When walking into Tonbo Ramen, one immediately encounters visions of low lighting and antique tables and chairs that fill the charming two-story building, which was built in 1914. With an ambience reminiscent of much-loved ramen hideaways across the globe, the restaurant transports guests into traditional Japanese culture right on S. Wilmington St. Ready to serve up ramen to die-hard fans, as well as skittish beginners, Tonbo Ramen adds a freshly diverse, worldly vibe to downtown Raleigh’s dining scene. The restaurant opened its doors earlier this month, and has been bringing in new, and returning, visitors ever since.
The recently opened ramen spot was started in hopes of a new beginning for Raleigh’s food scene, bringing the ever-popular noodle sensation right here to the City of Oaks. The restaurant’s opening has been met with much success, as students, families and community members wander into the ramen-focused spot in search of just the right noodle dish. And, with ramen noodles made from scratch and broths simmered for a generous 20 hours, the result is impressively authentic. Operating partner Tom Mukoyama talked of his overarching mission for the restaurant.
“We started this shop cause we were fans of ramen, and there was nowhere to really get ramen in Raleigh,” Mukoyama said.
On the first floor of Tonbo Ramen is a traditional style ramen bar, where restaurantgoers can watch their ramen being prepared as they wait for their food, or as they sit at neighboring tables and booths. The ramen hotspot offers the perfect place for a romantic date night or special birthday celebration, giving its visitors the full, traditional ramen experience. With options such as tonkotsu ramen, shiyo ramen and seafood ramen, the menu has something for everyone, at prices starting at $12 for vegetarian ramen.
While the ramens present a variety of different tastes, ranging from a clear beef broth to a rich seafood broth, all contain the same famous thin noodles that ramen is known for. There is also a selection of add-ons which are available for an additional cost starting at $1.50, but work to highlight Tonbo Ramen’s authentic roots. Popular add-ons include the classic soy marinated eggs or the more adventurous homemade dumplings. Since Tonbo Ramen does not allow reservations, sitting on the first floor can be tricky on a busy night. However, there lies an upper level where guests can mingle over drinks and conversation.
A Japanese-style Izakaya bar is located upstairs, against dark and neon lighting. The laid-back atmosphere is only intensified by the more fusion bar-style foods. Although one can still order ramen upstairs, there are also a variety of tapas foods available, from pork belly buns to beet salads to tempura fried vegetables, in addition to yakimono — which is served on a stick. The Izayaka bar’s prices range from $3 for a yakimono to $10 salads.
In terms of drinks, Izakaya hosts many different selections of alcohol — from Japanese whiskey to creative cocktails to classic American drafts. While the first floor offers more of a formal dining experience, the Izayaka bar gives guests a chance to kick back and relax with good food, drinks and company. Carol Dowe, additional operating partner, spoke on what makes Tonbo Ramen stand out among the wealth of fusion restaurants in the greater Raleigh area.
“We wanted an authentic place to get ramen,” Dowe said. “There are a lot of fusion restaurants, but we wanted an authentic ramen shop.”
The menu also offers vegetarians options for those looking for a yummy, meat-free meal that is still loaded with the good stuff. In terms of hospitality, the staff remains friendly and attentive even on a busy night, showing special attention to guests even when the kitchen is running behind. Overall, the restaurant marks a coming of age culinary venture that has taken the nation by storm in honor of all things noodles.
For hours of operation visit the restaurant’s website, https://www.tonboramen.com/.
