This was an interesting experience. I dropped in for an impromptu dinner with some friends who had just arrived in Auckland on a Sunday night. My partner, myself, and our two friends made four people. We were given a booth in the enclosed backyard-style area, which was really cute, but the booths were SO FREAKING SMALL. I'm a small person, and my friends aren't exceptionally large. We were all squished into this booth, but it didn't seem like there were any larger tables there, so we didn't ask for anything bigger. Instead we just played footsies and tried to adjust our knees to not jam into each other. We ordered some ramen (I got the vegetarian ramen which the server said he "thinks" is vegan ) and my friends ordered a variety of seafood/ chicken ramen. My ramen came and had a really buttery taste (?!) which I'm hoping was just a ton of oil. It was alright, but I didn't finish it and I wouldn't order it again. One of my friends just didn't like his at all - he had a few bites and just gave up. My boyfriend ate all of his but we both agreed after that we wouldn't go back. I was sad about that as I had heard about this place and really wanted to like it. If you are looking for ramen in Auckland, just head to Zool Zool in Mt Eden - it's the best by far! read more

Ramen Takara is one of the few Auckland eateries that first set up shop on the Shore (Brown's Bay) and then expanded to the other side rather than vice versa. As far as I can tell, the menu is pretty much same - big bowls of steaming hot, freshly made noodles in flavoursome broth with plenty of sides/additions. There's other dishes too but it would be criminal not to try a variation of their namesake dish on your first visit. I was recommended the miso ramen on my first visit to their new location so went with that. It was a-ok - the noodles were al dente and the broth, punchy but it didn't knock my socks off. I think in part it was my fault as I rushed my order and didn't get in on the condiment action. I think next time I'll stick with my usual Brown's Bay order of tonkatsu. Other than that wins all round. The space is small but they've utilized it well with a full covered courtyard outback with heaters so that it's even bearable in winter. The service is a little inexperience but friendly. We were asked about 5 times by two different waitresses if we were ready to order late on a Sat arvo when the joint was pretty empty. All in all a great place for a cheap(ish) dinner out with friends in central Ponsonby! read more

Ramen Takara - Ramen Near Me - Ponsonby, AUK

I've been drooling over this menu since it opened last month, and finally got to enjoy! Came here with my boyfriend at 6pm on a Wednesday and got a seat out back right away. Our waitress was super prompt with menus, water, and taking our drink orders. Typical Japanese beer, wine, shochu, and sake list. They had a few cocktails but none looked particularly standout to me. We ordered renkon chips, which were delicious! Crispy and salty, maybe a little on the burnt side but in the way that tastes good still, you know? They also brought us a free little dish of edamame which was such a nice touch. I was a little bummed because our waitress didn't give us a special menu, and I like to taste the seasonal nibbles. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen and my boyfriend ordered the wonton. Both delicious! The broth in his was a bit saltier than I would have wanted, and he said the noodles were a little tough. I tried one of the wontons from his; tasty, but would have liked it to be a little more hearty to make it worth the name Wonton Ramen. The Tonkotsu Ramen was good: nice saltiness, the chashu pork was good, tasty mushrooms. The atmosphere was nice - simple, uncluttered. We sat on the back patio but the space heaters gave off plenty of warmth to heat the whole patio. Overall, good, didn't really wow either of us, but we'll definitely go back and give it another go. By the time we left at 7pm there was a queue outside, so make sure you give yourself time for a bit of a wait! read more

Ramen Takara - My Tonkotsu ramen and my date's Wonton ramen, complimentary edamame, Pilsner. - Ramen Near Me - Ponsonby, AUK

My first time eating Ramen , "What" I hear you say . Well what's good about a bowl of steaming hot noodles ? Uh everything ! I went for the pork won-ton ramen with egg and bamboo and I shared a side of pork gyoza . The gyoza were light and the wrapper wasn't doughy , I really liked these and they're something I always order . The ramen with its soft silky noodles and light soy flavoured broth , not having much ramen experience I felt it could've been a lot more flavourful but it was a substantial portion , although my dining companion says you can get bowls as big as your head . The service was friendly and I remember this place as a previous incarnation as Landreth and Co . So it has courtyard seating out the back . I'm going to give it another go for sure . read more

Ramen Takara - Wonton ramen - Ramen Near Me - Ponsonby, AUK

Speaking of Japanese Ramen, Takara is the one that you should not neglect. Hidden on buzzing Ponsonby road, this Takara is such a gem. However, you can still see through the ceiling windows telling how lovely and cozy it is. Walk in around 5pm, people already take up all the seats in the first lounge. Oh, too many people to sit down! Just then, waitress came in with a smile. Two people, follow me... Follow you to, where? What a clever thought. They turned out the backside, to be more specific, the conservatory into a second lounge, setting long sharing tables in between and several separated seats. Dressed with a few pots of greens to lighten this area. wow, more secret in a hidden place. In Japan, if sitting in sorts of place like this, you wouldn't let down by the dish, as only the very local restaurants do it this way. So I began to feel confident. The menu is different to the Takara in Browns Bay, I should say, more expensive for Ponsonby people to consume. Daily special dish is a plus to your greedy appetite. But most people come for Ramen, directly. Pork Ramen comes up with nothing wrong. Creamy soup, right amount of salt, half poached egg, pork slice with several veggies especially the bamboo shoots. It is up to the name. However, the fried chicken was a disappointment. It came with a right temperature, good color, crispy skin and tender inside. But, no taste at all. Maybe chef is too busy coping with the dishes and left the salt behind. Fried tofu tastes smooth with the soy sauce dressing. The outside skin still needs a bit of time to become more crusty for the first bite pleasure. Some points finally drove me away from here. Too noise by the noise from people sitting next to you, I do not appreciate people making funny sound eating Ramen, and what is more,being lack of space seemed to push people just finish eating and go. Now, I do miss the coziness of a small Ramen place in Japan. Fewer customers, and you can share some talk with the chef, watching him make you the bowl of noodle. Yes, the lost of humanity in the crowed society could affect greatly. read more

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Delicious food - friendly staff - and a great location. Ramen Takara are a must try for any Japanese enthusiast. We arrived at 12pm and were quickly seated outdoors. We ordered the crispy noodle salad, edamame, pork gyoza, wonton ramen and the chicken karaage. The crispy noodle salad not only looked impressive - but was perfectly seasoned and had amazing texture. Cabbage and carrot slaw, covered in crispy fried ramen. I absolutely LOVED this dish - would come back just for this salad alone. The gyoza were perfectly cooked - crispy on the it outside but not dry at all - the filly was tender and flavoursome. The ramen was very impressive ! Tasty and wholesome broth, half an egg, mushrooms, spring onion, one slice of pork and tender wontons. I requested thick and curly noodles - which were added in perfect proportion to the broth. The karaage wasn't anything to right home about - but it was tender and juicy and served with mayo. Definitely recommend to all ! I will be back soon to try the sweet and sour meatballs. read more

Ramen Takara - Crispy Noodle Salad - Ramen Near Me - Ponsonby, AUK

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After walking past this 'well reviewed' restaurant many times - I decided to have a (late) lunch here. I love Japanese fare, so was looking forward to my Teriyaki Chicken for $16. The presentation of all dishes is exquisite; beautifully plated. I choose to take mine away, as I was rushing back to work, however the aroma wafting out of the bag was 'knock-out' heaven in a box. The chicken was tender & delicious over fluffy rice & salad topped with a creamy dressing. There were other temptations on the menu: Wonton Ramen $14, Edamame beans $6, Pork Belly Spring Rolls $10... Yelp!!! I think I may become a regular! read more

Ramen Takara - Chicken Teriyaki - Ramen Near Me - Ponsonby, AUK

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Yes! Located a very convenient 5 minute walk from my office I have been here for a few... okay, a lot... of lunches. Having also eaten here pre and post vegetarianism I've tried a few things on the menu. If you're into meat you can't go past the teriyaki chicken (it's free range, and you can really taste the difference - flavour is full and in depth) or the tonkotsu ramen. My go-to dish is now the tom yum ramen, subbing out the prawns for more veges. Hot, spicy and filling (and not too hard on the pocket either). I also don't eat wheat but the Ramen Takara has a great list of substitutions to cater for pretty much everyone meaning I can happily eat rice noodles in my ramen. If you're subbing to make a dish vegetarian they will also offer to make sure the broth is vegetarian too, I love this attention to detail; it shows they really care for their customers. Other dishes to note... the renkon chips; delicious but on the small side, tempura cauliflower; GOOD, and friends have enjoyed the pork belly dumplings and the crispy noodle salad. Restaurant initially looks small (though they have a large table out the front), but go through and they have an awesome courtyard with tables for larger groups (6-8), in winter the heaters are on so you can see why this is one of my favourite lunch spots! read more

ラーメンを何度も食べたことがあります。I've eaten ramen many times (hard not to, after two years in Japan). I had my first Ramen Takara experience in the Shore. The Ponsonby branch is a bit more trendy and it has a cozy little courtyard, so I prefer the atmosphere here! I ordered a plate of gyoza and a bowl of wonton ramen. The gyoza were oishii (delicious). I enjoyed the fine textured filling and the way it was nicely crisped up on one side. As for the ramen - the wontons were light and tasty; the noodles, nice and springy; and there was a generous helping of chasu, to keep me happy. The all-important shoyu broth however, lacked in flavour. Perhaps I'll try the miso and tan-tan ramen, next...!? じゃあまたね (see you later) read more

Ramen Takara - Ramen Near Me - Ponsonby, AUK

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Stopped in for a ramen boost, and tried the sesame chicken special. I guess I didn't read the fine print properly as it turned out to be cold ramen. It was nice enough but the victim of heated expectations. The service was good and atmosphere wise it was ok but missing the usual Japanese charm. read more

Ramen Takara - Sesame chicken ramen - Ramen Near Me - Ponsonby, AUK

My go to place for Ramen in Auckland. Don't let the small venue fool you as they have a much larger courtyard in the back. On Thursday - Friday evening expect a 15 - 20 minutes wait and they don't take reservations for parties less than 7. read more

Man. That was bad. First tried to make my own dish (there's a whole portion of the menu dedicated to that) and the waiter refused to let me do that. Then really bad food after waiting for a long time. Lots of better places around Ponsonby. Steer clear Big Tuna. Head for open waters. read more

Bereft as I am about the loss of Clear Water peak cafe, it's great to see the space filled with the lovely Ramen Takara Japanese noodle house. Offering a slightly more special ramen experience, the combination of hot noodle bowls, rice dishes and snack sized food is the prefect antidote to the winter chill. The spicy black tan tan ramen is filled with sesame flavour and minced pork and veggies with a gentle but noticeable kick. The pork belly spring rolls are also a must. Just go easy on the brown wasabi that comes with them. An intimate venue (either inside or within the courtyard at the back) for a tinder date or for catching up with friends. Go on, cuddle up with a hot bowl of eastern goodness.... read more

Wouldn't say this was the best Japanese I've had but it was nice, not mind blowing but not offensive either. We didn't have ramen but ordered many little sides. Gyoza, agedashi, pork belly (really good) etc. Service was good. Location good, there's a little courtyard out back which is nice. read more