Was interested to try Ramen Hiroshi based on their menu. They have lots of appetizers/small plates that one would usually find featured on an Izakaya menu, like Nankotsu Karaage (fried chicken cartilage) and Mentaiko Potatoes.
Because of this, I think I expected a higher level of quality and authenticity. Me and a friend shared the Hanetsuki gyoza, Nankotsu Karaage, Mentaiko potatoes, and Yuzu ramen. All were just okay, and didn’t have the quality ingredients or level of flavor I was hoping for. Notably, the Mentaiko potatoes didn’t taste like there was Mentaiko in them at all..more just like home fries with kewpie mayo and ao nori on top. The yuzu ramen lacked a deeper yuzu flavor and was too salty.
Overall, I’d say this place is on par with other ramen chains in the Bay Area, but offers more unique dishes than chicken karaage and gyoza, which makes it a nice choice for a casual meal. However, you can probably find these aforementioned dishes executed better at (albeit more expensive) izakayas like Kiraku, Ippuku or Rintaro.
Also Yojimbo two doors down is a ghibli/anime themed ramen and sushi spot. Just sayin..
