Jury duty and an extra long lunch break has given me the opportunity to check out nearby restaurants. I had heard Takumi serves a $50 bowl of lobster ramen and I admit it turned me off from trying the place. The most expensive ramen I have had in the U.S. has been either at Ippudo in New York or Ramen Shop in Oakland. All under $20 still. The thought of spending $50 for a bowl of ramen in my opinion is gimmicky. Ramen is just not fancy food. Go ahead and dress it up all you want but the most important elements are simply the noodles and the broth.
I ordered the miso ramen. The chashu was delicious with just the right amount of fat. I prefer a soft yolk to the point of runny but these were pretty darn close and very tasty. Unfortunately the broth lacked depth and was a tad too oily. The menma (bamboo) tasted off as well. Even though the ramen was underwhelming the service was above and beyond excellent.
My six week jury duty stint has really made me one tough customer. I have come back another time and ordered the bento lunch with mixed tempura and gyoza. Once again the food didn’t wow me but thumbs up to the service. I kept thinking maybe I ordered the wrong dishes judging from the happy diners around me thoroughly enjoying their food. Keeping an open mind I should try their happy hour and will have to try their yakitori dishes and sushi another time. Ramen boy can try their tantanmen. That will be the true test.
Third time lucky.
Takumi Izakaya Bar
826 J. Street
Sacramento, CA
(916) 228-4095
@TakumiSacramento
