In some ways I wish they hadn't built up my expectations. I was looking forward to a rich broth packed full of flavour. It wasn't. It was quite clean tasting, but it didn't leave much of an impression. Of the toppings, the pork slices were very high quality. So it was a bit of a shame the eggs were just bog-standard rather than the nitamago eggs found in the other ramen shops. And nor was I impressed by the bamboo shoots; they weren't the fermented ones known as menma, just normal bamboo shoots. Like the soup, I can't remember much about the noodles, so I guess they must have been decent enough.
The toppings were quite generous but that's only because I went deluxe, which cost £10.90 compared to £8.90 for the regular (the difference between the two being an extra couple of pork slices and an extra half egg). Come to think of it, with a single slice of pork and half an egg, the regular is a bit of a piss take. Being a growing lad, I also ordered some gyoza (6 pcs/£5). These dumplings were a tad greasy, and didn't seem to be freshly made. That said, I've had worse and they were generously filled.
Now you might be thinking that I'm not a massive fan of Ittenbari, but for all its faults I see myself returning. Why? The ambience is the best of the various ramen bars that have opened in London in the past year. I can't quite put my finger on why I like it so much, but I think it's because it actually reminds me of Japan. So while much more has been spent on the design of Bone Daddies and Tonkotsu, neither of them has quite the same atmosphere Ittenbari has. Mind you, the next time I'll give the noodles a miss and go for some sushi or a chicken katsu curry, instead.
Ittenbari, 84 Brewer Street, London, W1F 9UB (Tel: 020-7287-1318)
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
You've pin pointed something that so many reviews and critics don't really cover. The atmosphere of a place is almost as important as the food. There a fair few places that do great food, truly excellent, that I'll never return to because the atmosphere (or service) was rubbish. It's part interior design, part attitude and part feel. And it's what puts me off "fine dining" for the most part.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for places like the Hope & Anchor and the Bull & Last - excellent food in a buzzy and fun atmosphere. And of the place is question is Japanese then I'll definitely head that way. Although I yearns for the day we get regular food joints of the quality you can find in Tokyo.
Gworm - Ittenbari is all feel as you so rightly put it. There's just something spot-on about the buzz that screams out Japan. It's the stuff you can't manufacture; it just is. Now if only they can smarten their act up on the noodle front!
DeleteDon't know if anyone's been there but I used to frequent the predecessor that used to occupy Itenbari's spot. Very cheap Japanese food and generous portions. Always used to have their croquettes. I've tried Itenbari and I have to say I'm not very impressed and missing the old joint.
ReplyDeletei've tried all three(shio, shoyu, miso) but all well under expectation. (im japanese so think i have a bit of taste for ramen) also as have been mentioned on nearly all reviews, the atmosphere is crap. service is ok, but nothing to brag about. i used to go to ryo often as thought it was cheap and good for what it was worth, seriously wish they were still there and not this disappointing ramen joint...
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