very tasty. I was a bit disappointed with one small aspect of the meal. I ordered an extra piece of pork. In the bowl one of the pieces was at least 80% fat. When I asked for it to be removed from the check, I wasn't met with the best response. It's worth noting it was $1.90... Overall, this is a good spot of Ramen. Priced well too.

This is a contemporary restaurant serving delicious hot ramen, umami rice bowls and simple side dishes. The Tonkotsu ramen is my go to order here; the pork is soft and tasty, the broth just the right degree of salty. The rice bowl with salmon and tuna is light yet filling. The rice buns with marinated pork belly are too sweet for my taste. This place is worth a try especially on a cold day.

+4

Good ramen. Not a fan of the crispy chicken (karage) nor the salmon bowl. They gave so little salmon in the salmon bowl. The table next to me had the chicken bowl and had way more meat in it. I prefer the thick noodle over the thin noodle.

+5

Just Pasadena parking turned me off. All else wonderful. The shoyo char sui ramen was great. Got the best mirror finish at the end. The angry orange paste on the table was pretty good. Close your throat on first dip but then there is some complexity to its taste a bit later. Pricing reasonable and up front. Size medium. If someone is driving next time, definitely a good recommendation for ramen. Standard 18% up front for tips so keep that in mind. Certainly posted removable but then seemed anti-cultural from a Japanese point of view. Anyhow left it on for my small party. You have to pay the wait staff at the end. The link on the bill doesn't do jack.

As a ramen enthusiast, I recently embarked on a culinary journey to HiroNori Craft Ramen in Pasadena, eager to explore their renowned Tonkotsu ramen and sample some of their popular sides. Here's a detailed review of my experience: Tonkotsu Ramen: The star of the show, HiroNori's Tonkotsu ramen, did not disappoint. From the moment the bowl arrived at my table, I was enveloped in the enticing aroma of simmering pork bone broth. The broth itself was a masterpiece - rich, creamy, and packed with umami flavors that danced on my palate with each slurp. The noodles were cooked to perfection, boasting the ideal balance of chewiness and tenderness. Toppings such as tender chashu pork, marinated soft-boiled egg, crispy bamboo shoots, and fragrant green onions elevated the dish to new heights. It was a soul-warming bowl of comfort that left me craving for more. Pork Bun: While the Pork bun showed promise with its generous filling of succulent pork belly and vibrant garnishes, it fell short in execution. The bun stuffing itself was disappointing, lacking the distinguished flavor and fluffy texture that would have complemented the savory pork filling. Despite the flavorful combination of ingredients, the overall experience was hindered by pickled Onion, leaving me longing for a more flavorful and assorted counterpart. Crispy Chicken: In contrast to the Pork bun, the Crispy chicken was a revelation. Each bite revealed a symphony of textures - the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown exterior giving way to tender and juicy chicken inside. The seasoning was spot-on, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering them. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, this dish was a delightful indulgence that left a lasting impression. Ambiance and Service: Beyond the culinary delights, HiroNori Craft Ramen provided a welcoming and cozy ambiance, perfect for enjoying a satisfying meal. The service was attentive and friendly, with staff members eager to ensure a pleasant dining experience for every guest.

Came in on Friday at about 730pm. Our friends accidently requested seating for 4 adults, 1 child, not realizing our daughter was older. Hostess misheard the change and only put down 4, so we had to wait a little longer, but not bad. Ordered the Shoyu Ramen with added shrimp and garlic with house chili on the side. The garlic is simply amazing, and the chili is about a 3/5 in heat. I'm an above average chili person. My wife got a pork bun, and she really loved it. The daughter got the chicken rice bowl(small), and I tried it and it was amazing. I think I enjoy it more than the ramen. They didn't have coke Zero, but it was fine with Diet coke. They charge you an additional service tax for tip, so be ready for that. No parking, you have to use the parking nearby, which is 1.50$ for 15 mins.

The hype on social media was extraordinary, so I invited my friends from the local college to grab a bite. And here is how it went. (1.) They have a rule that the whole party has to be there to be seated. (2.) They serve drinks in a to-go cup, so be ready to get up asap. And (3.) Tip is already included: Does not matter what size group you have, two or three, you are still tipping. All in all , I would say don't believe social media but believe the food is still really good. A simple broth with an explosion of flavor. I would suggest getting garlic on the side (freshly grated). And don't get anything else. My friend did not like the flavorless chicken teriyaki bowl.. so stick to what they are known for.

Pretty darn good ramen. The noodles were a little soggy. I would recommend the thin noodles. They have cool infused water. Their broth is very rich and flavorful. The appetizers are really good. Overall a great ramen place.

Vincee Demateo

The hype on social media was extraordinary, so I invited my friends from the local college to grab a bite. And here is how it went. (1.) They have a rule that the whole party has to be there to be seated. (2.) They serve drinks in a to-go cup, so be ready to get up asap. And (3.) Tip is already included: Does not matter what size group you have, two or three, you are still tipping. All in all , I would say don't believe social media but believe the food is still really good. A simple broth with an explosion of flavor. I would suggest getting garlic on the side (freshly grated). And don't get anything else. My friend did not like the flavorless chicken teriyaki bowl.. so stick to what they are known for.

Vikas Raj Bhagat

As a ramen enthusiast, I recently embarked on a culinary journey to HiroNori Craft Ramen in Pasadena, eager to explore their renowned Tonkotsu ramen and sample some of their popular sides. Here's a detailed review of my experience: Tonkotsu Ramen: The star of the show, HiroNori's Tonkotsu ramen, did not disappoint. From the moment the bowl arrived at my table, I was enveloped in the enticing aroma of simmering pork bone broth. The broth itself was a masterpiece - rich, creamy, and packed with umami flavors that danced on my palate with each slurp. The noodles were cooked to perfection, boasting the ideal balance of chewiness and tenderness. Toppings such as tender chashu pork, marinated soft-boiled egg, crispy bamboo shoots, and fragrant green onions elevated the dish to new heights. It was a soul-warming bowl of comfort that left me craving for more. Pork Bun: While the Pork bun showed promise with its generous filling of succulent pork belly and vibrant garnishes, it fell short in execution. The bun stuffing itself was disappointing, lacking the distinguished flavor and fluffy texture that would have complemented the savory pork filling. Despite the flavorful combination of ingredients, the overall experience was hindered by pickled Onion, leaving me longing for a more flavorful and assorted counterpart. Crispy Chicken: In contrast to the Pork bun, the Crispy chicken was a revelation. Each bite revealed a symphony of textures - the satisfying crunch of the golden-brown exterior giving way to tender and juicy chicken inside. The seasoning was spot-on, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering them. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, this dish was a delightful indulgence that left a lasting impression. Ambiance and Service: Beyond the culinary delights, HiroNori Craft Ramen provided a welcoming and cozy ambiance, perfect for enjoying a satisfying meal. The service was attentive and friendly, with staff members eager to ensure a pleasant dining experience for every guest.

Santiago Hernandez

Came in on Friday at about 730pm. Our friends accidently requested seating for 4 adults, 1 child, not realizing our daughter was older. Hostess misheard the change and only put down 4, so we had to wait a little longer, but not bad. Ordered the Shoyu Ramen with added shrimp and garlic with house chili on the side. The garlic is simply amazing, and the chili is about a 3/5 in heat. I'm an above average chili person. My wife got a pork bun, and she really loved it. The daughter got the chicken rice bowl(small), and I tried it and it was amazing. I think I enjoy it more than the ramen. They didn't have coke Zero, but it was fine with Diet coke. They charge you an additional service tax for tip, so be ready for that. No parking, you have to use the parking nearby, which is 1.50$ for 15 mins.

A bit disappointed, I don't really like the ramen but the broth's good. The chair is not comfortable and the karage is not good. Maybe it's just not a good time, might give it another try :)

In short, It’s an ok lunch spot for ramen. With a fee more details, Typical Americanized ramen place as soon as you walk in. Great. Clean. Food was ok. I got the Tonkotsu. Broth was delicious but everything else was ordinary. Mostly noodles and bot much anything with it so spice it up. I don’t think the black garlic was black garlic. And my bowl came without the half egg it promised on the menu. They brought it in after I complained…Spicy Tuna on crispy rice was very delicious so I recommend that if you end up eating here. Water was infused with lemon and such things so it had seeds and other remnants but I had no clue so at first I assumed there is something in my water. The lady would was waiting on us, hated her job and needs a lot more training if she wants to keep doing this. She was impatient for us to choose something knowing very well that I just sat down and don’t even have a menu. She had a bad attitude and it’s like pulling teeth to get napkins, to ask a question, to pay…Now that we arrived at payment, they automatically charge you 16% gratuity without warning or asking, which is a no go for me. That service did not deserve me to pay 16% for it…Maybe that’s part of their problem. Dock her pay and she’ll get it together? Not sure but I’m going elsewhere next time.

I enjoy the food HiroNori served but I am not a fond of this place. I ordered takeout and had to wait a while for someone to come to the front to take my order. I asked for spicy chili sauce containers on the side, they even put it in my receipt and still forgot to put any.

We tried HiroNori and loved the ramen. We’re Asian from LA and lived in Tokyo, Korea and China for 20yrs. So we appreciate fresh made craft noodles. This place is legit. High quality ingredients. Good broth. Great Pork. Good flavor. Had Tonkotsu and Shoyu Ramen. Both superb. The one reason I’m giving this a 3 instead of 5 is cause just after we started eating, the wait staff sprayed the table next to us with disinfectant cleaner, blowing towards our direction. Thing is there was no one sitting on the opposite side. It makes more sense to spray that way instead of towards us. We could feel the spray breeze approach our bowls and tried to cover it. This should never happen to begin with. Japanese restaurants are known for high standards and basic etiquette. It’s built into the culture. And when I looked at the waiter with discomfort and realized what he did, he should have offered to change the food as a result. But we trooped it out and chose to eat the food rather than call it out. I’m not sure what they use to clean, but disinfectants aren’t a good ingredient on any craft ramen. Efficiency of cleaning up after a guest leaves should not precede interrupting the dining experience of another which results in a negative experience. And even if they say it’s a “non tipping” restaurant, which is the norm in Japan, nonetheless, a 16-18%? service charge is added. Which is… a tip for service. But in this case I would’ve chosen not to add a tip nor want to be billed a service charge given the circumstances above. We know times are tough looking for service staff. But we sincerely hope this gets fixed. Because we love us a good ramen. Especially this winter. And want to come back. Thank you.

Had been here once before a few months after it opened and loved it. Unfortunately, our second time was not the charm. We ordered 3 different ramens (vegan, shoyu and ton Katsu) and all were just meh. The broccolini in the vegan ramen were nicely done, but instead of the promised fake meat, there was just some raw, unseasoned tofu. The shoyu ramen was serviceable, but not outstanding. Because I was extra hungry, I did the $7.95 upgrade for a side salad and poke. The salmon in the poke was low-quality and served in a bowl of unseasoned rice with a tiny slice of avocado. We also got the eel rolls, which looked better than they tasted. At over $90 for that including tax and tip, it was a very disappointing meal in terms of price/quality.

Elizabeth Jimenez

I enjoy the food HiroNori served but I am not a fond of this place. I ordered takeout and had to wait a while for someone to come to the front to take my order. I asked for spicy chili sauce containers on the side, they even put it in my receipt and still forgot to put any.

Michelle L

Had been here once before a few months after it opened and loved it. Unfortunately, our second time was not the charm. We ordered 3 different ramens (vegan, shoyu and ton Katsu) and all were just meh. The broccolini in the vegan ramen were nicely done, but instead of the promised fake meat, there was just some raw, unseasoned tofu. The shoyu ramen was serviceable, but not outstanding. Because I was extra hungry, I did the $7.95 upgrade for a side salad and poke. The salmon in the poke was low-quality and served in a bowl of unseasoned rice with a tiny slice of avocado. We also got the eel rolls, which looked better than they tasted. At over $90 for that including tax and tip, it was a very disappointing meal in terms of price/quality.

From 5 to 2 Stars! I'm not sure what happened. We went this last weekend to Hiro Nori, usually the number one spot I recommend for great balanced Ramen with amazing chashu pork. But this last time, and I went with a friend who goes frequently with me, the recipe for the broth has significantly changed. Maybe it was a bad batch but we confirmed with employees that they were changing the recipe. I'm adding two collages and you can see that it has gone from being a creamy, rich broth (earlier pics) to an oily, salty, and brown broth. It's so radically different than what it was before and my friend agreed. I could only eat half because it tasted like salty stew rather than silky ramen broth. After a few minutes, and maybe this happened before, but there was a bit of a thick film that formed on top of the broth. I just don't remember that happening before. So disappointed, and I'm not sure if they keep this recipe that I would continue recommending their ramen. Previous Review: This has become my favorite ramen place and all of the San Gabriel Valley! And there's some stiff competition in this area including stalwarts like Shinsengumi. The broth is always perfection, but I have to really give highest kudos to the quality of of the chashu pork which is perfectly tender and I think it's then either braised or grilled to give it texture. My second favorite dish is definitely the spicy tuna bowl, which has spicy tuna that doesn't have too much mayonnaise. The dressing on the salad is great and I like the couscous (I believe it's couscous but it could be some other grain). Can't say enough good things about this place!

I came here expecting the ramen to taste amazing. But sadly, I was greatly disappointed that it was so average. I find Ramen Tatsunoya to taste better. And, I sure wasn’t happy when they added a service charge of 16.54% before taxes. Won’t be returning.

Food was good, reasonable for the price. Service was fine, food came out quickly, it wasn't crowded and it was quiet. I'm really blown away that a 17.68% gratuity was auto added to my bill. The server absolutely told me about it and was willing to print out a receipt to show me the breakdown when I asked. But I had to ask. The spiel was quick, and felt like it was quickly glossed over and I was presented with the POS machine and asked to pay. The server tapped the 'custom' tip button and the charge was clearly shown on the receipt but that's something I would have gotten after paying in a normal transaction. I selected a different amount, not 0, not 17.68%, but something that I chose.

Daniel Krueger

Food was good, reasonable for the price. Service was fine, food came out quickly, it wasn't crowded and it was quiet. I'm really blown away that a 17.68% gratuity was auto added to my bill. The server absolutely told me about it and was willing to print out a receipt to show me the breakdown when I asked. But I had to ask. The spiel was quick, and felt like it was quickly glossed over and I was presented with the POS machine and asked to pay. The server tapped the 'custom' tip button and the charge was clearly shown on the receipt but that's something I would have gotten after paying in a normal transaction. I selected a different amount, not 0, not 17.68%, but something that I chose.