Menya Daruma

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars — Menya Noodle Counter / Menya Daruma (Charlotte, NC) Parking is limited, but going early makes it easy. We arrived on a Thursday around 4:45 PM and found parking and seating right away. The restaurant filled up fast, but the service stayed warm, friendly, and attentive. We ordered the Spicy Tan Tan Ramen noodles with pork, plus gyoza, karaage, wontons, and edamame — everything was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The ramen had a rich, comforting broth with the perfect soft-boiled egg, and the gyoza and ramen were the stars. Not a single dish disappointed. The QR-code ordering system was quick and smooth, and checkout was simple. Tip: Go early and don’t miss the gyoza — it’s worth it. Great food, great service, great experience. Slurp, savor, smile — every time.

In my opinion the best ramen spot in Charlotte. Small, single location restaurant with a lot of care and attention to quality. The owner is from Japan and brings authenticity to the food served. The service is good - the host and chefs are polite and the restaurant uses an app for ordering which keeps things efficient. Food is excellent and I always enjoy my regular options - the cucumber tsukemono appetizer along with the shoyu ramen with an extra egg. Sometimes we get the karage chicken which is also good and my partner loves the to tonkatsu black ramen! Atmosphere is very fun as there is traditional table seating but also "bar seating" where you can witness the food being prepared! Overall highly recommended! Can't wait to go back!

Completely enjoyed my ramen!! I tend to find ordering Ramen overwhelming in some places but didn't have that issue at Menya. Super easy to order based on your preference in broth and additional ingredients. Everything is pretty much pulled together vs building your ramen to preference. They offer appetizers and Bao bun choices to help fill ya up. Gyoza was tasty and so was the Pork Bao Bun. I had the Spicy Tan Tan....definitely spicy but right up my alley. And juat what I needed on such a chilly night. Definitely a place I will be back for seconds, thirds, etc...

I had heard a lot of praise about this place from people who consider themselves serious ramen lovers, so I decided to try it for myself. The restaurant is small and parking can be difficult, so visiting during quieter hours makes the experience much easier. Seating is limited but the space feels warm and comfortable. Ordering is done through a QR code and the process is simple and efficient. The staff was very attentive throughout the visit, regularly clearing the table and refilling the water pitcher without being asked. I ordered the spicy pork ramen and it truly delivered on heat and flavor. It is definitely bold, so anyone sensitive to spice may want to choose a milder option. The prices are a bit high, but the quality and taste make it worth it. Overall, Menya Daruma in the Queens District of Charlotte provided an excellent experience and easily earns a five star rating.

After a quick Google search for Ramen, we found this place. Located off Central Ave. Its a small shopping center next to Puerta and Starbucks with very minimal on site parking so I can only imagine what peak times look like here unless you park somewhere else. They have few tables to sit at inside with some Bar seating as well. Ramen was what I expected. Very flavorful and the pork always adds a little razzle dazzle. Everything we got was delicious. Now, if you ask for anything extra, cilantro, chili paste, lemons, etc they do charge you which we didnt expect but I guess thats how they roll.

Modernized American ramen spot. But you can sit at the counter and order through QR. We ordered the cucumber tsukemono and Tori katsu Sando as appetizer. The cucumber had a good pickling and a good soy vinaigrette sauce. Light and refreshing. The sando was fried perfectly and had good flavor; not too heavy. My fiancé ordered the spicy tantan; he said it was definitely spicy but tolerable. He doesn’t eat a lot of spicy food; I do, I thought it was a good amount of spice (not enough for me). I ordered the tonkatsu kuro with pork and enjoyed the whole bowl. Will definitely be coming back.

Skip the others- Menya has the best ramen in Charlotte hands down. The service is always quick and friendly, and the food is always consistently great. I have been here between 10-15 times since they opened, and can only say good things. Not the case for many a restaurant in the Charlotte area.

We discovered this place a while ago, I think when they were just opening and didn't even have a liquor license yet, hehe Definitely one of our all-time favorite ramen spots 🍜❣️ Order whatever catches your attention because anything you pick will be a hit 😁 I usually order a pork bum (super delicious) 🤤 and my husband likes the karaage 🍗 Sometimes he orders spicy ramen, but I stick with the black tonkotsu, my absolute favorite 🤩 Balanced flavors, just the right portion, fresh ingredients 🤤 considering the noodles are made fresh daily 🥰 They now have different sakes, but we always order our Tomomasu 🍈 any flavor is amazing 😋 On another note, we also recommend the sandwiches 🥪 I'm not a fan of spicy food, but my husband confirms they hit the spot 😉 Grateful to find places with lasting flavors and well-made food in general 🙏 P.S. It's usually quite busy, and you order everything with a QR code. The staff is mainly there to bring your food to the table, but also to answer any questions you may have, which I recommend clarifying before submitting your order 😊

Yesterday, my husband and I visited Menya in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte on a rainy afternoon. It was exactly the kind of cozy lunch spot we were hoping for as it was our first time. The experience was smooth and memorable from the moment we walked in. The restaurant is small and inviting, with a minimalist, cozy vibe. We were seated immediately and greeted warmly by staff. Our table was already set with water, utensils, and chopsticks. Then the server explained the easy ordering system, scan the QR code, order and pay from your phone. Once you paid then the kitchen will get your order and start making your dish. Once your food is ready then the server will deliver the dish to your table. Easy! We started with the Tori Karaage (soy and ginger marinated fried chicken thighs) served with Japanese tartar sauce and a lemon wedge. The chicken was perfectly crispy outside, juicy inside, and the tartar sauce was more like an aioli with chopped hard-boiled egg and was incredibly flavorful. For ramen, I had the Spicy Tan Tan and my husband had the Tonkotsu Black. My broth had a nice spicy kick and a tingling heat from the chili crisp, with fresh noodles, seasoned pork, and crunchy toppings like bean sprouts and peanuts. His Tonkotsu broth was rich, velvety, and deeply savory. Out of the two, his ramen is definitely my pick for next time (I've been thinking about it since). We'll absolutely be back to Menya, especially for the Tonkotsu. I would definitely recommend Menya for any ramen lover looking for flavor, comfort, and quality in a chill setting. A must visit spot for those checking out the city.

The pork gyoza was amazing, the sauce that it came with was very tasty. I already ate it before I could take a picture! The spicy tantan was phenomenal. I visited Japan for the first time two months and this might be the best Ramen I've had since I came back to the US. It's truly authentic, a decent amount of spice but not too overpowering. The egg was cooked perfectly...I completely emptied the bowl. The fried tofu is also a nice addition if you're into that!

After a doctor's appointment in Charlotte we popped over to this spot for some lunch. The hardest part about it was finding parking in the jammed lot for this high end strip mall. Quickly seated and I opted for vegetarian options like the tofu bao and the truffle yasai vegetable broth. Wonderful umami flavor from the vegetable broth. Why can't we have ramen this good in Winston-Salem?

Cute ambiance, love sitting at the counter! Service is always quick & severs are kind. Ramen is served hot and love that they have a veggie option.

Still my favorite ramen place in charlotte. Food is always fast and so tasteful. Meat is always soft, the dishes never get old.

After a quick Google search for Ramen, we found this place. Located off Central Ave. Its a small shopping center next to Puerta and Starbucks with very minimal on site parking so I can only imagine what peak times look like here unless you park somewhere else. They have few tables to sit at inside with some Bar seating as well. Ramen was what I expected. Very flavorful and the pork always adds a little razzle dazzle. Everything we got was delicious. Now, if you ask for anything extra, cilantro, chili paste, lemons, etc they do charge you which we didnt expect but I guess thats how they roll.

This place is soooo good! This is my 3rd time dining here this week. IDK what's up with the reviews that are not 5 stars. Service, consistency and quality are all top notch. They make their own noodles and have the same people making and plating your food everyday. Can't say enough good things. Also during the week you can get in and out of here in 30min

Great ramen place. It's very modern in that you sit down and you place your entire order via QR code on Toast as if it were a takeout order, including full checkout and tipping. Then once you've placed the order you can hear the receipts being printed in the kitchen and the cooks start working. The food is delicious and the flavors are excellent. I really enjoyed my tonkotsu red ramen and I added a few of their vegetable based add-ons, which were great as well. Although you don't place your order with the server, they are there to help and support you and answer any questions. The woman working when I came in was extremely friendly and kind and happy to help with any questions I had. Noodles are made fresh in house and you can see them making them through a cool window cutout in the wall. I can't wait to bring my young daughter here. She will enjoy the food and love watching them make the noodles. I will be back. And I will come hungry!

5 stars for Menya Daruma... and this is based off a takeout order. I was visiting Charlotte with my boyfriend and we were recommended Menya. I was feeling a bit under the weather so soup and ramen were my ultimate cravings. It was perfect for the chilly weather we were experiencing while there. We ended up visiting close to closing and didn't want to take up a table and have them wait on us so close to the end of the day. The parking was a bit hard to find a spot and we had to circle the small plaza lot a couple of times until we found someone that was leaving. We ended up ordering takeout from their takeout window and it was pretty easy to go through the menu and make a decision on what we wanted to eat. After we placed our order, we asked if we could sit inside to wait and we were able to. The food came out fairly fast and we were so hungry, we ended up eating in the car. Although takeout ramen is a hard thing to judge, this ramen was so good. We also ordered the sando and it was actually my favorite thing as far as flavor and how soft the bread was. For food to be good with a takeout order, I think this speaks very highly of a spot. We loved Menya Daruma!

We have been coming back to Menya since they opened and have found some gems. The OG abura soba has been my favorite for a while. The thicker noodles and thicker sauce is extremely aromatic. Bring able to add your spice and oil is a great addition. They could offer more rice after your done with the noodles to soak up the sauce. My wife's favorite is the tonkotsu red. Sure likes the addition of a little spice. The bowl has a very rich flavor and holds to the noodles very well. The spicy fried chicken Sando is a bit of a guilty pleasure with how oily and numbing it is. Always puts a smile on our face, but is heavy. The servers are very nice and welcome you back. I'm unsure if it changed but we have ordered and paid via phone and QR code since we started coming. Good to check with them if you don't have that available.

I went in with some expectations for the ramen, and unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The broth tasted a little bitter--I'm not sure if it was from the black garlic or something else, but it wasn't my kind of ramen. The meat was also a bit on the dry side. The highlight of the meal, by far, were the potstickers. They were great! Overall, the customer service was decent.

Wow!!!! Menya exceeded my already high expectations. My ramen was delicious!!!! Even for takeout ramen! The broth was so delicious, and I loved the chicken wontons in the Shoyu. Not pictured we also got the pork gyoza which was so delicious too. Need to eat at menya next time...overall 10/10!!

Only the ramen in ALL OF THE USA and we've tried them everywhere. I really don't know how they didn't get a Michelin star bc it's that good. My GO TO for lunch or dinner anytime we're in NoDa.. truly a crazy taste bud experience!!

We got the Tonkotsu Black Ramen and it did not disappoint. The broth is incredibly rich and flavorful - you can really taste the time and care that went into making it. The handmade noodles were springy and delicious, holding up perfectly in the broth. We also got the cucumber tsukemono, which was a perfect refreshing and acidic side to balance the richness of the ramen. The karaage was crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor - the aioli on the side was a perfect pairing. Service was quick and friendly, and the restaurant itself is very clean and well-maintained. Definitely a new go-to spot for ramen!

Decent bowl of ramen but nothing special. Price is definitely competitive, and while the broth, pork, and noodles are decent, nothing really amazed. For reference I had the red. I do appreciate the whole egg which I don't always see. It was nice and gooey like it should be. 3/5 On the other hand the chicken wontons and gyoza were pretty delicious. I've had better wontons but the gyoza in particular were excellent. 5/5 I will say the service was extremely fast and I appreciated it greatly. Seating isn't ideal however.

Delicious ramen spot and vegan friendly options. Great service. Will go back amd recommend.

Everything about this place was done with mindfulness. From the convenience of ordering on the phone to the speed of which the food came out, it was a very pleasant experience. Oh did I mention the ramen? We tried the shoyu and the tonkotsu black and red. Noodles were al dente and cooked very well, broth flavorful and porky ( like how it's supposed to be). The shoyu was light and comforting, especially after a day of activities. Gyoza fresh and juicy, with a freshly seared crust. I can't be selfish and not leave a review since I found this place here. Enjoy!!

Only here to add to the other positive reviews. I had the tonkotsu black and thoroughly enjoyed it. You can taste the care they put into every dish and I loved it.

Stopped in for a late lunch on our way home from shopping and genuinely there was nothing I could complain about besides I wish they had desserts! I consider myself a bit of a Japanese food snob as a chef myself but this place hit all the marks for a good ramen, the black tonkotsu ramen was hearty, filling and beautifully balanced. Not gonna lie I partially chose this place because I'm fond of Darumas ,haha! But def will be coming again when the weather cools down.

Wowza. I'm mad it took me this long to try Menya. We've all heard about how amazing they are and I can confirm that fact. Today, I stopped in for some to go ramen and I am in love. I ordered the shoyu ramen and it was perfection. It had a piece of chicken and pork in it that were so tender and delicious it shocked me lol. Now I know other ramen spots have been missing the mark, because other places I've been the meat is always dry and tough. I didn't even know it shouldn't be until Menya. My ramen was absolutely delicious, even as a to go order. The little chicken dumplings in it were so good, the broth was flavorful and rich but not too salty. Seriously some good ramen!!!

I ordered the shoya ramen to go. It was really good and flavorful and I liked that they were quick and the ordering process was simple. I ordered at the window and my food was ready in 5 minutes. The only thing I didn't like was $2.50 for some chili sauce. It was powerful as well when I poured into my ramen when I got home. Overall 10/10 and other the chili sauce charge I felt the price of the ramen was decent and I love the egg. I used to live in Japan 20 years ago and always missed good ramen when I left. This one hits the spot for me!

Menya strikes a perfect balance between modern tech and traditional aesthetics, creating a unique dining experience. It's easily one of the top ramen spots in Charlotte! The food is consistently delicious and comes out quickly, which is a huge plus. I love the convenience of ordering through their QR code system, and the service staff is always so friendly and attentive. Despite its popularity, the wait has never been too long, which is impressive. That said, parking can be a bit difficult, which speaks to how busy and popular the restaurant is--definitely worth the effort, though! I've enjoyed the food every time I've visited and am excited to try their new Omakase offering soon. Menya is a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional ramen and great service!

I greatly enjoyed the Nagoya Taiwanese soba and love that it comes with a little bit of rice to add at the end. No need to waste all the flavorful sauce and meat when you still have some space in your stomach. The noodles, which are made in-house, are so good. The pork bao was a good appetizer.

This place was SOOOO GOOOOD! Definitely solo-friendly -- you order and pay first, then they bring your food out. The spicy chicken wontons and the ramen were honestly some of the best I've ever had. The Orion beer was also the perfect light beer to complement the meal. Service was super friendly and efficient, even with how busy it was (as it should be for a spot this good!). Overall, such a great experience and a fun environment-- I'll definitely be back!

Consistently great. Favorite ramen place in charlotte. My go-to is the Tonkotsu ramen, gyoza is also very good. Quick and great flavour. Friendly staff.

First time today... Shoyu (chicken) is delicious. I'll definitely go back I really don't have much more to say. Good, quick service

Menya is a real deal. I see that they have a noodle machine in the kitchen. They make everything from scratch like a real ramen shop. You can taste the difference between their effort and other place with more easier cooking method. Haven't been to Japan for a while, but their setup is similar to Japanese ramen restaurant as I remember. Noodles are little chewy, broth are so flavorful and you can drink the whole freaking bowl. Portion is smallish, Japanese portion I would say. But it is worth the extra money you are paying for.

The food we had was excellent but the options were very limited. There was no gluten free food and the pescatarian options were one single vegetarian dish.

My sister insisted that we check out Menya last weekend on a rainy and chilly Friday. We lucked out and it was not even half full when we arrived. We chose seats at the counter, which I loved because it felt like child seating but somehow also comfortable. I ordered the tofu bao bun ($4.50) and the tosi katsu sando ($9.50) while my sister ordered the shoyu ($15.50). We got front-row seats to watch the food get prepped and it was all ready quickly. I don't usually enjoy ordering from an app, but this app was user-friendly, intuitive, and had both photos AND detailed descriptions so we knew what to order. It was a nice middle ground between full service and self service. I would love to go back and try some of the karaage and ramen and to check out their hidden speakeasy!

This place was touted as outstanding by colleagues who claim to know ramen. I decided to see if this was true. Parking is very tough to find in this parking lot. Go during off-times to find a spot and to assure you get a seat inside this small restaurant. Ordering is done all online through their QR code. Be prepared to tip gratuity before your meal arrives. The service ended up being very good, including frequent table clearing and filling your water pitcher. The spicy pork ramen is SPICY. No complaints from me but if this bothers you, steer clear of all spicy dishes. Prices are on the higher side but it was worth the taste. Overall, 5 stars for Menya Daruma in the Queens District of Charlotte.

Really good Ramen! Spice levels were perfect for me, and the egg was cooked and seasoned perfectly Cute spot with daruma decor everywhere. Stools for counter service were a bit low to the ground. They have you order via QR code through online POS system which was a bit odd.

Wow! Loved the way you ordered on your phone. Allowed me to take my time and really decide what I wanted. Service was very prompt after ordering and the food tasted great!!

Came here on a Wednesday for lunch. The place is small so it fills up quick! I was seated right away and ordered through their QR code ordering system. Our server was very nice and helpful. I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich and it came out right away. The chicken was very juicy and flavorful. The slaw and pickles were also very good. I enjoyed the spice level but there was too much oil. It was dripping everywhere and made the bun super soggy.

I'm officially obsessed with Menya Daruma! I can't believe I've waited this long to dine here. There are no reservations, so you either have to put yourself on a wait list or use their to-go window. Their ramen and soba are outstanding!! Highly recommend: - Gyoza: house made pan fried pork dumplings, chili su - Taiwanese Cabbage Salad: shio konbu, wakame, kaiware, wafu vinaigrette - OG College: shoyu tare, choice of chashu, onsen tamago, menma, white onion, tokyo negi, nori - Shoyu: slowly simmered clear chicken broth, special blended shoyu tare, pork & chicken breast chashu, chicken wontons, ajitama, menma, kaiware Soy sauces and salts are imported from Japan, as well as drinks! Owned by long-time Charlotte restauranteur Ted Nakato and led by chef Vince Tien, Menya Daruma is a must try! It features an open kitchen, similar to ramen shops found in Japan, and a secret omakase speakeasy! @bigtastebestplace

While we've never been to Japan (yet), the feeling of walking into Menya Daruma was what we imagined a Tokyo Ramen bar to be like. The atmosphere is calm and inviting; it feels like being welcomed into someone's home kitchen. The food tasted as good as you'd expect from a place that takes great care in the painstaking details like an 18 hour broth and house-made noodles. We ordered twice because...well...couldn't not. The staff was also super friendly, and, again, made us feel like we were welcomed into their home kitchen. Thanks for a unique and wonderful 5th Anniversary dinner. We'll be back!

This is a QR code menu and pay on your phone before the food comes out- which is completely fine for me but I know this is not preferable to some people. I, however, found the whole process to be very convenient. The service was super efficient in that you get seated, you order on your phone when ready, and because I sat at the bar, the food was placed right in front of me as soon as it was done being made. The items came out one by one as they were ready and this ensured that the food was at its peak best when eating and everything was served hot and nothing got soggy or weird from sitting in the window too long or from trying to make everything come out at the same time. The chicken karaage was phenomenal, great crispy fry with moist and juicy chicken and it's served on the side with a mayo-like sauce but I preferred to just use the vinegar and chili oil they provide. The pork bao bun, the bread was so incredibly soft and the pulled pork inside was again juicy and tender and had great flavor. The absolutely star tonight was the chicken wontons. These are easily the best wontons I've ever had because the wrapper/dough literally feels like silk in your mouth. It is so delicate and smooth in a way that I've never had. Typical wontons have a thicker skin and have a bit more of a chew or a bite to it- but this one was easily so distinct and different in the best way. The abura soba is a dry noodle and it comes with tons of ingredients on top to mix in with it. I got the Nagoya style and it was delicious. The noodles are thicker and firm but still cooked so well and have a nice chew and the flavor of the seasonings mixed with the runny soft jammy egg created such a satisfying and flavorful bite. This was very reminiscent of similar flavors I had when visiting japan. Another thing to note- I love seafood flavors but not everyone does, so just be aware that this noodle dish has a mild fishier taste to it. It's a very unique flavor that I can't pin point but while I really loved it, my partner (who doesn't love fishy things) did not love it as much. The spicy tantan ramen again had great quality noodles and great flavor. The flavor of this ramen is more mild but still great. The portion size for both noodle dishes I found to be very generous. The appetizers are on the smaller side so if you want to share I recommend getting multiple appetizers, especially for the bao bun that is harder to share. Overall great experience and I am very excited to try the omakase experience they offer in the back of the restaurant called Kappo En

An amazing place with a nice ramen counter feel. The waitress was quick to help us with every questions and attentive. She showed us how to order and off we go. I ordered the edamame and the tonkatsu black ramen. I enjoyed the edamame because you could see the salt flakes. Most place looked like the ground the salt so that it is hard to see but not this place. The tonkatsu was rich and the noodles were cooked al dente. I would come back to this place. The only down side is the parking. The place has a small parking place and I would recommend being very careful when parking.

Amazing ramen. Closest I have found to Japan! 10/10. Gyoza is also great. Service is wonderful .

Best ramen I've had since going to Japan. The homemade noodles are easily detectable and the broth was incredible. The interior vibes felt similar to a more modern spot you would find in Tokyo, and the staff was in good spirits the entire time. Have already been back since our first time and this will be a staple for us for years to come.

Yum!! I loved Menya. It's a small restaurant with pretty close seating. Definitely a date night spot - not a party of 5+ kinda place. You order on your phone and pay right there, and the server comes and brings you your food. Even though it's a phone ordering type of place, the service was very good. The ramen broth was delicious, so was the pork! I ordered a little peach drink that I've never seen before (WAY pricey!) and it was so good. I'd definitely come back and try more!

I was wanting some warm ramen on a cold rainy day and I came across this restaurant on Yelp. I decided to try this place because I have tried a few of the others ones that popped up. If you are a party of ones they do suggest that you sit at the bar area. Most the most part everything is self explanatory. You might as well say that there is not any table service besides them bringing the food to you. When you sit down you order your food through the website which you have to scan. It's super easy the navigate and you select everything you want through it. It lets you modify and add anything you would need for your meal when ordering on your phone. Once you check out on the phone you end up paying and that's honestly about it. You can eat and enjoy your food in peace without being bothered. Everything came out hot and quick. The wontons were good but I think that they could have been spicer. Other than that they were really good. I think my favorite part of the meal was the eggs. The eggs were perfect, I'm glad I ordered and extra one. I wasn't a fan of the ground pork but that's just my personal opinion. I liked everything else in the ramen except for that. Everything was great and if you are looking for a quick lunch or quiet dinner I would suggest this place for sure.

Order from your phone, open kitchen, great service and atmosphere. The tonkotsu black had the best flavor.

Menya.. The Broth! The Noodles! The Egg! Everything you want and need in your ramen bowl. I must say this is one of my new favorite ramen places. The noodles are fresh and thick, like spaghetti and soaking up the broth well. Now, that egg is cooked, perfect a hint of sweetness and creamy in the inside, giving the broth a good flare. The staff was really friendly and explained in detail how to order. You scan the QRC code to order, and you can keep your tab open and close when you are ready to leave. *** I always bring cash to pay, but they don't accept cash. Wish this was on their website but is on the window of the business. Good thing I had my card after driving over 30 minutes to eat here. Just a FYI!!! There is also limited parking here due to construction, so give yourself time for parking

Came through for dinner before watching the NC State basketball game. So happy Charlotte has a ramen spot that we couldn't resist, especially because of its convenient location. A friend and I opted for the bar seating so that we could get a good feel for the ramen vibes. The service was so quick, we barely had time to chat, which we loved. We both opted for the vegetarian options, which was very flavorful. I really enjoyed the tofu, but I would probably try another ramen the next time I come around. Highly recommend! Great ambiance, fast service, and good vibes.

One of my favorite ramen spots in CLT! Food is good and yummy. Note: the bowl itself is like Japan portion size so not that big. Might be hungry after! Share tea is down the street so I usually make my way there. Service is fast. It's nice because you can order from the QC code and pay at your table. It gives ramen spot vibes with the wooden tables and seats. Nice place to go with friends since it's so close to the city!

The best ramen in Charlotte! It's not even close. I love the ordering system. I don't like to wait when I go out to eat. I don't mind tipping for speed and to be left alone lol. When the food is this good, I prefer to devote all of my attention to my tastebuds. I've had the Kuro and Aka ramen. Both are outstanding. It's all about the broth, and this was the best I've had in the city. Is it an all-time great? No, but that's irrelevant because I live in Charlotte now so I'm so relieved to have found a ramen spot that I could frequent. Other items I'd recommend are; Spicy wontons Gyoza Buta Bao Karaage It's bright and clean inside the restaurant with seating for groups and counter seating for couples and solo diners. Eventually I'll bring my gf here, but that's much further down the road. I'm enjoying my new place at the moment. It's been a blast...

I've been dying to try their highly raved ramen...but I've put this off time again because of the long, grueling drive from where I live. In any case, I carved out a day to finally check them out for an early lunch...and here's my take. I was a bit confused by the name...because on Yelp, it's listed as "Menya Daruma", but the place is titled "Menya, Noodle Counter" in person (and also on the GPS app). The place was somewhat small...and personally, I didn't like the open, kitchen-facing layout. I just find that awkward and uncomfortable ...and although I know most-all of the staff members are busy cooking, but it feels as if we're being watched while eating. Pet peeve, I guess? One more thing I didn't care for was their online ordering system. I was just never a fan of entering credit card info into restaurant apps. Plus, this "self-service" style isn't really my idea of a relaxing restaurant. Call me old fashioned, but guess I prefer the hand-held menu and tab payout. Despite these negatives (for me, that is), there is NOTHING negative I can say about their foods. I ordered their Spicy TanTan Ramen (with 2 additional toppings - Wood Ear Mushroom and Bamboo Shoots), along with 1 side of Chasu Pork Bao Bun...and both were way beyond good! The spicy broth of the ramen was just about perfect...Spicy, without being overwhelming...and all the ingredients were incredibly delish. In fact, I think their ramen is right up there with one of, if not THE best in town. The Bao was incredible too. I'm partial to Chasu Pork anyway, but their little Bao was DEE-Lish!! I only wish it was a bit bigger...or came in a set of 2. SO...Although I didn't care for their kitchen-facing layout nor their self-service/online ordering system, I LOVED the Ramen and the Bao. Also, despite the place being more or less a self-service eatery (with its ordering system...and efficient table set-ups, complete with a full water jug, napkins and such), I felt that the place was very well managed. Despite my mixed reaction on various issues, I'll base this review on the quality of their foods...STELLAR!

We were in Charlottes for a 3-day convention and decided to try this ramen shop after a full day of convention. We walked in super hungry and were promptly seated by a welcoming hostess/server. The interior features an open kitchen, a personal favorite of mine, where you can watch skilled chefs in action. We placed our order online and shortly after, our ramen appeared looking tasty and flawless. The broth was rich and full of flavors. The pork was remarkably tender and juicy, while the marinated egg had the perfect custardy yolk. The noodle had a nice chewy texture which I love. It was a perfect bowl. Besides the amazing ramen, our appetizers were delicious as well, especially the chili oil wontons!! We also had a nice chat with both the chef and our server. They were both incredibly friendly. This ramen shop has solidified its place on our favorite ramen shop list and we'll definitely return the next time we are in the area!

I've never loved the ramen scene in Charlotte, but I heard so many good things about this spot, that I had to try it. My husband and I shared: - Pork Bao Bun - Pork Gyoza - OG Style Soba with Pork Shoulder - Spicy Tonkotsu Red The ramen was good, but the star of the show for me was definitely the soba. It's one of the best dishes I've had this year. I'd highly recommend it. The payment situation was a bit weird. You order on your phone. Everyone is supposed to be able to order and pay for their own, but it didn't seem to work like that. When our friend paid, it added our stuff to his. We ended up getting it sorted out, but that part wasn't the best.