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    JINYA Ramen Bar - Central Phoenix

    4.0 (347 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    JINYA RAMEN BAR - CENTRAL PHOENIX ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
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    Loud
    Good for groups

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    Dragon Fruit Fizz
    Jordan E.

    First time coming (this review is a few months late, I thought I pressed submit and I didn't lol) and I am very impressed. I forgot to take a picture of the crispy rice with spicy tuna but holy moly that was DELICIOUS. My partner got the black ramen and I got the garlic fried rice bowl and we were both very happy with our selections. The drinks were also very good (I didn't take a picture of my partners drink because I didn't think about it until after). The dragonfruit fizz had a unique flavor that I personally loved and felt like a more tropical type of vibe when I drank it. We sat at the bar closest to the kitchen and watched them make all the meals which was also a lot of fun! The overall environment wasn't too loud and it made it easy to have conversation.

    Jinya Tonkotsu Original Ramen
    Joy T.

    Able to finally check this place out. Great welcoming space where everyone who walks in is greeted in Japanese. Love the lighting, art, bar area, which is where I sat. I got their lunch special: Jinya Tonkotsu ramen & crispy rice. The ramen was a big bowl of pork broth, pork chashu, green onion, spinach, seasoned egg & nori. Their noodles is some of the best I have had, as was their broth. It really was delicious! I am typically not a fan of crispy rice but I will say that this one was really great. I think it was spicy tuna? I would most definitely order again. It was busy but not too busy to be forgotten. Bartender was checking up on me regularly and very cordial. I will come back!

    JINYA Bun (1pc)*
    Kayla S.

    I can see why it's popular, but it didn't quite hit the same depth of flavor I've had at more classic ramen spots. This place leans more towards the trendy take on ramen vs the traditional style. It gets really busy, so make sure you make a reservation or are prepared to wait during dinner times. Service can be hit or miss because of its busyness.

    Margarita
    Edgar D.

    Back again and this time it was even better. The lunch special is a great value! The Ramen is delicious the gyoza is still amazing. The crunchy chicken is spectacular. But let's talk about this mew ice matcha wow! So tasty. Best of all our server! LOY is the best super attentive, non stop service the whole way through, he has upper management written all over. Hurry and visit before he gets promoted. Super fun vibes, cant wait to be back again and enjoy the Japanese experience in more ways than one.

    Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna*
    Allison J.

    This place isn't bad. I was a little hesitant because when restaurants that want an upscale concept try to do ramen it's not always good. Clever Koi for example. The crispy tuna was very very good. I liked that. The rice was not too crispy or mushy and the tuna on top made it perfect and it was delicious. The shrimp wonton ramen I added tofu and mushrooms. It came in side bowls which was interesting but in a way I didn't mind. It was really good. I had thick noodles. I think I would've preferred thin egg noodles. The broth was not spicy an tasted very good. The flavor was there. The only thing is the wontons were not as impressive. Inside the wonton is just shrimp. There's no seasoning which made the wontons fall short. So it wasn't as enjoyable as the rest of the ramen. Our waiter was not bad. He was nice but a little too attentive. He came over and was like how's that food. That we just got like 5 minutes ago and haven't tried yet. The restaurant concept isn't bad. It's a little small but I rather liked it. The chairs were so comfy though omg. The best chairs I've ever sat on in a restaurant

    Salad/small plates/rice bowl menu
    Rebekah D.

    This review is a little bit late, I went there a couple of weeks ago- so I don't know if the same ramen I had is still available... Service was really great. The server was very nice, attentive and made sure things were to my liking without being overbearing. I went during happy hour, which I've never been here before so I didn't know they had one. That was cool. I got a Chef's Special ramen and it came with a Demon slayer soup spoon. Dinner with a gift? Take my money. I had a big enough dish to last for 2 meals and to be honest, the ramen broth tasted even better the next day. The noodles were cooked nicely, great texture. The matcha tiramisu? Meh. I'd skip it. I love matcha and each component itself was nicely done, but together it was just okay. (They do have it on their happy hour menu if you wanna taste it for less than full price). The cucumber salad was 10/10. I'd eat it every day if I could. Flavors were great, all complemented each other and you got thick chunks of cucumber so it could really hang onto those flavors. Even if you don't normally like cucumber salad, you'd want to give this a try. I asked the server about the salmon poke tacos. He said he didn't eat seafood but it was a frequently ordered item. Obvi I had to try them. So, the wonton shell had a nice crisp crunch to it. It wasn't so thin that it would fall apart easily, which is great for the messier people like me. Flavor-wise, it was a little flat for me, even with lime squeezed over, it was just okay. (Tbh I do have extremely high standards with poke, so keep that in mind). I got some extra stuff to go. They have a kids meal which I didn't get for mine, but she probably would have loved it. I just got her the spicy chicken ramen. When you get the ramen to go, the put everything on the side which is nice and give you a separate bowl of ramen so it doesn't change the texture on the drive home. I also got a regular pork chashu bowl. I didn't try it but was told it was pretty good and the bowl was empty. If you have a bigger appetite, you might wanna spring for something a little bigger. They have a regular size and a small size and it was apparently not filling enough. This is an adorable place to go for a date night. It's laid back, open kitchen, and the music isn't too loud. I've come here during "off times" as the parking lot doesn't look that big, but I'm presuming if it gets full you can park on the street around it. Would I come back? Yes, if I'm in the area, but I wouldn't make a special drive way out of my way for it.

    Sake
    Jessa J.

    We sat at the bar for snacks and drinks and was promptly served by Sam. She was super attentive and sweet! This place has a chill vibe and an awesome happy hour!

    Deedrah B.

    Came here a couple nights ago with my bestie (turned Yelpie!!!) to catch up and have a good bowl of ramen before our big race the next morning! Arriving on Friday around 630pm, we were seated immediately at a two top and had a few mins to check out the menu, decide on our entrees etc. I ordered my standard/predictable/obligatory glass of bubbles, haha! I'm not the biggest fan of ramen but I do like dumplings and fried chicken, so I ordered a plate of each and my friend got the specialty ramen that came with a souvenir spoon! We had a great time enjoying our food and catching up! Service was very pleasant and friendly, prices very reasonable, and easy enough for us to park in the dedicated lot since it's just a bit north of the downtown hustle and bustle. Would recommend!

    Spicy Creamy Shrimp Tempura*
    Erica S.

    I ordered a few things, the shrimp wonton ramen, poke tacos and the spicy creamy shrimp tempura. Service was quick and friendly and restaurant was nice and clean. I liked the broth of the ramen but the wontons were too dense for my liking. The poke tacos were pretty flavorless even with the lime on the side. But I didn't really enjoy the shrimp tempura, perfect flavor and crisp.

    Spicy Chicken Ramen*
    Francheska J.

    Always a solid experience at JINYA! I don't really change my order up too much- the tonkotsu black with thick noodles and the fresh pressed garlic is my go-to and it never disappoints. I will say though, I do notice some differences in quality between this specific location and the Chandler one. Not too sure what exactly it is, but I do prefer the Chandler one food-wise. My only qualm here is that for a chain, the ramen pricing is kind of expensive. Is it a really tasty bowl? Yes. Will I continue to come here regularly? Yes. But I do feel slightly guilty paying almost $20+ a bowl. I did notice this time that they had a great lunch deal, so I might have to opt for that next time. Service is always A-1 here though, everyone is an absolute delight and I love that they have a really easy waitlist/RSVP system through Yelp.

    JINYA Tonkotsu Black*
    Chay L.

    I stopped by Jinya Ramen for an early dinner after work. The place was not packed. They have outside sitting as well as bar and counter seats. I chose to sit inside the restaurant but the lighting was really dim and I had a hard time looking at the menu with the low light conditions. I know it's a bar but I think they should have better lighting conditions inside the restaurant. Moreover, I was shown the seat at the corner of the restaurant since I was by myself. That made it even harder to see the menu as it was furthest away from the door or any windows. Other than that, the food was great and the service was also good. But they had to lose a star from me cos of the poor lighting conditions. I may have been better off sitting outside, but my guess was that there could be other guests smoking when seated outside, which i wouldn't prefer. Lighting is too poor in the restaurant.

    Isaac R.

    I really enjoyed the ramen from here! The wonton ramen was delicious. The matcha tiramisu wasn't my favorite, but still worth a try. I usually go often to one that is in Salt Lake City, Utah, but this location here in Phoenix was the worst service ever, they ran out of spoons, we got our ramen and we had to wait about 15min more to get a spoon as they were getting washed. Waitress were trying to avoid everyone that was waiting on a spoon.

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    20 days ago

    Best ramen! Great service shrimp wonton ramen is a must! As well as the original 2010!

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    We went here today, & could not park or eat. People parked in handicap without a proper handicap plaque or license. So we left

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    JINYA Ramen Bar - Central Phoenix Reviews in Other Languages

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    Lylo Swim Club

    Lylo Swim Club

    4.0
    (275 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    1.17.26 A Tale of Two Beet Salads!…read more The first one we ordered tasted kind of "meaty" like maybe it was on the same grill as the burgers? The second one tasted "clean" or like it was supposed to taste. The Burger & Fish Tacos were full of flavor & freshness! I loved their fries b/c crispy on outside & soft on the outside. Missing their Guac & Chips Starter that was on former menu tho. We gotta commend the F&B Manager here! He overheard us talking to the waiter about the differences in the Charred Beet Salads & told us why: one was on the grill too long & he only knew that b/c he was in the kitchen watching them make it. He appreciated us sharing about the nuanced difference in how salads tasted & comped one. Wow - this is really going above & beyond: caring enough to have a convo w/ diners, acknowledging their palates detecting the difference AND making it right, b/c as he said "both should taste the same, like the second one." A commitment to excellence and consistency is a rarity. Overall, Lylo Swim Club outdoor bar/restaurant is a little oasis tucked away amongst so much greenery and beauty! Yes they have the pool nearby, but we didn't take a dip. Something to look forward to! P.S. Can the tile pattern on the bar be any more gorgeous?!

    Was super excited to come here with my friends. We decided to get 3 chairs and there were dirty…read moredishes left everywhere. You would think being outside they would have someone buss since there were bugs swarming everywhere. The Dole Whip drinks you would assume the alcohol would be mixed in but just poured on top. Service was honestly extremely disappointing usually I can give them some grace but this was just... wow! Then I go to pay and there were several items on my bill that were never ordered. Mind you never got silverware or napkins so we were using the towels. 25 minutes for a can of beer mind you. Place could have potential but would need several more servers and maybe individuals that are equipped to even do the job in the first place. $300 for actually a slap in the face and no sunburn because are seats were in the shade with dirty dishes damn near on top of us. Gross, waste of money, and just disturbing. Could not pay me to come back. In addition the pool looked so alarmed I was surprised individuals were even in it, I barely let my feet in. Update : I tried to contact the hotel yesterday to get in touch with the manager, was given 3 emails all wrong. The emails never got delivered. Call the Lylo Swim Club this morning and spoke with Paul Epstein.... oh my actual god good luck. So extremely rude not helpful at all no wonder on his LinkedIn he switches jobs every few months. Some things he told me on the phone.... 1. That the dishwasher/busser was going around every 20 minutes and grabbing dishes... Wrong I saw him once 2. Explained to him that the drinks tasted like they were poisoned. He said what do you expect when you order alcohol. 3. he asked why I didn't grab a server. There were two and I saw them maybe three times only when they were delivering wrong food. He then told me that they were overstaffed yesterday pathetic. On top of that he said everyone was going there to get the dole whip drinks because of TikTok. I'm glad other people could enjoy them, but you would think since he works in the restaurant industry he would have grace for others when its impossible to please everyone. That I understand but with all of these things that went wrong a discount should have been applied. I've never experienced someone so rude and uptight. I can't even imagine someone having a bachelorette party or a birthday there I would be embarrassed to have my friends or anyone I know being in contact with this place or Paul. good luck to him.

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 dole whip rum cocktail
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    Ledu Thai

    Ledu Thai

    4.5
    (47 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    From the moment we stepped into LeDu Thai, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance that…read moreperfectly set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The soothing decor and soft lighting created a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a delightful meal, especially on an unseasonably hot day. We began our culinary journey with the Larb Mushroom appetizer, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The dish featured succulent oyster mushrooms tossed with roasted rice powder, fresh mint, shallots, cilantro, and a vibrant chili-lime dressing. Each bite was a refreshing explosion of flavors, combining the earthy richness of the mushrooms with the zesty brightness of the dressing. It was light, refreshing, and a perfect precursor to the meal ahead. For her main dish, my wife chose the Pad Z U, an outstanding selection that showcased sautéed broad noodles, crispy fried tofu, and Chinese broccoli, all enveloped in a delectable sweet soy sauce. The noodles were soft and chewy, creating a delightful texture that harmonized beautifully with the vegetable medley and tofu. The heat in the dish was skillfully balanced, providing just enough kick without overwhelming the palate. My wife couldn't stop raving about it! I opted for the Kua Kling, and it truly was a star of the evening. This spicy stir-fried minced chicken was enriched with fragrant curry paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, resulting in an aromatic dish that was accompanied by tender long string beans and the unique Sadtor beans. The flavor profile was complex and enticing, with each ingredient complementing the others in a delightful dance of spice and freshness. It was a dish that not only warmed my belly but also left me craving more. What elevated our experience even further was the attentiveness of our server. With a genuine smile and a welcoming demeanor, they offered excellent recommendations and ensured that we were well taken care of throughout our meal. Their knowledge of the menu added to our enjoyment, making the dining experience even more memorable. Overall, LeDu Thai is a culinary treasure that I cannot recommend highly enough. Each dish was exceptional, bursting with flavor and crafted with care. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a cozy ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Thai dining experience. We can't wait to return and explore more of what their menu has to offer!

    Wow! We had the best dining experience at Ledu! It was amazing! The service was incredible. What a…read moredarling restaurant and environment, the atmosphere was a vibe. My daughter and I shared the Som Dtam Tod /which is a crispy papaya salad and the beef Pad Z U. The Som Dtam Tod was absolutely amazing. It's a dish I'll be thinking about forever. It was so unique and so flavorful! The Pad Z U was the best I've had! We ended the evening with their burnt toast with salted caramel ice cream with honey syrup. It was out of this world. I went with a party of 8 and all of us absolutely loved it! I can't wait to go back. 10/10

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    Cool lav!
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    Fried Tofu
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    Bar 1912

    Bar 1912

    4.4
    (73 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    came here for a nightcap w my brother and sister-in-law! this is one of my fav spots to hit in the…read morevalley, they have the best (sonoran-inspired) drinks. there's truly something for everybody. for drinks, my brother got the hot champurrado (basically a spiked hot chocolate, one of my favorite cocktails on the menu, if not ever), my sister-in-law got their whiskey sour (delicious & refreshing), and i got the baja-blasted high baller (mezcal based, mountain dew, there was something else but i can't remember, and an "electric sugar" rim - SO! GOOD! inspired by taco bell's baja blast hahahah). they TREATED us to all three of their current desserts on the menu. it was the most pleasant surprise i could've imagined. my favorite was the flourless chocolate cake! it was like a thick, rich brownie, had passion fruit cream to "lighten it up" and a caramel-like taffy on the bottom my brother and sister-in-law both said their favorite was the gulab jamun (which is basically like little fried dough balls/donuts, influenced by indian flavors and spices). the mille-feuille was also fantastic - the pastry was light and airy, cream wasn't too sweet and also very light, shaved cheese on top made it have a savory bite, and the jam alongside it was strawberry rhubarb. service is always amazing, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; it seems like everybody working here truly enjoys it. quite literally already have a reservation booked at valentine and will be coming back here beforehand. update: came back for more drinks (fernet & coke, spaghett western, negroni) and their lamb flauta. all AMAZING! and amazing order to whet the appetite before dinner at valentine.

    Second time visiting this bar. To be honest the first time left a lot to be desired. It was about a…read moreyear ago so the details of what we didn't like have been forgotten. Regardless, we gave it another shot and we were much happier the next go around. Record players in the corner and a fireplace on the opposite side of this dimly lit bar created a cozy vibe on a chilly Saturday night. We arrived right at opening and the bar filled up quickly but the volume still made it easy to have a conversation and still have an intimate night out. The drinks, this time, well balanced and delicious. My wife had the the Pantera Rosa and I had the Last Word. Both were delicious and not overly sweet. I love a good "Last Word" but the tea added a welcome and subtle layer. A nicely created cocktail without shaming the original. Servers were attentive, constantly filling up water, and making sure we were well taken care of. We will be back!

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    Bar 1912
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    Valentine

    Valentine

    4.3
    (585 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Stopped in this morning for a late breakfast/brunch. I was dining solo and was greeted warmly and…read moreable to be seated at a table. The hostess made a pastry recommendation and my server had the same recommendation so I tried the pain suisse. 10/10! It was a beautifully flaky pastry with sweetness from the guava. So delicious. I also had the seasonal quiche which was flavorful. It came with a small salad, and I will even commend them on the crispness of the lettuce. 10/10. The coffee selection is unique. I tried the cajeta latte, which was described as their take on a salted caramel latte. So good! My only critique would be the cup in comes in. While very stylish, it didn't have a handle so I had to use my napkin to pick up my cup at first. Overall, very satisfied and would highly recommend!

    I typically find food in Arizona to be solidly decent. With few exceptions, there are no real stand…read moreout dishes or amazing places to eat. Phoenix and the valley has good restaurants and that's about it. And don't get me started on the chain restaurant mentality here. And then there is Valentine. I was excited to have dinner there last night with friends, although I thought the hype of this restaurant was more instagram famous than it was good. I was mistaken. Greatly mistaken. My friends and I arrived for dinner last night and we were greeted with a wonderful staff and a really cool vibe on the inside. Very casual but not lacking in anything. The service was really great. I love when a server welcomes you to the table and can take the cues when people are having a conversation as opposed to constantly asking," Have you made up your mind?" Our server was fantastic and very accommodating. Sadly I do not remember her name. Now let's talk about the food. We started with three delicious cocktails, the salmon dip and the pretzel. Both were deliciously flavorful. The butter and honey with the pretzel really elevated the pretzel. Great accompaniment. For our mains, we shared the yucca and potato pave, the elote pasta, the ribs, and the trout. All was fantastic, but the real star was the trout. Perfectly cooked, and accompanied by the most impressive rice pilaf. It could stand on the menu by itself. The most important thing for me to point out is that all of these dishes were perfectly seasoned. It is my opinion, and since I'm writing this review, it is the only opinion that counts, almost every single restaurant I've been to in my 11 years of living here do not layer the seasoning, especially salt. They are either so bland the dish has little to no taste, or they pile all seasoning on the top and hope for the best. Valentine stands above the rest. Thank you, Valentine, for what I'm sure was the first of many meals for me at your table.

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    Don Woods' Say When

    Don Woods' Say When

    4.1
    (169 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Great atmosphere! Great drinks! Okay bar bites. Nothing special in terms of food, but this is a…read moregreat spot to come hang out before going out!

    I first came across Don Woods' Say When reading a Yelp article listing out the best rooftops in…read moreeach state. Don Woods was Arizona's pick. For quite a few months, I had it on my list to visit. I finally made things happen on a Wednesday evening for a drink. Located on the roof (of course) of a boutique hotel, I find free parking in the hotel's parking lot. While it was a busy parking lot, I was able to find a spot. Unfortunately, my night consisted of a comedy of errors. Ambiance (3/5): When you think best rooftop in the state, you're thinking scenic and peaceful views. Don Woods' certainly has that, though I've seen better in Phoenix. You can see the mountains in the background, but that's about it. The hotel is located on a busy street, where you'll often hear the noise of cars buzzing by or the train choo-chooing. Did I just make up a word?! I imagine the best time to stop by is during sunset. The outdoor area is relatively narrow with seating for about 20-30 people. It's a mix of comfortable seats and tables/chairs. There's also a charming indoor area, where the bar is located, but I felt like I had to sit outside. The weather was perfect, too. Service (2.5/5): This is where the comedy of errors began. I was given a menu and some water and was left to peruse the menu. Before the waitress had returned, I had picked out an appetizer and a cocktail. I then discovered that their cook had quit the other week and as a result, no food was available. That's fine and all, but you've gotta give me a heads-up when giving me the menu. That way, I wouldn't have spent the time to look over the food menu and get my heart set on a particular dish. On a better note, they have free WiFi. And service was overall friendly and pretty efficient. Food (N/A): While I was unable to order some food, on most nights, they have a small menu of small plates. More of a snack type of spot then a full meal type of establishment. Drinks (3/5): Don Woods is know for its cocktails and they have a list of 10 or so craft cocktails. Plus, beer, wine, and the typical options that you would find when there's a full bar. I feel like the bartender messed up the proportions on my cocktail as it was a bit rough. One drink and I was out. It seems like Don Woods' is experiencing some turnover which is leading to some mishaps. Combine that with some high expectations given the accolades they won, and it was the recipe for a disaster. I love a good rooftop bar, so I was hoping for more at Don Woods' Say When. Even the lobby of the hotel was experiencing issues. They sell popsicles in the lobby but the guy temporarily manning the front desk didn't know how to get their Square device working. Which ended up meaning no appetizers for me at Don Woods and no popsicles from the lobby. Two strikes. We live to fight another day.

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    View from rooftop
    View from rooftop
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    View from the bar

    JINYA Ramen Bar - Central Phoenix - ramen - Updated July 2026

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