My first visit to Ramen Shop was a couple of years ago. Ramen boy insists it was last year when he was in 7th grade but if memory serves me right I am sure it was in 2014 not too long after its opening. He was aka sneakerhead and I remember driving to Oakland for a shoe expo. I had something to eat while I waited for him so I wasn’t hungry when we got to the restaurant. So he ate solo. Seriously all I remember about our visit was the bill. I literally gasped at the amount berating myself for not requesting his toppings on the side to eat.
A friend from Singapore was visiting and staying in Oakland and so I suggested we meet up at Ramen Shop. For the sake of the blog I needed to try the ramen this time. The boys hadn’t seen each other since 2008 and the three of them are ramen lovers albeit very picky ones. Rockridge is a booming neighborhood and by the time we got there people were milling around outside enjoying the fine day. My friend and her family were already seated inside and the place had a very cozy vibe. Servers were really nice answering our questions. It would have been easier to just go with the kids menu of just noodles and broth but our two older boys are teenagers and too cool for that. So instead we ordered ramen without any toppings and then paid an additional $4 for chashu bringing each bowl over $20.
The former Chez Panisse chefs and owners of Ramen Shop serve beautiful and unique ramen. The menu changes daily with three types to choose from with a traditional base of noodles made in house (imported noodle machines from Japan), different broths with a twist like with Meyer lemon and various vegetables depending on what’s fresh and in season. My miso ramen was chock full of flavor with springy noodles and veggies. The finely chopped red onion was a bit of a surprise but it wasn’t overpowering at all. Care and thought goes into each bowl and I appreciate that effort.
However, I don’t appreciate the dent in my wallet. I am sure many would say you get what you pay for and the quality is pretty darn good. I suppose it’s best not to bring the kiddos if they aren’t going to eat from the kids menu and to go in with an open mind that it’s not traditional ramen. It’s not their claim to fame anyway so I didn’t have that expectation. I am just a firm believer that ramen should be affordable and enjoyed by everyone. With that in mind, the area is really becoming the hot spot for ramen with Sobo Ramen, Shiba Ramen and Itani Ramen that I know about and Ippudo opening its doors in Berkeley soon. Ramen diversity is a good thing.
Ramen Shop
5812 College Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 788-6370
No Comments