As usual, I really want to visit Ryoji Ramen & Izakaya since it opens for business. But I can say the same with every single Ramen and Izakaya places that opens recently in Toronto....
Walking by on a Sunday late afternoon, I was surprised that it was opened for business, since they just extended their business hours! So I dragged my Yelp Friend in before he can said NO....
Love the set up of the restaurant. Half of the space is set up like a Izakaya/Ramen joint and the other half has this lounge like vibe. I just could not resist but just sank myself in one of those comfy armchairs...
Ryoji offers some speciality dishes from Okinawa which is quite unique. Also Okinawan food is known to be healthy and is believed to be the reason for the longevity of the locals, of course we need to try some of those!
We shared as a pre dinner snack:
Ji-Ma-Mi Okinawa Style Homemade Peanut Tofu ($6)
- The taste is really light and subtle, texture is interesting... A little saltiness from the peanuts sauce
- The Okinawan style tofu is a rich source of isoflavones, which help in preventing lifestyle-related ailments
- I guess this is a healthy option!
Otoko-Aji Tonkostu Ramen ($11)
- Another Okinawa style dish: As it is believes that Pork soup contains significant amount of elastin and collagen....
- The aroma of pork was delighful...the broth quite balanced and we drank it all
- Noodle has good bite but I found the "pork belly" chashu a little too fatty for me... if it charred a little more, would be a little more enjoyable
Asahi Pint ($8)
- Draft Beer selection is decent as it has Blanche De Chambly and even Steam Whistle available
The service was attentive and polite.
I definitely will be back again for a drink when I am in the area. And of course have some more healthy Okinawan food!