JINYA Ramen Bar
| Address: | 2400 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA |
| Phone: | +1 310-392-4466 |
| Site: | jinya-ramenbar.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM 11:30AM–11PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 12
DO
Don Weiner
I was looking for good Ramen, and noticed this pace on Main Street in Santa Monica. I decided to try it, since it had great curb appeal. Theres a large outdoor dining area, and at night it looks very inviting with the big flame heaters. I thought parking was going to be an issue, until I drove around the block and saw the huge metered parking lot behind the buildings. Plenty of parking for $1 an hour, however I dont understand why the self-serve parking machines have no lighting at night. As I approached the restaurant I saw there were people waiting out front, so this place must be good! I added my name to the list and waited about 15 minutes until we were called. I would have preferred to sit inside, but there is very limited indoor seating. The hostess pointed us to a table in the back of the patio, right next to an ugly open door that leads to the alley. The table was slightly slanted, due to the slope of the patio (just something to keep in mind when the bowl of piping hot ramen comes). Actually, once youre sitting in the patio seating, it doesnt look nearly as nice as when youre driving by. In fact, they have the most uncomfortable chairs Ive ever sat in. We waited a good 10 minutes before a waitress finally brought over menus. Luckily I had my iPhone, since the only lighting on the patio are those big flame heaters. Once we ordered, the food came out pretty quick. We started with the Shrimp Toast, which was nothing more than a piece of shrimp between two pieces of toasted white bread, served with some kind of mayo dipping sauce. Nothing special. We also had an order of the Sauteed Shishito Peppers, which were a bit overcooked. Again, nothing special. I was looking forward to the Wonton Chicken Ramen that I ordered. It was OK. Not bad. But Ive had much better at other ramen places. The broth just tasted like it was missing something, and the noodles were a bit overcooked. The wontons were OK, but the meat inside tasted like pork (which I hope it wasnt, since this is a chicken ramen). Once we were finished, the plates were cleared quickly, but then we sat waiting for another 15 minutes for the check to arrive. I finally asked the busboy to bring it. Once it came, I didnt bother waiting for the waitress to come back, so I just walked it up the register myself. After all, my parking meter was almost up. Overall, this was not a great experience. Poor service, average meal, uncomfortable chairs, and no lighting. I wont be coming back.
DA
David Brennan
This is THE place to be right now in Santa Monica! Having been to other Jinya locations in the LA area, my expectations were naturally high as they are generally great places to eat. Simply put, I was not disappointed. The restaurant itself is beautifully furnished and has a combined aesthetic of cozy fine dining and an "IT" place to hang out. The fire pit outside is a gorgeous addition to the property! Shifting to the food, my expectations were met and then exceeded by a mile. The food was delicious, and I was lucky enough to be with a large party that wanted to try a little bit of everything. From the appetizers to dessert, I was not left wanting more. Finally, regarding the people who make this place run: I was instantly made to feel welcome and felt right at home. The owners both came out to say hello, and their support staff did a great job of catering to the needs of everyone I was with. Bravo! In short, I would go back for the food, and stay for the people who work there. Please do yourself a favor and go check out this new hot spot for dining on the West Side!
FR
Francis Abastillas
Came in with high expectations. Needless to say, I was let down. First off, excellent atmosphere and food. Their pork gyoza is to die for. Their ramen is flavorful and rich. Atmosphere is very modern and casual. However, the staff at this location is too lax and careless. The plate of chicken curry I ordered had a piece of plastic in it that I almost ate, and upon notifying the staff, I was told it would be taken off my check. Though, when I recieved my check, I was still being charged for the plate that I was specifically told was off the check. Either the staff is careless or theyre out for your money, and I dont know which one is worse. Hope this was a one time thing.
SL
slim nick
As with all restaurants, it seems you either get great good, service, or ambiance. The wait at this little restaurant was short, less than 15 minutes. The food was great. The service was a little slow which was a little frustrating considering how many servers were running around. My main gripe was the guy sitting at the table next to us -- unfortunately, he was the type that loved to talk, at length and loudly, about himself.
PA
Parker Green
Very trendy and popping place in Santa Monica! There was a long wait list when we arrived, but they were good at keeping things moving fast and it didnt take too long for us to be seated. Its a very bustling and lively place, and they were very efficient and quickly with bringing our noodle bowls out. The spicy ramen tasted AMAZING! I loved it and will definitely be going back!
RI
richard singerman
Terrible experience. I wanted to get a vegetarian kids meal. They have veggie stuff on the menu including veggie soups. They refused to substitute veggie based Raman for the chicken based Raman. And the waiter was rude about it too. What a crummy experience for a parent with a kid after a nice day at the beach. This is both my first time at his restaurant and will be my last time
BR
Brian Chee
Not your typical ramen place. This place offer various small Asian American fusion tapas such as Brussels sprouts tempura. Good variety of tonkotsu or chicken ramens. This location do not much indoor sitting.. but plenty of outdoor sitting. Food - 4/5 Service - 3.5/5 Vibe - 4/5 All in all, awesome place to try. I will definitely go back for ramens.
PR
Prerna Gupta
Im always looking for more non pork broth ramen, since its delicious but I dont eat pork. I happened upon this place while running an errand in Santa Monica, and couldnt have enough of the spicy chicken ramen I ordered. Already looking forward to going back! Ambiance was nice - table seating inside and really cute communal table outside as well.
FA
Fabio De Mattia
Locale accogliente sia negli spazi interni che in quelli esterni. Buona scelta oltre ai ramen ed ottimo assortimento di birre anche giapponesi. Personale gentilissimo
AR
Artem Moshkovich
Having ordered the creamy vegan ramen, Im ecstatic over the notion that Tatsu is no longer the only option for vegetarians/vegans in LA! Service was fast and pleasant. The ramen was sensational, rich with flavor after adding a bit of extra chili paste for extra lunch. Worth a visit for anyone looking for quality ramen!
ST
Stephen Jabaut
Came in after the lunch rush, because this place is almost always packed. Got the vegetarian ramen and it was served promptly and it was good. Definitely felt like a Ramen scene, place. Im new to the neighborhood and have always wanted to try Ramen and glad I did. That being said, Im more of an Udon person in general.
SH
Shashi D
Really loved the place. Food is great here. Jinya No 2 is my fav. The broth in the Jinya No 2 tastes really good. Do add an extra seasoned egg to the bowl, its different. Am not much of a ramen fan but it was fine as it was delicious. lots of beer and wine options to try and lots of locally brewed beers too.
