Ian C.
Yelp
I stopped by Soho Ramen while in the area for business, looking for something warm and comforting. It's located inside the Riverside Food Lab, which is a fun concept space with all kinds of food options -- everything from poke to fried chicken to desserts. Prices lean a bit high for what you get, but that's pretty typical for a food hall environment. The vibe is mostly younger, with a heavy student crowd from UCR, so depending on the night it can get pretty lively (or downright rowdy) since they often run student discounts.
As for Soho Ramen itself, I came in with fairly low expectations after seeing the mixed reviews, and the experience aligned with that. The food was... okay. Nothing terrible, nothing impressive -- just very standard, very generic ramen. If you're looking for a rich broth or something thoughtfully crafted, you won't find that level of depth here. It feels more like a quick, convenient option rather than a place that takes pride in elevating the dish.
The staff also seemed a bit disengaged -- not rude, but very robotic in how they prepared orders. There wasn't much sense of care going into the food, just following the steps and moving on to the next bowl. It matched the overall "fast-casual" food hall vibe, but it does take away some of the warmth you hope for in a ramen shop.
On the plus side, the ordering process is extremely easy. You don't need to talk to anyone -- just order through your phone or use their kiosk, grab a pager, and pick up your food when it's ready. If convenience is your priority, this place delivers on that.
Overall, Soho Ramen fills the spot if you're hungry, nearby, and want something quick with zero fuss. But if you're expecting memorable ramen or a place that puts love into their bowls, there are better options outside the Food Lab.