=== 1. VERDICT/VALUE The downtown eatery seems to have a sister location in Hillside Centre - whoohoo! The same authenticity brought to you by Japanese entrepreneurs is available here, complete with Japanese decor and NHK broadcasts on TV :). Good option when you're hankering for warm noodles in soup. === 2. FOOD The quality is just as good as that found in the downtown location, except shio ramen is not available here. I've tried the shoe and miso ramen here and it's delish as it is downtown. The $3.50 add-on sukiyaki beef on rice is good; I just wish it were bigger :) === 3. SERVICE It's all self-serve for the most part - you're encouraged to to use a large-screen kiosk to order everything, including any customizations. The service of the food itself is relatively quick, polite, and can be in English or Japanese. While you can normally bring your dishes to the collection stations, the stone bowls from Menbow requires you to return your tray to Menbow directly. === 4. ENVIRONMENT The Hillside Centre food court offers you a lot of space for groups of any size, with or without baby strollers or wheelchairs to dine in a bright, open, relatively-modern decor. Parking is a breeze too, given the spacious parking lot outside for the mall/. read more

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Delicious ramen and donburi. Adding a mini donburi bowl to our ramen bowl was plenty for 2 people to eat. We went here twice in our 3 day visit to Victoria. Also tried the chicken appetizer that was delicious. Clean and service was great. Highly recommend! read more

Craving for ramen during this rainy day. My brother recommended this place so we tried it. I got the shio ramen with clear soup (you can get creamy soup as option). Noodles were cooked to perfection!!! It's not over cooked and it has that crisps to it :-). I love the chiashu! Clearly different than the other ramen places we've been to. Soup isn't salty eh I sometimes happen with restaurants when the place is packed. I love this place. We also ordered tempura on the side which comes in 6 was really good according to my daughter and husband. So here I am again recommending another place for people to try when they visit Victoria BC. Clean place, street parking or go to the next parking structure. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Shio ramen in clear soup - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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Food is good. Service was efficient and prompt. Typical noodle bar ambiance. Prices are reasonable. What I liked: Larger bowls. They don't skimp with the roast pork or ramen egg and other items. Overall a great bowl of ramen. What could be improved. Less salt. It's too salty and I even ordered the "light" low salt version. Sad, but I couldn't drink the broth because it was too salty. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Black Garlic Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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I ordered their staple bowl of shio ramen. The broth was creamy; the noodles, al dente. Sizeable portion of noodles -- definitely adequate. I added the combo mini chasyu don (as I missed having rice for a few days!), which made the meal more than plenty. All the flavours were tasty but not deep. I am curious how I would find the spicy version of the shio ramen. Friendly staff, including the kitchen staff, as I was seated at the counter with the wide view into the kitchen. It was a good dining experience and it certainly satisfied my ramen craving. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Shio ramen plus add-on bowl: bbq pork donburi. - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Service was great. Food was just ok, it was better years ago when I was last here. The Karage chicken was small and just meh ok. Presentation was nice. The ramen creamy pork broth was ok. I'm willing to give it a try again for some other flavor ramen. There are not many choices on the island. read more

My boyfriend and I were looking for a good ramen place nearby and we found this one on yelp. I got the shoyu ramen and he got the miso ramen. The ramen was a solid 7/10. I enjoyed it overall but the soup concentration on the miso ramen was quite thick and very creamy. They had a an option to add extra noodles to the bowl, which is what my boyfriend decided to get because he likes more noodles in his soup. The ramen was also reasonably priced and not super expensive, which we liked. The service was also good and ever working their is very friendly and helpful. The inside of the restaurant is clean and it seems small when you first enter but as soon as you start walking further in, its a lot bigger than it looks. They have bar seating facing the kitchen and the window by the door as well as lots of large table seating throughout the rest of the restaurant. This was a good ramen place and I might be back with more friends to try different ramen bowls with! read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Top: miso ramen; bottom: shoyu ramen - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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Reasonably tasty, but fairly mediocre vegan ramen. I dined in for dinner on a Tuesday evening, having seen that they do a vegan ramen. It's a tomato ramen ($16.50 plus tax), something I had not seen done vegan before, so I was eager to try it. It comes with spinach noodles and a generous array of toppings: bamboo shoots, spinach, corn, tofu, a mushroom, bean sprouts, shredded carrot, and green onion. The broth was interesting -- quite tangy, almost sour, I guess sweet & sour, with appropriate saltiness. The broth was just OK and didn't have the depth or complexity I'd hoped for. At $16.50 for a vegan ramen, this is costlier than literally every other ramen place in Vancouver that does vegan ramens other than Jinya and Afuri (I know, I have a spreadsheet of them all!). So, all in all, decent spot for vegan ramen, but nothing special and fairly pricey. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Tomato ramen (vegan) - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

I think they use old socks to flavor the broth... but then, i'm a bit of a ramen snob. my wife got food poisoning. she's dealing with severe cramps 24 hours later. read more

The black garlic is so damn good. Good prices. Some of the best I've had anywhere. Check it out read more

Dined here on June 1, 2024. I had the Miso Ramen (Tonkatsu broth) and the Gyoza. It was very authentic and delicious. The servers were very nice and accommodating. read more

Soup base for all three soups we ordered were very fishy tasting. Did not enjoy . Friendly service. Busy place though so some people must like it ‍ read more

We ordered to go and then walked back to our hotel . It was packaged so that the broth was separate from the noodles and toppings to insure the noodles did not get soggy. The noodles were perfectly prepared and the broth so rich. The toppings were generous and flavorful. We were not expecting much, but it turned out to be one of better meals while in Victoria. I would eat here again and recommend. read more

I had the shoyu ramen with the cloudy soup and of course at least for me ramen is not complete without deep fried gyoza. It was for lunch and it was cold and rainy so it totally hit the spot. Sorry if you were hoping for pics of the food. What can I say? I was hungry. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Wall decor - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

OVERALL: 8/10. I'd probably come back here, since it's definitely deserving of a higher star rating (3-star too loowwwww), but it's definitely on the more pricey end - so I can understand any aversion to becoming a regular here (If I lived in Victoria, I'd come once or twice a month, tops). This place felt authentic, and the staff were friendly and prompt with their service - even if the aftermath (it took a while to even get the bill) did take a while longer than usual. Anyway, on to the rating! All quoted prices are in $CAD. 1) VARIETY/SELECTION: 9/10. on the "main dishes" side, there were 3 primary types of ramen (Miso - $14/$15, Shio - $13, Shoyu - $14), as well as the spicy equivalents, and then there was a tomato-based ramen, and three donburis to choose from (chasyu - $10, tuna - $16, ebi tempura - $9). You could make any of them a "combo" by adding a mini spring mix or a mini BBQ pork donburi ($2.99 for either), as well as add toppings like extra noodles ($1.50), extra 3pc pork ($3.50), softboiled egg, spinach, mushroom, bamboo shoot, etc. The appetizers were extremely expensive for what was offered. Major items included: Chicken Karaage ($9.50), Pork/Veggie Gyoza ($6), Shrimp Tempura ($7), Edamame ($5!!!! WTF!!!!), Tuna Tataki ($15), BBQ Beef Ribs ($13). 2) FRESHNESS: 8/10. It seemed like the noodles and the broth were made fairly fresh, but the BBQ Pork Donburi that came with the ramen didn't taste as fresh, for some reason. The Karaage was piping hot, which was great, but it felt like it had been fried in the morning, not when we had ordered it. 3) VALUE FOR MONEY: 6.5/10. This place sets some prices at a super great range, and others at a totally weird "why did you make it this price". For one, why is Edamame $5 for a tiny bowl? You can get this free at most places... it's not that expensive. Karaage was way too expensive (should be closer to $7 or $6.50 based on the size given - see pictures), the tempura is too small for the price (I'd expect 3-4 pieces to cost no more than $5) The ramen dishes are all incredibly expensive ($13-$15), and the portion size is average to above average. The extra noodles are almost a requirement - for 10% more, you get double or triple the noodles. The ramen itself was decent quality (came with two pieces of chashu and one softboiled egg already); and the spice level of the spicy miso was #worth. Now if only the ramen was cheaper... (Like, $10-12; $15 is a little much if there aren't already more noodles in there) 4) SERVICE: 8/10. We were seated quickly after entering, at the back, since my grandmother had wanted soup to help cope with her cold (it was cold outside too, so we wanted to not be near the front). The food came 20 minutes after ordering; everything was quite fresh, tasted great; most of our needs were attended to promptly. The service was a bit spotty - there were instances where I had to ask a couple of times to get my grandmother some hot water. Further, they never came by to refill the empty (lukewarm/cold?) water that we had on the table, even when the crowd died down after 1pm. 5) CONSISTENCY / FIRST IMPRESSION: 8.5/10. This place seemed authentic, and I loved the Japanese ramen-house atmosphere. The service was somewhat spotty - we were first seated before we were informed that we had to move tables because they "wanted to reserve the larger tables at the back for larger parties, in case one showed up" (none did), but we were able to order and eat fairly quickly as we had to leave for the Vancouver ferry afterwards. read more

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Tasty ramen with lots of options. Fast and courteous service. No nonsense authentic vibes.

Black garlic ramen was incredible!!! Best I've ever had! We saw some not so great reviews but the photos looked great so we tried it. Hands down incredible read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Black garlic ramen - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Solid, unassuming. Delivered.. I needed a ramen hit after a long travel day and found it here. I appreciated the service, the good vibes and the selection. It all worked for me read more

I came here on a night I really craved ramen and it did not disappoint. I got the Tonkotsu Miso broth and added chicke karaage as a side. It was so good and reminded me of a late night in Tokyo. The chasu is perfectly fatty and melts in your mouth. The service was fast and the server was very nice. A short walk from the Empress hotel. So if you are looking for something warm for the tummy and full for the heart, this is a spot I would recommend. read more

So so SOOOOO GOOD. My friend and I got spicy and regular ramen with tonkatsu base. SO YUM. really cool bowl for takeout. we didn't sit in so i can't rlly tell u abt that but food was super SUPER GOOD!!!! read more

Met my expectations for a Ramen Bar in Victoria. Good quality food, bright comfortable seating, and friendly service. I'd go here again when needing a casual, fast, and filling meal. read more

I have some diehard Menbow fans as best friends, so naturally, we had to come back here for their going away dinner... no complaints from me, though! With the recent smoke and slight change in weather, some hot ramen broth to sooth the throat is more than necessary. We came in and started with the chicken karaage, which was really delicious and there were enough pieces of chicken for all four of us to have a few and be satisfied. Our ramen came around the same time though, which was a great touch, in my opinion. Extremely quick service, I must add!! I had the spicy miso ramen with regular broth, since my very ramen-experienced friend was telling me that it was the best thing in the house (except he goes for heavy broth). I also had a Sapporo with the meal because why the heck not! The broth, veggies, meat, and noodles were all absolutely delicious and hit the spot so well! My only reasoning for not giving it 5 stars here is because the service wasn't spectacular; the server was a young gal who didn't know what the Kirin beer was and didn't care too much to find out. Most certainly not a big deal for me or any of my companions, just a note! :) read more

The downtown location of Menbow Ramen Bar was customer attentive and had better than the other Hillside Centre shopping mall location. The mall location had a fast food feel to it. This downtown location felt more like a real restaurant. The prices are fairly high, but not as high as some other ramen restaurants such as Ghost Ramen. The food does taste great. read more

Been sick for 12 hours after eating here. Black garlic ramen was rancid. Vomitting commenced immediately. Stay clear.

After living in Japan for four years I found it hard to get good ramen. I finally tried Menbow and it's easily the most authentic ramen I've found in Canada! The spicy miso ramen is particularly nice! read more

Love everything here. Everything. The service is friendly and efficient. Ramen is amazing. Ribs are tender and juicy. Take out is fast and they separate the stock from the rest of the dish. I drive from Nanaimo to Victoria just to eat here. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Spicy shoyu ramen. - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

To be honest, the food itself is 4 stars. The only reason why I'm giving it a 3 is because the prices were so ridiculously high, it beats downtown Vancouver in some aspects. I haven't had ramen for a long, long time. Aside from the fact that most half decent ramen places don't cater to vegetarians, I've just been pushing it to the back of my mind. When I saw that this place served a veggie option, I could only go for it. The noodles were bouncy and chewy- delicious. The "broth" on the other hand... Well, let's just say it was less broth and more a savory, tomato puree. It wasn't bad by any stretch but it just seemed like something was missing. The toppings were delicious, and I loved the fried tofu. In the end I paid over $16 after tax and tip for the ramen and an egg... I mean, it was good, but the prices really aren't justified. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

A cute place in downtown Victoria to have a sating meal. There's only one vegan option in the Ramen menu but it is quite tasty. It contains the perfect amount and combination of veggies and noodles. The veggie gyoza are also delectable. The Sake is worth trying served in the delicate ochoko, it gives quite an authentic feeling while trying out the Japenese drink. read more

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The ramen was great tasting, however I thought it was a bit salty and the noodles clung together. However, the biggest SURPRISE was how RUDE and ARROGANT the service was! To the Owner/Manager of this Restaurant, please study your CCTV Camera around 5:35 and 5:45 pm Sept 8th, and pay particular attention to how your personnel behaved around my children. I was correct to not even give you a penny .I thought about recommending it to my friends that enjoy Ramen, but no way! You are not a match for Ramen Arashi. Not at all recommended. read more

We have just moved from Vancouver where ramen restaurants are as plentiful as they are very good - not quite Japan ramen good...but good. I would rate Menbow very mediocre...perhaps 5.5 out of 10. Good noodles with nice chew, however, the Shyou broth was terrible - too weak and flavour was not developed well. The additional garnishing were sparse. This was our second meal at Menbow and it was our last meal there. read more

Great location and clean spot with lots of ramen options. It's getting warm so I went for the no-broth ramen. Very flavourful warm noodles with leafy greens, soft boiled egg, pork belly and gomae. Too salty for me personally and like some other comments have mentioned, a bit pricey. Overall good and great service! read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - No-broth ramen - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

I had high hopes based on the 4 star rating that this establishment has. However, I was left quite disappointed. I should state that this review is based on the vegetarian option ramen. The menu said it was tomato based. I could barely eat half of it. The taste was very bland like a watered down can of condensed tomato soup. The toppings were canned corn, soggy spinach, mushrooms, and mushy tofu. I also ordered a tempura shrimp starter. It was a generous portion, but I felt the batter was quite thick to the tempura I am used to. I would not recommend coming here if you are vegetarian or vegan. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

We saw their flyer at the visitor center and decided to check it out . The food is amazing. read more

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So good. The noodles are just perfect and the spicy miso was just hot enough to give me the sniffles. Bowls are huge - I couldn't finish my broth but you bet I ate every noodle. The atmosphere was pretty relaxed. Quite a few people there for before noon on a Sunday. My kid shared an adult portion but got his own plastic bowl and kid chopsticks. Maybe a little pricey but 10/10 would eat here again. read more

Menbow Ramen Bar - Ramen Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Pretty good ramen at a reasonable / fair $11 CAD ($9.02 USD) price. Value 4/5 Food 3/5 Service 2/5 Locale 3/5 A decent shoyu tonkatsu ramen at a very reasonable price, especially for those bringing USD. I'd say this ramen is about on par with Kizuki Izakaya ramen in Seattle, which is typically a $14.50+ USD bowl of ramen. Chashu slices were really tasty, better than many many other places I've had. Caramelized well on exterior and seasoned well. Very small and thin slices, of which you only get two for the regular portion included in the Shoyu ramen. Locale, interior, and service all not bad but not notable. I've read some other reviews on how service is not rude but also not attentive, and I'd say id agree with that assessment. There is a big wall that separates the front desk and diner seating, and about half the seating is in the far back of the restaurant. It is hard for servers to see diners and difficult for diners to get their attention. The business should consider making some changes to how they operate. Otherwise customers will continue to fel ignored. read more

Decent place.. if you love ramen it wont blow your mind.. the broths are good but its a little lacking on the meat. Worth a try still. read more

So I was really exited to get some Ramen... it has been so long! My friend and I both ordered a little bowl of rice and beef before our soup. The server thought we said only one but we corrected her before she put the order in. When it came around the server only brought one bowl, it turns out we only needed the one. It just disappointed me that even after correcting her the mistake was still made. The soup itself was very bland, my friend and I added lots of spice to it and it was still no use. Overall I am still looking for a good Ramen place here is Victoria! read more

I tend to dislike reviews that start with "I really know (food type x)," so let me say that I've had much more than my fair share of ramen. Two+ years living in Tokyo plus a lot of sampling of the still-developing Seattle noodle scene makes for more than a bowl or two consumed. On the positive, this is a really friendly place. And, having not eaten ramen for a while, I appreciated the convenient location and decent hours. We were a party of four, with an order of edamame, pork gyoza, two spicy miso, one miso, and one shio. The edamame was typical - cooked from frozen to a good texture, lightly salted (which is to say enough), and moderate texture. Overall, what I would expect if not a slightly smallish portion. Gyoza were less enjoyable. I was unable to determine whether they had been made fresh earlier in the day or sometime (i.e., much longer) before that. Either way, I wasn't left thinking that they were made-to-order, let alone house made. Specifically, the pork was light on flavor, somewhat soft in texture, and the first gyoza I bit into was barely warm. As for the ramen, the noodles themselves were a positive. I like a thick, wavy noodle to which the ramen broth epically clings. These were all that for me, and more - great texture and a flavor that stood out but didn't interfere with the broth. The broth, however, was the big disappointment. For each of the three varieties, the flavor and experience fell short. On the plus, the garnish (seaweed, bamboo shoots, corn, etc.) were plentiful, as was the chili oil and togorashi. But, it's about the broth - and for me it didn't have the combo of gentle robustness - the umami - that I crave. There's a good amount to like here, but I was left wanting just a little bit more. Maybe it was an off night - or maybe you'll find it to your liking. Either way, you should check it out! read more

I have to agree with other yelpers like Suzan L that the prices are too high for what you get. Overall, I'd rate the quality of the ramen as just average comparing it to past experiences in other cities, but it's more expensive than anywhere else I've been to for ramen. read more

Meh. I was pretty disappointed with this place. The broth was a little strange - it's not rich enough, and at the same time, it's not clear enough to pass as a clear broth. The seasoning itself was also quite off. One of the ramens we ordered was too salty, and the other one was simply flavorless. Service was decent. Nothing special, but no issues at all. read more