Mmmf. This review is for Ebisu's wonderful shabu shabu and at lunch time. My boyfriend and I popped into this place on a whim after being told that Providence had some awesome shabu shabu nearby. Ebisu is a little restaurant on a side street not really close to anything else it seems. But luckily, that meant that street parking was in abundance! We entered the restaurant through its little cloth hangings and were immediately greeted and seated by their wait staff (one very cool looking Japanese young man). The interior of their restaurant is a little on the dark side, but it's still nice and cozy. Not great for photos--but who cares if the food is good, right? And the food was good. Straightaway we knew we were ordering their kimchi broth shabu shabu combination. It came with with a meat combination of beef and lamb, a large bowl of assorted veggies, as well as your choice of carb to sop up that delicious broth once everything was finished (we chose udon noodles x2, of course). Because we also love hot pot, what would hot pot be without added on shitake mushrooms? So we got them (and boy was that a great choice). Everything tasted wonderful. From meat, to veggie, to the flavor-filled udon noodles at the end. Mmmf! We also found an awesome new beer company that we've fallen in love with here! The Hitachino Nest brewing company. Mmmf. Such good beer! Overall--I'd highly recommend coming here for shabu shabu. But be prepared because it'll be a little pricey once you start adding in shabu shabu extras. read more

My wife and I were rather impressed with the place. Used to be another restaurant that was a favorite of hers (for their bubble tea and the food), but that moved and this was the first time we'd been over in that section of town in a while. We saw that it had noodles and decided to try it. First, I have to say that the big problem with this place is location, location, location! As others have said, it's easy to get a table and that is because it's tucked away. The service was wonderful. The waitress was attentive and took the orders quickly. We had the shrimp roll appetizers and the teriyaki wings and both were "spot-on". My miso and pork were good, but my wife's dumplings were bland and didn't hold together. We read a couple of the other reviews and tend to agree with most that this is a good find. It's quiet, the food is priced well, hot and quick and the service is excellent. We will definitely eat here again. PS - One more thing, it doesn't open until 4:30, so if you are looking for lunch, you are out of luck. read more

Don't be fooled by Ebisu's location or exterior, their ramen is seriously tasty. My SO and I went over the weekend hoping to find a new ramen spot and we were not dissappointed. I ordered the traditional pork broth ramen with bamboo shoots, pork, seaweed, mushrooms and a soft boiled egg. He got the spicy version with ground pork. Both were fantastic! The broth was light but super flavorful, not greasy. The pork was tender and not too fatty and the soy soft boiled egg was expertly done. Service was quick and helpful and the restaurant was very clean. No wait for 2 on a Friday night and it's right off route 10 off the reservoir ave route 2 north exit. If you're looking for a quick casual bite at a good price this place is awesome. We will definitely be coming back! read more

My first of three encounters with Ebisu was on a Friday evening, sometime in November 2011. I was with one of my hotshot friends who had been strongly advocating for this resty, but with a warning "remember, they're a Shabu-Shabu place". My culinary education, thanks to Anthony Bourdain, had fully prepared me for what that meant - cheese-less fondue. I too felt like a hotshot when we first arrived. My associate was instantly welcomed by the server with a familiar exchange of pleasantries before we were given our pick of any table we wanted - which I would realize shortly thereafter meant no one else was there. Not a particularly good sign for a Friday evening at 7:30. The dining area was cold and somber, which was emphasized by the lack of other patrons. A party of four soon filed in and I recognized one from within the mix as that dude from Garden Grille (The Grange/Wildflour). Now I really felt like a hotshot. We ordered a few tiny bottles of warm sake and picked on edamame, crispy Brussel sprouts (hold the fish sauce) and tempura fried zucchini. I then began narrowing-down my already narrow entree options. I had vegetarian delight shabu (x2) in veg broth with bean thread noodles - I think that was a good selection (coming in for just under $10). He had something with parents, but he could have had anything he wanted. It was tasty and the DIY component which forced me to dunk my noshables in a vat of bubbling liquid was actually quite fun. Unfortunately, upon our departure, the sake in my system far exceeded the amount of food. And this formula made for a long, hazy night. read more

In Providence, a lot of Asian restaurants are pan-Asian. I was really excited that Ebisu serves ONLY Japanese food, and doesn't attempt to do too much. The gyoza was excellent - perfectly fried and served with a spicy sauce. My dining partner got the ramen - I thought the broth could have been seasoned a bit better. I ordered the beef shabu shabu - yum. I am happy that I don't have to go to Boston Chinatown to get this anymore. All in all, it was a good meal. The service was excellent, and the restaurant ambience/decor was simple but elegant. read more

I've been to Ebisu twice now and both times i really enjoyed it! The first time i went, i got the bacon wrapped mushroom and the tuna tostada (both delicious, wish we got seconds!). This time we shared the Garlic chili edamame, pork dumplings and tuna tostada(again!). all three were great, and we devoured the apps! i tried one of the ramen bowls the first time... im not sure what it was called, but it was really good. this time around my friends and i decided on trying Shabu.. all three got the "surf and turf" with the tomyum broth. it was fun (and messy), but we all enjoyed it. the broth had a good spice to it and it was interesting to try all the seafood and sauce combinations. i found our waitress to be nice and helpful. i will definitely be back to try some more of the menu! read more

I am sooo happy there's a Restaurant that offers something no other restaurant does in Rhode Island. Ramen and Yakitori. I had a stomach ache for 2 days and my father in-law was in the bathroom non-stop for 4 days. Not too big of a fan of their miso ramen or duck ramen broth. E for Effort. Will I come back? I'll give it a 2nd chance in the not so near future. It was a bit pricey for Rhode Island Ramen/Yakitori read more

What a great restaurant! We get a lot of take-out from here and it's always good. The few times we've dined here, we've been very pleased. You've got to try the Shabu-Shabu. Another great thing about the place are their reasonably-priced drink specials. Well worth a try. read more

Ebisu is an excellent choice for authentic and unique to the Rhode Island area Japanese food! I highly recommend the Sashimi salad, I absolutely loved it and it was a generous portion. The meat on a stick selection is awesome, especially the chicken with fried skin recommended by the waitress. Nothing like good fried chicken skin, am I right? Had my first Shabu Shabu experience and it was quite fun. I opted for the Surf and Turf which consisted of thinly sliced beef, salmon, octopus, talapia, fish balls, etc. I loved mixing the dipping sauce with the minced ginger, scallion and red pepper to dip the meats in. The waitress did not have an engaging personality at all, but was efficient and that was fine. In kind of a seedy area of Providence, but worth it for quality authentic Japanese food different than your typical Sushi joint you can find anywhere. We'll be back! read more

Tastes as good as the photos look! I'd definitely recommend going here for ramen and the desserts. read more

Ebisu - Fried vanilla ice cream and miso donuts - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

What an odd assortment of patrons. Don't get me wrong, it was a great experience, but I was so intrigued by the many types of folks all having dinner at 730 on a Saturday evening. I won't try and characterize the groups, because who am I to put labels on folks, but it was refreshing to be around such a wide variety of people. The bar area, which is a small area to the right of the entry way, was jam packed. The restaurant had open tables though, and we were seated immediately. Both cocktails we ordered (the green hornet and some blue vodka sake combo) were both quite sweet. The menu was surprisingly large and varied, the food was tasty, and the service was solid. There seemed to be a small parking lot that we couldn't get into, but easily found street parking. Prices and portions were fair. read more

Ebisu is umami for your belly. Literally. Their rich noodle bowls (udon and ramen) are filled with all sorts of delights, including some amazing broth. Also, takoyaki. Also, the most delicious and slightly spicy gyoza. Also, a whole bunch of other japanese appetizers that I've yet to try, but intend on doing so. One serious surprise - their miso donuts. I was skeptical about this dish, but when paired with a little bit of ice cream, you get that whole salty & sweet action going on in your mouth and it makes for one very nice dessert. read more

One of my favorite lunch spots. The price and service is above and beyond good. The food on the other hand is out of this world. They always have fresh noodles and the dumplings are to die for. Highly recommend this establishment. read more

I was here last week with a group for dinner. We loved the hot pot experience and the apps we ordered. We tried the bacon wrapped mushroom and chicken satay. X was great. We chatted at the bar then he waited on the entire restaurant as people flowed in for dinner. Overall a very good experience read more

What a surprise! Wish we had discovered this hidden gem a long time ago. Japanese, but not what you are used to. No sushi or hibachi. Small, lovely atmosphere. A waitress so perky and excited about the menu that I thought she had to be an owner. (She wasn't. I asked.) She delivered over the top excellent service and excellent cocktails. (She's also the bartender.) We enjoy eating tapas style whether its a tapas restaurant or not. Love having a little taste of this, a little taste of that. This restaurant offers the opportunity to do that. They have a whole section of the menu dedicated to skewers of yummy things like bacon wrapped scallops, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, short ribs, and pork belly. Divine! Every bite. Lots of good things I'm looking forward to trying like shabu-shabu (hot pots) and noodle dishes. Also, very gluten-free friendly with lots of gluten free noodles and soy sauce. Highly recommend this very different little hidden treasure. Anxious to return. read more

I guess it's not a bad thing when you can say, "I wish I knew about this place sooner." Based on something I saw in an issue of RI Monthly, I tried take out from Ebisu the other week. I am an Asian food freak, and I consider myself a connoisseur of Gyoza. They make an outstanding Gyoza here... just like the ones I had at Tayo Sapporo Ramen in Honolulu. I got a salad too, which was very good. For the main dish I got the chicken yakisoba noodle bowl. The meat was flavored deliciously, and it came with nicely cooked veggies and noodles. The service was very friendly, although like I said I only got take out this time. I am definitely going back there to dine in, as the atmosphere was very nice - as another review mentioned, you don't expect it when you're outside near the Reservoir Ave commercial strip. If you like Japanese food (or if you like good food period), check this place out! read more

AMAZING ramen. definitely recommend if you want a quick tasty bowl. super friendly staff too!

Everything that i read prior to visiting was spot on. Even the waiter/waitresses. Our meal for the night: Shochu cocktail with plum juice Asahi Garlic Chili Edamame Spicy Tuna Tostada Tokyo Miso Ramen Okinawa Soba Green Tea Creme Brulee Dishes were inventive and delicious. The Spicy tuna tostada was everything hyped up to be. The ramen while good wasn't exactly what i've found in Japan and I wouldn't go there specifically for the ramen. All around a great restaurant. Planning to go back again for the asahi, spicy tuna tostada, and to try the yakitori, shabu shabu and shaved ice dessert read more

I love the food here, and it is definitely one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants I have been to in the area. I recommend basically all of the appetizers, and you are silly if you don't give Shabu-Shabu (Japanese hot-pot) a try. It's awesome. The location is a little on smaller side, but that also lead to service being great and the atmosphere not being overwhelming. If you're feeling a hankering for Japanese, make this a stop for sure. read more

Hidden gem...I drive by this place once a week and never thought to stop in and dine. Tanya our waitress was very pleasant and knowledgeable concerning the menu. She answered all my wife's question...lol (She asked alot)We decided to give the Shabu Shabu a try and it was excellent. We ordered the surf and turf with Tom yom broth. We also order the chili calamari salad which was delicious. The atmosphere was also relaxing and pleasant. I also enjoyed the new wave music in the background because I'm an 80s baby! Stop by and try!!!!! read more

Ebisu - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Okay, I'm normally a very harsh critic, but this place blew me away. I've come here a few times and gotten a few dishes, not a single one with a flaw to be seen. The Tako Yaki (octopus wrapped in flour) was superb and a real treat to have genuine, exotic Japanese food in RI. The Ika (grilled squid) was cooked to perfection and really fresh. The peanut butter chicken was also excellent along with the fried ice cream. All of them had excellent presentation as well, with beautifully dressed and prepared plates. They make everything in-house (even the blue cheese my friend ordered) and it really shows. Fresh ingredients, exotic foods, and a great atmosphere really make this place stand out in the restaurant circuit. It really is an amazing treat to have authentic Japanese food available and I intend to come back again and again! read more

The best ramen I've had in Rhode Island thus far. Puts Ken's to shame and I'm not even exaggerating.

What a delicious and entertaining meal we had tonight. The food is sooo fresh, the shabu-shabu that you get to cook on your own table is fun and can be totally customized to everyone's taste. Beautiful decor, good specials and drinks and a focus on high quality foods make this a terrific place. We had the seafood Shabu-Shabu and the amazing chicken teriyaki -- both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy! read more

I live literally up the street from Ebisu, and am ashamed of myself for waiting so long to actually try it out. I have seen several businesses move in and out of that spot, and honestly I didn't think it would last when they moved in. Their survival made me want to check it out even more. The interior is nice, not super fancy, but more than I expected. The menu was huge... And there was a small section titled "stuff on skewers wrapped in bacon" or something like that. Win! I had the Ebisu ramen, and split tomatoes wrapped in bacon. The ramen was delicious and a generous portion. I was so torn as I neared the bottom of my bowl - I didn't want to leave it, but couldn't fit anymore in, I was so full. I definitely look forward to walking down and trying another dish some night. So happy that they are so close to me! read more

Love this place! Everything* is delicious, from the appetizers to the shabu shabu. The service has always been on point. Signing up for the FB or email list give you info on new "special" dishes which otherwise might not be on the regular menu. Go, go goooo! (I will be bringing my mom for her birthday :D) read more

I echo all the reviews about how great this place is! The best miso soup I've had, and the ramen was *chef's kiss*. I also tried Japanese curry for the first time and it was delicious. The menu is such a unique blend of plates (tapas) and other dishes. Came into providence on the tail end of a 7 hour road trip and we were starving, but a reservation was easy to get on a Thursday night and staff was great. Highly recommend!! read more

Pretty solid Japanese tapas. I wasn't blown away but I think I was spoiled by some of the Izakaya restuarants in San Francisco. My friend and I split a variety of tapas. None of the dishes disappointed but my favorites were probably the eggplant skewers and grilled squid. The fried ice cream we got for dessert was also great and definitely worth the calories. The restaurant itself is very cute and the service is great. I can't wait to come back and try their ramen! read more

We've been coming here since it opened. We've never had a bad meal. All of the ramen is delicious. Appetizers are also excellent. Probably the best ramen in the state. I like that it has relatively late hours and usually is never busy. read more

Ebisu - Anbai beer. Plum and salt. Delicious. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Everything was amazing! My wife and I are definitely coming back to try out some more dishes on the menu.

Like a Russian dictator playing Risk, we commandeered a comfortable corner of this restaurant then sampled plate after plate of delicious and often surprising Japanese fare. The noodle + soup/broth creations are flavorful and well executed, but Ebisu really shines in its selection of finger foods: tapas and meat on skewers. Excellent gyoza (dumplings), teriyaki beef and chicken, crispy chicken skin, chicken hearts and bacon-wrapped Enoki mushrooms. You know you're at the right place when you see a menu section entitled "Stuff with bacon on skewers". Hey Ebisu: how about a larger size hot Sake carafe? We went through 5 of the little ones in no time... This is the place to spread your foodie wings and play gourmet roulette with their menu...it goes deep. So you're eating Japanese tonight? What, more sushi? Please. read more

The food was fantastic! Very authentic and they had a chalk board with specials. Will definitely return. If you are a Japanese food fan you will love this gem. read more

Tonight was my first visit to Ebisu at the behest of friends who have become regulars. I had Shabu Shabu of short ribs of beef. This is a hot pot of boiling broth into which you place vegetables, meat, and noodles for cooking/heating and then east with various sauces. It was fabulous. Everything else I tasted was equal. I will be back soon. As good as it gets! And I loved the fact that they don't even offer sushi. Quite different from standard fare Japanese restaurants. The owner/chef travels to great bistros in Japan for his ideas. read more

I used to live in Japan and this is the closest to legit Japanese food I've found in the states. The ramen is perfection! The Shabu-Shabu is amazing! You have to get the appetizers, kawa, spicy honey miso wings, and yakitori! I could eat my weight in the kawa! My goodness, sooo good!! This is a go-to spot for me and my fiance'! We go so often everybody knows us. read more

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Heard about this restaurant from a friend and had been meaning to try it out. My boyfriend and I went on a Wednesday night around 6:30 and there was no wait. We had a few apps(gyoza and chicken satay), shared the kimchee fried rice, and then shared a shabu shabu combo meal. Everything was absolutely amazing and the staff went above and beyond to make our first time here great. I will definitely be back. Great value and delicious food. read more

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Awesome place. Can't believe I found this place, takoyaki & ramen ? Love !! Owner is such a nice person also. A+++

I'd been looking for a local hot pot place, this definitely hit the spot!!!

I put off going here, but that was a mistake! Boy was this place a great surprise. The restaurant is spotless and has a real nice feel. A little stark, but they are new, and it is Japanese. I friend and myself decided to give it a try. We had two appetizers, and one main. The raw octopuss was great but very different, and the tongue was very bold, and a new prepration for me. As our main it was the mixed meat, we had lamb, and pork Shabu Shabu, which you cook in stock at your table. It comes with vegtables and rice or noodles. This turns out to be a fun and tasty event. There are lots of sauces and spices to fit your tastes. And this allows everyone to be happy! You will not regret a visit here, and I will be back soon! Enjoy your visit! read more

Hankering for ramen on a Monday night: what to do? The only other reviews I'd read for ramen in the city were at places with hour waits, no parking and...hang on...closed Monday. Bummer. Yet, here's Ebisu: Awesomeness! This place is conveniently situated outside downtown - with a parking lot - and a simple but neat and upscale interior. I chose the miso ramen with tofu and vegetables. Very delicate flavor in the broth (flavorful without being overpowering), lots of different kinds of vegetables and was hot and fast. I haven't had too much experience with 'real' ramen, but from the variety on the menu and the taste of the version I had, I'll definitely be back to try some more! read more

It was aight. Croquette smacked, and the chicken yakitori too. That garlic fried rice really ain't it my guy. But that chicken curry thing is what's bracking. My boy got finessed for some chicken sticks so be careful. The water was quiet splendid. read more

The tapas * thumbs up* is where it's at! All appetizers I've had here are incredibly delicious, it's easy to over order! The skewers are so delectable and finger licking good. They also have yummy combo dinners now. Hot pots and noodles dishes are well made, with fresh ingredients. If your going to have Ramen get the Sapporo, good stuff. .. Great place to bring friends.. Have a few drinks and just relax. read more