Best Ramen in Solvang, which really isn't a high enough compliment. Everything is super well prepared, specials are fun and creative, staff is friendly and helpful. A true gem!
It's never been my plan to get ramen in Solvang, but I went there by pure fortune and I don't regret it, their shoyu ramen is delicious, the broth is full of flavor and light while rich, the noodles are good too. Their karaage doesnt have too much crust so it's just the right amount and the Chicken is really juicy and too fat. Their spicy tuna handrolls are also delicious. Finally they have a good Japanese beer selection (I'm fond of hitachino red). Definitely a must stop if you had enough of sausages and the regular stuff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Karaage Chicken, Shoyu Ramen
Collin Anderson
Never thought a Dutch-themed town would have a Japanese restaurant but life is full of surprises like that.I cannot recommend the spicy chicken tan-tan ramen enough. It is the perfect balance of umami and heat. The mochi dessert special was amazing as well. I can't remember the full description but they definitely should add it to the menu if it isn't already.I'm recommending this place to anyone who finds themselves in Solvang and doesn't just want a pastry from one of the ten bakeries in a quarter mile radius.Parking: We went during off peak hours later into the night and were able to find parking right in front of the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tan Tan Ramen, Duck Bao Bun, Spicy Tantan Ramen
Geraldine Marata
The Shoyun ramen was pretty good for the cold weather. We arrived 8mins before closing time. Glad they still took our order. We just did not know that they close for an hour and open the place in another schedule.Editing this review: So I had another ramen this time and I ordered the famous Tan Tan Ramen with Gyoza. It was superb! The ramen was just a lot for me but I ate all the gyoza. I see that a lot of people are trying out their ramen. Good service by the way.
This was so unfortunate. I was given an open/broken container with my order and it leaked through the bottom of the bag on my drive home (10 minutes). It soaked the carpet interior of my car and when I reached to pull it out the bottom of the bag broke and fell all over the inside and outside of my car. Accidents happen, but when I reached out to let them know what happened; Francisco cut me off while I was telling him what happened and asked if I wanted a refund or replacement for only the broth since that’s what was mis-packaged. Even though the photo I included (shown here) showed that all the food had fallen on the floor. I guess he wanted me to use the 5 second rule and eat the rest of the order off the floor? I didn’t even reach out looking for a refund, but to be nickel and dimed over a cup of broth felt so ridiculous. No apology for my car, no solution offered, nothing. It was 20 minutes before they closed and I had to ask for a “full refund” but they ended up keeping their tip and tax lol $51 dollars for a smelly car damn it man ?It’d almost be funny if my car didn’t smell like ramen. I didn’t get to try the food, but it looked really good! Just make to order dine-in and not to go ??
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Eileen Wang
Amazing ramen at such a cute hidden spot! We got the shoyu ramen and tantan ramen, both were delicious and super fresh. The noodles were bouncy and the broth was flavourful. Definitely would recommend to anyone coming to Solvang!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Camille Bergin
This was the best ramen I’ve ever had
Nare Mughdusyan
They have gluten free ramen and staff is educated about celiac disease. Very nice location and friendly staff. The only problem is that you need to wait to get into the wait list and then wait for a table to be available only after that you can make the order. We waited approximately 45 minutes to be seated and another 15 minutes for food to arrive. But it was tasty and very big portions!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Monika Tak
The vegetarian ramen was stodgy and bland. The chicken ramen likewise, lacked any taste. The crispy tofu was dripping in oil and wasn’t appetizing
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Jeremiah Fishell
The rice bowl with pork belly was excellent. The Ramen broth was extremely salty, but otherwise tasty.
Yummy vegetarian ramen. Nice little cozy spot. We were able to sit indoors which was really nice! The flavor of the soup was really nice and not strong. Enjoyed the vegetarian bao and tuna hand rolls. No complaints. Seats are limited to outside seating primarily. Good portion size. Friendly male taking orders at the front! Thanks.
The food was ok if you are craving the only Asian place in solvang. The people taking my order were nice and it's el Fresca for dining which is nice in California winter. I live in the Mecca of melting pot of the great food in socal. I have had a lot of ramen houses and if I compared it to those places, the ramen was standard but nothing that wowed me. Not bad but not the best I've had. Price is kind of high but I guess that's the world we live in now.
Tanya B.
First thing to know, seating is outside. We went on December 13th in the evening, it was chilly outside but we were dressed warm plus they have several outdoor heaters so we didn't feel cold at all, so just make sure to dress appropriately and you'll be fine. Next the experience is a hybrid between fast casual and full service sit down. When you arrive you order, pay, and tip at the counter. After that they take everything to you and it feels like a normal restaurant experience.We ordered 2 bowls of ramen and 1 order of gyoza as well as a Thai tea. The ramen bowl had pork belly instead of chashu, but it was such a nice fatty tender delicious (and large) piece of pork belly that I actually preferred it. The broth was not fatty if you like a fatty ramen broth, and it also had a lot of seaweed in it which I would have skipped had I know (my husband would have skipped it as well) Overall tasty, a solid place and just such a lovely ambiance. Beautiful memories made. I would definitely return here
Jessica M.
Absolutely terrible I don't think the people who gave this place any stars know what flavor is. Being from a city with plenty of ramen joints this was super disappointing. The service was awful I said I'm sorry but I'm canceling my to go order and I don't want to eat this it's absolutely a waste and the guy said we're not refunding you, you can leave it there you don't have to eat it. Are you serious dude ? Any restaurant with terrible food takes it back and will refund. Don't bother with this place if you're familiar with ramen. After all the drama he finally refunded me.
Cindy J.
After a day of pastries and aebleskivers, the Asian in me craved noodles and broth! Was thankful to come across Ramen Kotori to satisfy my craving. Husband had ramen with pork belly, while I opted for the vegan ramen with tofu and bamboo (extra charge). We sat outside by the heating lamps and the hot broth was very flavorful and comforting. It was decent, considering it was a ramen shop in Solvang! Wasn't the best ramen I've ever had or anything, but it made me happy that night :) the wait can get a little long, and they don't have a text/calling system -- but you can walk around and check back in and they will hold your spot even after they called your name.
Best Ramen in Solvang, which really isn't a high enough compliment. Everything is super well prepared, specials are fun and creative, staff is friendly and helpful. A true gem!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gyoza, Duck Bao Bun, Spicy Tantan Ramen, Shoyu Ramen
It's never been my plan to get ramen in Solvang, but I went there by pure fortune and I don't regret it, their shoyu ramen is delicious, the broth is full of flavor and light while rich, the noodles are good too. Their karaage doesnt have too much crust so it's just the right amount and the Chicken is really juicy and too fat. Their spicy tuna handrolls are also delicious. Finally they have a good Japanese beer selection (I'm fond of hitachino red). Definitely a must stop if you had enough of sausages and the regular stuff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Karaage Chicken, Shoyu Ramen
Never thought a Dutch-themed town would have a Japanese restaurant but life is full of surprises like that.I cannot recommend the spicy chicken tan-tan ramen enough. It is the perfect balance of umami and heat. The mochi dessert special was amazing as well. I can't remember the full description but they definitely should add it to the menu if it isn't already.I'm recommending this place to anyone who finds themselves in Solvang and doesn't just want a pastry from one of the ten bakeries in a quarter mile radius.Parking: We went during off peak hours later into the night and were able to find parking right in front of the restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tan Tan Ramen, Duck Bao Bun, Spicy Tantan Ramen
The Shoyun ramen was pretty good for the cold weather. We arrived 8mins before closing time. Glad they still took our order. We just did not know that they close for an hour and open the place in another schedule.Editing this review: So I had another ramen this time and I ordered the famous Tan Tan Ramen with Gyoza. It was superb! The ramen was just a lot for me but I ate all the gyoza. I see that a lot of people are trying out their ramen. Good service by the way.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gyoza, Spicy Tantanmen and Shoyu Ramen, Spicy Tantan Ramen
This was so unfortunate. I was given an open/broken container with my order and it leaked through the bottom of the bag on my drive home (10 minutes). It soaked the carpet interior of my car and when I reached to pull it out the bottom of the bag broke and fell all over the inside and outside of my car. Accidents happen, but when I reached out to let them know what happened; Francisco cut me off while I was telling him what happened and asked if I wanted a refund or replacement for only the broth since that’s what was mis-packaged. Even though the photo I included (shown here) showed that all the food had fallen on the floor. I guess he wanted me to use the 5 second rule and eat the rest of the order off the floor? I didn’t even reach out looking for a refund, but to be nickel and dimed over a cup of broth felt so ridiculous. No apology for my car, no solution offered, nothing. It was 20 minutes before they closed and I had to ask for a “full refund” but they ended up keeping their tip and tax lol $51 dollars for a smelly car damn it man ?It’d almost be funny if my car didn’t smell like ramen. I didn’t get to try the food, but it looked really good! Just make to order dine-in and not to go ??
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amazing ramen at such a cute hidden spot! We got the shoyu ramen and tantan ramen, both were delicious and super fresh. The noodles were bouncy and the broth was flavourful. Definitely would recommend to anyone coming to Solvang!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was the best ramen I’ve ever had
They have gluten free ramen and staff is educated about celiac disease. Very nice location and friendly staff. The only problem is that you need to wait to get into the wait list and then wait for a table to be available only after that you can make the order. We waited approximately 45 minutes to be seated and another 15 minutes for food to arrive. But it was tasty and very big portions!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The vegetarian ramen was stodgy and bland. The chicken ramen likewise, lacked any taste. The crispy tofu was dripping in oil and wasn’t appetizing
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
The rice bowl with pork belly was excellent. The Ramen broth was extremely salty, but otherwise tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Ramen
Restaurantji Recommends
Yummy vegetarian ramen. Nice little cozy spot. We were able to sit indoors which was really nice! The flavor of the soup was really nice and not strong. Enjoyed the vegetarian bao and tuna hand rolls. No complaints. Seats are limited to outside seating primarily. Good portion size. Friendly male taking orders at the front! Thanks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Miso Ramen, Veggie Ramen, Crispy Tofu, Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls, Vegetarian Ramen
The food was ok if you are craving the only Asian place in solvang. The people taking my order were nice and it's el Fresca for dining which is nice in California winter. I live in the Mecca of melting pot of the great food in socal. I have had a lot of ramen houses and if I compared it to those places, the ramen was standard but nothing that wowed me. Not bad but not the best I've had. Price is kind of high but I guess that's the world we live in now.
First thing to know, seating is outside. We went on December 13th in the evening, it was chilly outside but we were dressed warm plus they have several outdoor heaters so we didn't feel cold at all, so just make sure to dress appropriately and you'll be fine. Next the experience is a hybrid between fast casual and full service sit down. When you arrive you order, pay, and tip at the counter. After that they take everything to you and it feels like a normal restaurant experience.We ordered 2 bowls of ramen and 1 order of gyoza as well as a Thai tea. The ramen bowl had pork belly instead of chashu, but it was such a nice fatty tender delicious (and large) piece of pork belly that I actually preferred it. The broth was not fatty if you like a fatty ramen broth, and it also had a lot of seaweed in it which I would have skipped had I know (my husband would have skipped it as well) Overall tasty, a solid place and just such a lovely ambiance. Beautiful memories made. I would definitely return here
Absolutely terrible I don't think the people who gave this place any stars know what flavor is. Being from a city with plenty of ramen joints this was super disappointing. The service was awful I said I'm sorry but I'm canceling my to go order and I don't want to eat this it's absolutely a waste and the guy said we're not refunding you, you can leave it there you don't have to eat it. Are you serious dude ? Any restaurant with terrible food takes it back and will refund. Don't bother with this place if you're familiar with ramen. After all the drama he finally refunded me.
After a day of pastries and aebleskivers, the Asian in me craved noodles and broth! Was thankful to come across Ramen Kotori to satisfy my craving. Husband had ramen with pork belly, while I opted for the vegan ramen with tofu and bamboo (extra charge). We sat outside by the heating lamps and the hot broth was very flavorful and comforting. It was decent, considering it was a ramen shop in Solvang! Wasn't the best ramen I've ever had or anything, but it made me happy that night :) the wait can get a little long, and they don't have a text/calling system -- but you can walk around and check back in and they will hold your spot even after they called your name.