Ramen Boys: Japanese Street-Style Eating

A Tokyo-inspired ramen joint captures the essence of Japan’s street culture while offering a modern twist on comfort food. Walk through the door and it’s easy to imagine you’ve just ducked in from a rainy night in Tokyo, finding shelter behind a bustling train station at a tiny noodle bar glowing with neon and steam.

With moody lights, celebrity sightings, and intimate booths, Ramen Boys is the perfect destination for couples to indulge in delicious dishes from the land of the rising sun!

Street Market Style Meets Modern Ramen Bar

The interior design at Ramen Boys strikes a great balance. There’s a strong Japanese identity here, but it’s presented through a street lens.

But what really grabs attention is a framed sheet with a signature from none other than Bruno Mars. It’s a cool nod to the fact that this ramen joint is no stranger to the limelight.

Booth seating wraps around the main space, with free-standing tables in the center and a slim bar that puts you face-to-face with the kitchen. It’s a great setup for people-watching or checking out the dishes being plated.

“It felt like a ramen joint you’d stumble across down a quiet side street in Shibuya, just a little sleeker, a little louder, and with much better air conditioning.”

The space manages to be intimate while maintaining a sense of community, making it perfect for groups or couples. Whether you’re looking for a private booth or a shared experience at the counter, there’s a spot that fits the mood.

The cashier counter doubles as a shop where you can buy some merch, Japanese stickers, keepsakes, and more! And if you’re in the mood for a drink, the restaurant’s drink options aren’t shy either.

Drinks That Set the Tone

I ordered a Sapporo, which arrived perfectly chilled, a solid match for the savory, salty flavors of the meal. Ramen Boys carries a few Japanese beers like Sapporo, Kirin Ichiban, and Asahi Super Dry, all served ice-cold and well-paired with their ramen and fried bites.

The drink menu also includes a playful lineup of sodas and teas. There’s Green Tea, served hot or iced, and a rich, velvety Hokkaido Milk Tea over ice.

If you’re into fun, nostalgic drinks, the Melon Soda is a standout — topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and finished with a cherry.

Other options include Mango Soda, Strawberry Soda, and the tart, citrusy Yuzu Soda crowned with shaved ice.

The drink list isn’t overwhelming, but it complements the food perfectly. Whether you’re there for a beer, a cold drink, or a classic sake, you’ll find something that matches the mood and enhances the flavor of your meal. And while it’s not a full-on bar, the drink selection has just enough variety to keep everyone satisfied.

Flavor-Packed Starters

We started with two appetizers that were quick to hit the table. First up, the Corn Ribs. These are cut into long strips, grilled and glazed in teriyaki, then topped with parmesan and ao-nori.

Each bite had a soft char, a little sweetness, and a light umami punch. They were fun to eat and really different from anything we’ve had at a ramen shop before.

We also ordered the Chicken Gyoza, which came seared and piping hot. The dumpling skin had the ideal texture — crisped golden on one side, soft and chewy on the other.

The appetizer list is extensive, and we only scratched the surface. Some of the other standouts include Edamame, Karaage (crispy fried chicken), Kimchi, and Takoyaki, which are pillowy octopus balls topped with bonito flakes and ao-nori.

The Tori Kawa Chips — crunchy bites of deep-fried chicken skin — are a rich, salty snack perfect with beer.

For seafood lovers, the Truffle Calamari offers crispy calamari with shredded cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and a touch of caviar. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Tako Wasabi, marinated raw octopus with wasabi and shiso leaf, adds a briny kick to start your meal.

“The gyoza had the exact kind of crispy bottom I hope for every time. The corn ribs were rich and salty in the best way. We finished both fast.”

Comfort Dishes That Hit Hard

For mains, Destony got the Classic Tonkotsu Ramen. The broth was rich and creamy, filled with thin noodles, chashu pork, wood ear mushrooms, and scallions. The pork was tender and fell apart with a touch of the chopsticks.

Everything in the bowl felt thoughtful, from the balance of toppings to the seasoning of the broth itself. The creamy broth was the kind that enveloped the noodles in warmth, making each bite feel like a hug from the inside.

I went with the Chicken Katsu-Don, a rice bowl topped with crispy glazed katsu, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of their house-made sauce.

The breading stayed crisp even under the glaze, and the cabbage gave a little crunch that worked well with the sticky rice. It was hearty and satisfying without feeling too heavy. Each bite felt balanced, with just enough crunch, savoriness, and sweetness from the sauce.

“The ramen broth was smooth and deep in flavor. You could taste the hours it probably took to make it. My katsu had that perfect crisp outside and juicy center. The kind of meal you don’t rush through.”

Plenty of Food and Fast Service

Portions at Ramen Boys are generous. Between the appetizers, two entrees, and drinks, we had no room left for dessert, though we definitely wanted to try them.

The Kakigori — a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert — comes in flavors like mango and strawberry, piled high and topped with syrup and condensed milk. It’s the kind of treat that’s light, sweet, and perfect after a hot bowl of ramen.

There’s also a Japanese sweet potato brûlée, which looks rich and comforting, as well as rotating dessert specials depending on the season. Whether you’re into fruity flavors or creamy textures, there’s something on the menu to round out the experience.

The service here is quick, which is refreshing. Even during a busy dinner service, the wait between ordering and eating was surprisingly short.

Our server was attentive without hovering, and everything felt easy and low-key, which is exactly what you want on a date.

Noodle Nirvana at Ramen Boys

If you’re looking for a Japanese spot that delivers solid food in a playful, date-friendly setting, Ramen Boys should be on your list. The dishes are flavorful, the portions are generous, and the vibe makes it a standout. Whether you’re there for ramen, rice bowls, or just a drink and some gyoza, you’ll leave full and happy.

The addition of the merch and Bruno Mars’ signature adds a cool touch to the place, making it feel like you’re not just at a restaurant, but part of something bigger. This is the kind of place that works whether it’s your third date or your thirtieth. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and make a plan to come back for dessert.

“It’s the kind of place that feels fun without trying too hard. We’ll definitely be back — probably just hungrier next time.”