Best ramen I’ve had in town so far. Very expensive though
I really wanted to give Mashumen five stars. I really did.Why I can’t, a short story:A local friend recommended Mashumen, telling us her brother who lived in Japan for several years considers it the most authentic ramen joint in Charlottesville.Needless to say, I was really excited to go and try the ramen. So on our last night in town, I loaded up the family and we headed over for dinner.We arrived around 5pm and we’re the only people on the restaurant for quite sometime. Even so, the service was sporadic, and as our server didn’t write anything down, a few things we received were incorrect.These weren’t deal-breakers (receiving chicken karaage not the chicken gyoza we ordered, or the missing nori in my ramen, or the fish cake in my wife’s when she ordered without), but it was still a cumulative impression that was left on the meal, coupled with the lackluster/sporadic service.But the food as a whole? Amazing. I’ve eaten a fair bit of ramen, and the pork broth was by far the best I’ve ever had. The chashu pork was cooked well, the egg was PERFECT, and the portion size was spot on.Our server was very friendly, but it’s obvious he needed more training, perhaps a reminder to look at the food he’s serving before bringing it out. (I mean my dude, karaage doesn’t look anything like gyoza.)Still, I’ll come back the next time I find myself on C-Ville. Maybe when I do I can change this to 5 stars.
Don’t bother if you are looking for an authentic Ramen soup. You’ll get a minuscule amount of broth with corn and stale pork. The noodles are tasteless as well. Service is deplorable.
The waiter was so kind. He hosted my father and I. Super polite and very quick. My Japanese speaking is very bad due to me taking it for the first time this year. It is strange because I can write fine, but conversation is hard. I tried to communicate in the little bits that came to mind. And he was very kind in trying to understanding me. Even if I messed up particles and could not remember the year counter. ? すごいですね！ The food was terrific as well. I am excited to go again ? ありがとうございました。あなたは優しいですね！楽しいですね！
If you've ever had authentic Ramen, this is pretty standard stuff!The broth was a bit salty but had phenomenal flavor. The noodles in my soup were clumped together in a few spots is my only complaint.If you're like me and not into the strong taste of pork belly meat that you find in Tonkatsu, I would absolutely steer you toward the Tori Shoyu (Chicken Shoyu Ramen).
4eally good! wait staff was very nice and accommodating. food was excellent.
Pretty great appetizers and very polite hosts. I believe it would normally provide a quiet and reserved atmosphere but my first visit was during a furry convention, so it was difficult to feel the 'normal vibe.' Terrific ramen, though.
Mediocre ramen. Stringy flavorless noodles (most likely not made on site), broth thin and lacking in flavor, roast pork dry and greasy. It’s a pleasant space though and worth a visit if you’re nearby and don’t expect much.
This place is absolute garbage. Service is terrible. Last time we went about a month ago there was nobody in the restaurant and nobody came to seat us. We ended up seating ourselves, then after 10 min I went to get someone to take our order and they ignored us. We just left. We’ve been there before and the food is not good. We tried several different ramens and other dishes and nothing memorable in a good way. Don’t waste you’re time, there are other places that are much better. Only reason we went back was because my daughter loves ramen, but there’s a much better place near Uva.
BEST ramen in Charlottesville! Fair price, incredible service, and GOOD ramen. The staff are unbelievably hospitable.